BMW Group Canada Premieres M3 Cabriolet at Vancouver International Auto Show

2008-03-31

BMW Group Canada debuted its BMW M3 Cabriolet at the Vancouver International Auto Show Press Day on March 28, 2008 at BC Place.

BMW will unveil the all-new 2008 M3 Cabriolet, the third M3 body variant, will arrive in mid-May to join the new M3 Coupé and M3 Sedan. All three M3 variants feature high-revving V8 engines, a first in a series-production M3. The 2008 M3s are the highest-performing M3s ever offered by BMW's M division. Displacing 3,999 cubic centimeters (4.0 liters), the new light-alloy engine produces 414 horsepower at 8,400 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm with 85 percent of the maximum torque available consistently through 6,500 rpm. The new eight cylinder engine in the BMW M3 provides 15-percent more power, with an eight-percent fuel-economy improvement compared with the previous six-cylinder M3 engine. For the first time on an M3 Cabriolet, BMW is offering a retractable hardtop roof to ensure unrestricted all-year driving pleasure and excellent noise control.

The debut of the new M3 will also mark the world's first seven-speed Double Clutch Gearbox, specially designed for a high-speed power unit. Compared with all conventional systems available so far, this new gearbox ensures an optimum gearshift and even more dynamic acceleration, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption by a significant margin.

The 2008 MINI Clubman, BMW 1 Series Coupé, BMW 1 Series Cabriolet, BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé, BMW M3 Coupé and the BMW M3 Sedan are new models that will also be on display at the Vancouver International Auto Show.

The 2008 MINI Clubman is a completely unique five-door model that was added to the MINI line-up in February, 2008. Based on a "shooting brake" concept, the Clubman features a lengthened body and roofline, two rear-opening splitdoors and a Clubdoor on the right side. Inheriting the latest-generation drivetrain, suspension and brake systems from the MINI Cooper and Cooper S hatchbacks, the MINI Cooper Clubman and MINI Cooper S Clubman naturally boast all of the driving and performance virtues that MINI is famous for.

In late March, BMW Group Canada will introduce the BMW 1 Series Coupé, part of a brand new series entering North America. The first variants, the new BMW 128i and 135i Coupés will enter the Premium Compact segment with strikingly sleek, dynamic and compact dimensions combined with typical BMW class-leading performance, agility, safety and comfort. The BMW 128i Coupé is powered by BMW's latest generation 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder Valvetronic engine generating 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. The BMW 135i Coupé is equipped with BMW's remarkable twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with high-precision injection, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler. This remarkable engine produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque, providing the BMW 135i Coupé with breathtaking performance and fuel efficiency. The BMW 1 Series Cabriolet, the first cabriolet model to be based on the BMW 1 Series, will arrive in Canada in late spring 2008. The BMW 128i Cabriolet will be powered by the same lightweight magnesium/aluminum 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder Valvetronic engine that is in the BMW 128i Coupé. This latest generation powerplant not only provides the BMW 128i Coupé with sparkling performance, but following BMW's philosophy of Efficient Dynamics, will also produce unprecedented levels of fuel economy. The BMW 135i Cabriolet, like the BMW 135i Coupé will come with BMW's remarkable new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with high-precision injection, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler. Winner of the 2007 International Engine of the Year award, this remarkable engine produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque, ensuring outstanding performance while maintaining optimal fuel efficiency.

The 1 Series Cabriolet's exterior styling is an elegant and sporty, two-door design that is fresh yet instantly recognizable as a BMW. The world's first Sports Activity Coupé, the BMW X6, is an all new model that offers a unique interpretation of a large BMW Coupé with the sportiness and dynamics of a BMW X Model. The X6 has a powerful presence and sleek coupé proportions. The BMW X6 comes standard with a new generation of BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology featuring Dynamic Performance Control. The new Sports Activity Coupé has two engine variants: BMW X6 xDrive50i and BMW X6 xDrive35i. The BMW X6 xDrive50i, has the top-of-the-range power unit that is a newly developed V8 gasoline engine with Twin Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection (high precision injection). The V8 is the most efficient engine in its class, with a capacity of 4,395 cc, max output of 400 hp and max torque 442 lb-ft. The BMW X6 xDrive35i is powered by a 3.0 litre straight-six gasoline engine with twin turbo and direct injection (high precision injection) with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The BMW X6 will be available in Canada in April, 2008. The new, fourth generation BMW M3 Coupé is a unique high-performance car from BMW M with stand-alone design and technology, developed based on the BMW 3 Series Coupé. The new M3 is the first production M3 vehicle with an eight-cylinder power unit. The brand-new V8 displaces 4.0 litres and develops a maximum output of 414 hp at 8,300 rpm, maximum torque 295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm, maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm and offers optimum torque and thrust throughout the entire speed range. The BMW M3's V8 engine features individual throttle butterflies, double-VANOS variable camshaft control and the engine is 15 kg/33 lb lighter than the six-cylinder of the former model. The M3 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The BMW M3 is the first production car in its segment with a carbon-fibre roof which enhances its agility by lowering the car's centre of gravity. The M3 Coupé will enter the Canadian market in March 2008. New for BMW in 2008, but not on display at the Auto Show is the BMW M3 Sedan and the BMW 335d and BMW X5 xDrive35d both with Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance. The all-new 2008 four-door BMW M3 Sedan is the second body version of the new BMW M3 which will arrive in Canada in March 2008. The M3 Sedan will share the above mentioned V8 engine with the other M3 variants and accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. This new vehicle is a high-performance Sedan from BMW M with unique design and technology, based on the BMW 3 Series Sedan. The four-door BMW M3 Sedan features supreme style and high-performance, in conjunction with additional functionality, five seats, and comfortable access to the rear. 2008 marks the return of the BMW M3 Sedan after 13 years.

In fall 2008, BMW Group Canada is pleased bring two new BMW high-performance diesel models to the Canadian line-up. BMW 335d and X5 xDrive35d models will introduce BMW's new Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance to Canada in the form of a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine with Variable Twin Turbo Technology and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) combustion management system with urea injection. With a maximum output of 265 hp and peak torque of an astonishing 425 lb-ft., the 3.0-liter six with Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance will not only provide sports-car-like acceleration and drivability, but offer up a whole new level of fuel efficiency and emission reduction in both models. The unprecedented fuel economy of BMW's Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance offers an advantage of approximately 30% over a comparable gasoline engine.

The Vancouver International Auto Show takes place from March 29 to April 6, 2008 in Vancouver. For more photos or further product information, please visit www.press.bmw.com. BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 38 BMW automobile retail centres, 17 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 23 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.