BMW 320D: NOW WITH EFFICIENTDYNAMICS

BMW South Africa is now running one of the most fuel-efficient ranges of cars on the market with the introduction of the EfficientDynamics package for the 3 Series. Beneficiary models are the 320d, 320i, 323i, 325i and 330i. Exceptions are the 330d, 335i and the M3. Unfortunately SA does not get the full package, but only 75% of it.




EfficientDynamics has been a part of the BMW philosophy since 2007. Its basis is that the enjoyment of driving fun should not be stripped away by the use of less fuel. We all know that once you step on that accelerator pedal, you start gulping down on fuel at a much higher pace than when you drive slower. EfficientDynamics is supposed to improve fuel economy while at the same time, upping performance.


Take the 320d we got to drive at a media presentation for instance. Several changes have been made to the car in order to achieve just these two aims. For one, a gear-shift indicator is installed to help drivers see the optimal gear in which they should be at any particular point. While this is not a new technology at all (I first experienced it in the defunct Daewoo Tacuma in 2001), it is significant for BMW because it’s a brand known for performance above all else.


Brake energy regeneration is also standard. What this system does is to gather, for lack of a better word, all the kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted by stopping or braking, and sending it off into the battery. Another measure is the use of an auto start/stop system which switches off the engine as you come to a complete stop, only to automatically start it up again when you move off. You will not have to fiddle with the keys at all for this to happen. What that does is save fuel lost during the car’s idling.


In the end the 320d is now more powerful, but supposedly more fuel efficient. I say supposedly because our drive, while it began quite earnestly as a fuel-saving exercise, degenerated into something of a rush as we began chasing quick-fading daylight. BMW says the car will return an average of 4.7 litre per 100km. The best I got was 5.8 litres per 100km, with an average of about 6.4 over our set route. While I couldn’t match the ideal consumption attained by BMW engineers inside extremely strict lab conditions, 6.4 is still good enough for a total range of around 950 kilometres from a full tank of diesel. Mind you, these Euro-5 spec engines are designed to run on fuel of 50 PPM or better, so make sure you ask for that at your nearest petrol station.


This from a car producing 135kW at 4000rpm and 380Nm of torque between 1900rpm and 2750rpm. Acceleration is brisk at a claimed 0 – 100km/h of 7.5 seconds for the 6-speed manual and a top speed of 235km/h. Corresponding C02 emissions are now 125 g/km, making the 320d almost tax-free as far as government C02 tax goes. In fact, a new 320d will only attract this type of tax to the tune of only R427.50.


Dynamically the 3 Series is still king of the hill as it devours corners and bends with total confidence and enthusiasm. Although the optional Active Steering does tend to put a damper on things, for the everyday driver it suffices.


While the new EfficientDynamics additions will not revolutionise fuel consumption figures in any significant way, together with other measures they should add up to a notable overall gain for the environment.




BMW 320d Pricing (including C02 tax)
320d manual (R372 927.50)
320d auto (R390 810)

BMW M5 CONCEPT LEAKED!

BMW may not have meant for it to happen but it happened. The interweb is abuzz with pictures of the all-new M5 sedan. While it’s called the Concept M5, we all know that Bavaria hardly ever releases a concept car that doesn’t look 95% like the real thing. Therefore apart from the black wheels, take this as a true reflection of the new M5.




Based on the F10 sedan, the M5 will sport the same 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 engine found in the X5 M and X6 M. In this instance it doesn’t make 408kW but ups the ante with a suspected yet unconfirmed 430kW or so. Maybe a little more, we’ll see. In any case, power will be transferred to the rear wheels through either an 8-speed automatic gearbox or a 7-speed double clutch. There will be an M differential for sporty handling and grip properties.


Expect full details regarding the new M5 before it debuts at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show in China later this month. Otherwise go back and watch the video HERE.




via Autoblog

Friday Thoughts

Surprise, surprise.......Saab sales are falling and they have not been paying their bills, some parts suppliers are refusing to ship. They say they will need the support of a mother company  -  well isn't that a revelation! I don't think this is rocket science, but why do supposedly smart businessmen think they can turn a big ship around with a rowboat?.............Ford is developing a "virtual child" to help with in car safety. Just the thought of this is funny  -  does it continually ask "Are we there yet?" Spill stuff on the seats? Argue with the other virtual kids?...........Check out the new BMW 3 series GT on the net  -  looks ok, but no one really buys this type of car in North America.
NASCAR heads to the really short track at Martinsville this weekend........been there several times and it's one of my favorites. You are literally feet away from the action, the colour, the noise.
The cat and I are still working on the '57 300C model, although encountering some difficulty with the chassis (the cat is not much help).

Until next time.........

