The BMW X3 2011 Model Detailed

Powerful 300 horsepower engine and redesigned exterior for this new X3 model.

Leaner and meaner than before
The brand new second generation of the X3 will be making it official debut very soon, and it will boast a whole host of new features, styling and mechanics. Incorporated with BMW traits such as the corona-ring running lights and the twin kidney grille design; optional LED xeono headlights are also available. Some other noticeable features of the exterior are the large windows, and the fold that begins from the tip of the front wheels and then through to the tail lights, whist situated inside the fold are the door handles.

The overall size of the new X3 has increased when compared with the previous model. The new 2011 model is approximately ½ an inch taller, 3.4 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider. The width of the track has also been increased by 3.5 inches, and now there is more space between the axles; approximately 0.6 inches extra. BMW has stated that although there has been a size increase, the overall weight of the vehicle has been reduced. It weights about 50 pounds less than the previous model, this is due to the vehicle utilizing aluminum more throughout the structure.

Transmissions, Engines and Suspensions
BMW has claimed that the new base model version of the X3 that is equipped with the xDrive28i, 3.0 liter in-line 6 cylinder engine which produces 240 horsepower, is able to attain speeds of 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds; that's almost half a second faster than the previous X3 model. The more powerful xDrive35i, direct-injected, turbocharged in-line 6 cylinder engine which outputs 300 horsepower with 300 pound-foot of torque is capable of reaching 0-60 mph in an impressive 5.5 seconds. The only transmission available for this vehicle is the 8 speed automatic variation. The X3 is also incorporated with the third generation xDrive all wheel drive system, this will boast an improved stability control system.

Currently BMW hasn't provided the exact official details regarding the fuel efficiency of this new X3 model, although it is to be expected to remain close to the levels from the previous model. Estimated fuel efficiency is going to be between 16-17 mpg for city and 23-24 for highway driving.

The "Electronic Damping Control" is a new optional feature available on the X3 model, this enables the control of the shock absorbers either from the driver or by the electronic variable system. Also integrated within the "Electronic Damping Control" is the "Performance Control", this can alter the torque from the xDrive system to enable for improved cornering. For the new X3 model "Servotronic" comes as standard, this is basically power steering that is speed sensitive. Overall the vehicle provides great handling.

The appearance of the interior is just as stylish as everything else on this vehicle. The interior features an upgraded iDrive system with integrated 8.8 inch display, while the dashboard is generally more driver focused. There is adequate legroom within the vehicle, while also boasting an increased capacity cargo space; BMW has stated it has the largest cargo space within the segment. Another optional feature is the mobile Internet system named "Connected Drive"

Manufactured in the U.S.A
The pictures of the new X3 are more than enough to get excited about the arrival of this vehicle. And with production of this vehicle moving to the manufacturing facility in South Carolina, it's another good reason, especially for Americans to get excited about.

The BMW Gran Turismo 2011 Model

In 2010, BMW had created an additional hatchback variation of the 5 Series rear wheel drive platform; this was named the Gran Turismo 5 Series. This new model initially came with a 550i "GT", which is the same V8 twin turbo, 400 horsepower engine that is found in the 550i sedan model, with another engine option being made available at a later point; this is the same engine that is utilized within the 535i version. Even though the Gran Turismo shares the 5 Series name, it does in reality have more in common with the 7 Series of models. BMW has no further plans to import the wagon from the 5 Series, now that the Gran Turismo model has been released in the U.S. market.

The Gran Turismo shares the redesigned platform from the 7 Series, it has to be noted that the wheelbase has been increased by approximately 6 inches when compared to the 5 Series. Coming as standard are the adaptive xenon headlights, and 18 inch alloy wheels. The overall exterior appearance on this new model has been more streamlined than previous models and even its sibling, the 5 Series.

The general appearance of this new model has been totally restyled. The climate control readouts share the Black Panel technology that is utilized in the 7 Series, and now boasts an electroluminescent display. Also incorporated within the new Gran Turismo is a next generation iDrive system, this has already been installed throughout various other BMW models.

There is enough space within the Gran Turismo to accommodate up to 4 or 5 individuals, this is all depending on the configuration that has been set up with the rear seats. The cargo space can vary, in the standard configuration it has an area of 15.5 cubic feet of trunk space, while with the seats folded down the cargo space can be increased to a maximum of 60 cubic feet. Some other standard feature are 10 way power front seats and also a telescoping/tilting steering column.

The new Gran Turismo model is equipped with the powerful twin turbo, V8 4.4 liter engine that produces an outstanding 400 horsepower; this is the same engine that is found in the new 550i model. Another engine option is available and this one is shared from the 535i version, which is a turbocharged 6 cylinder engine outputting 300 horsepower, with an 8 speed automatic transmission available for both types of engine variations.

Safety features that are incorporated as standard into the Gran Turismo are front mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability system, and head restraints. Adaptive cruise control with integrated collision warning system, blind spot and lane departure warning systems are all available optional extras.

The 2011 BMW 528i, 535i and 550i Models

5 Series 2011 Editions
The new 5 Series variations for 2011 will offer improved fuel efficiency, conventional styling, and a longer wheelbase. The trim levels that will be available are the 528i, 535i, and the 550i versions.

Interior and Exterior
The general appearance of both the interior and exterior borrows a lot from its older sibling the 7 Series. The materials used within the cabin are very good quality. Replacing the old style cup-holders are the new and more traditional console mounted style cup-holders. Standard features within the interior include a front seats with integrated 10 way power function, tilt/telescoping steering column, and the incorporation of BMW's "Black Panel " technology, this enables the climate control readouts to display from dark panels. Optional features include the iDrive with integrated navigation system, this also has a large 10.2 inch display with an impressive pixel resolution of 1280x480. This is also available without the navigation system, with its main function to control audio and vehicle setup configurations. But, it has to be noted that the display is reduced to 7 inches and only has a pixel resolution of 800x400. Another optional feature is a 60/40 split folding rear seat.

The actual wheelbase of the 5 Series has been increased by roughly 3 inches. On the front fascia of the vehicle situates the signature kidney grilles, these have been placed lower and also protrude forward a little. The 535i and 550i variations are equipped with 18 inch alloy wheels as standard, whilst the 528i version comes with 17 inch wheels as standard. Although an upgrade that incorporates summer performance tires and larger wheels are optional with the "Sports Package". Adaptive xenon headlights are standard for both the 535i and 550i variations, and optional for the 528i version.

Power and Safety
Installed within the 528i is a 3.0 liter 6 cylinder engine outputting 240 horsepower; the 535i is equipped with a slightly more powerful turbocharged 3.0 liter 6 cylinder engine which runs at 300 horsepower; and finally the 550i has the twin turbo V8 4.4 liter engine that produces 400 horsepower. All 3 model variations will be equipped with an 8 speed automatic transmission as standard, while a 6 speed manual transmission will be optional for both the 535i and 550i variations.

Some optional features that are available include; BMW's "Adaptive Drive" system, which also incorporates "Active Roll Stabilization", this is available with the "Sports Package". "Active Steering" which alters the steering rations, and adaptive cruise control are also optional extras.

5 Series safety features include; front side impact airbags and side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability system, active head restraints are all standard. A few optional safety features are available, these are; adaptive cruise control which also has a collision warning system installed, blind spot warning system, and the lane departure warning system.