HEY FOOL, CHECK OUT MY M3 BAKKIE!

Had BMW not tested this M3 bakkie (pickup) at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife earlier last month, this could have been an excellent April Fool’s joke. But they did. And spy photographers caught the car and made an internet meal of things. So the secret was out way before 1 April. Nevertheless it’s nice to see what an M3 from the Free State would look like.




Carrying the same 4.0-litre V8 engine as the Coupe, sedan and Convertible models, the M3 bakkie produces 309kW, making it the most powerful Boksburg bomber ever, and has a rear-axle load capacity of 450 kg or about 20 loaded golf bags. It’s the first BMW M3 in the 25-year-plus history of this model range to come with a trailer tow hitch!


Fortunately or unfortunately this particular car is the only one BMW has or will build. There will be no sales at all; it is being used as a workshop vehicle. I wish I had a car like that in my garage!

HONDA JAZZ UPDATED FOR 2011, HYBRID ADDED

The new range of Honda Jazz models will be released along with an innovative and exciting addition - the new Jazz Hybrid featuring Honda’s IMA technology and Eco Assist systems.
 The Jazz model range has been given some styling and detail changes to enhance its already strong credentials. Exterior styling sets the Jazz Hybrid (IMA) apart from the rest of the range. 



The focus has been on maintaining the key customer benefits of versatility, practicality and reliability, as well as enhancing fuel economy, emissions, ride comfort and style.

The petrol model range for the 2011 Jazz includes the all new manual Trend model, with pricing starting at R154 900. The range further includes a manual and CVT Comfort, manual and automatic Elegance models and the luxury manual and automatic transmission Executive models. The Executive range sports features such as a panoramic roof with electric sunshade, auto wipers with rain sensors, auto headlights and 16” wheels. Both CVT and automatic models are fitted with paddle shift behind the steering wheel in order to provide the driver with manual control if required (see transmission).

Honda has made a series of improvements to the Jazz - a South African favourite - with enhancements to ride comfort, flexibility and the much lauded re-introduction of a CVT transmission.

The suspension and steering have been refined to improve ride refinement, stability and handling.

A Hybrid variant has been added to the range, providing significant benefits in running costs, emissions and fuel economy. Versatility and functionality have, as always, been placed centre stage.


A refresh wouldn’t be complete without a new look and Honda’s designers haven’t disappointed. They have worked their magic on both the exterior and interior of the car to give it a fresh look and feel.

The popular Magic Seats have been improved even further. On petrol models, the rear seats can now recline, adding to passenger comfort. Specialised storage enhances the practicality of the car, all of this with a space saver spare wheel under the boot floor.


As always, Honda has ensured that the interior of the Jazz is not only highly practical, but also durable and comfortable. The modern and high-tech interior is constructed using high quality materials.

The most noticeable change is the adoption of a darker dashboard material in a single colour, which is combined with a new seat fabric to enhance the ambience of the cabin. The dashboard of the car is now in a darker hue, which in the Hybrid model contrasts strongly with the blue back lighting of the dials, gauges and displays. The backlighting colour is unique to the IMA powered version of the car, with the petrol versions using amber lighting, harmonised across the dashboard illumination. Chrome rings now define the air vents, instruments and climate control display (fitted to selected models).

Changes to the exterior have not been purely cosmetic. As well as giving the car a new look, the revised front and rear bumpers have also been designed to reduce drag, which in turn improves fuel economy. Design features have also been added to distinguish between the Hybrid (IMA) and petrol versions. For example the front grille, headlights and tail lamps on the Jazz Hybrid (IMA) are all finished in a chrome blue surround to differentiate it from the petrol models. The tailgate finisher on the Hybrid (IMA) also has a chrome finish.

New colours have also been introduced, with the Jazz being available in eight distinctive colours including Deep Sapphire Blue, Alabaster Silver, Crystal Black Pearl, Taffeta White, Storm Silver, Milano Red and Azure Blue. Fresh Lime Metallic is available exclusively on the Jazz Hybrid (IMA).


STORY BY HONDA

CHEVROLET MALIBU: GM'S NEW WORLD CAR?

A basic teaser photo of the all-new Chevrolet Malibu has been widely distributed by General Motors. Why you might ask? Well because the company is seriously going to push the Malibu as one of its world cars by selling it in over 100 global markets. It is being taken as seriously as the Cruze as far as that is concerned.




Of course US customers have been living with Malibu for donkeys years. Last year Americans bought over 200 000 units of the current model. The new one will feature over four different engines, probably including a diesel or two for the European/ world market.


Look forward to seeing the world debut of the new Chevrolet Malibu at the New York Auto Show on the 21^st April.

HOLEY GALLARDO! IS THAT CHRIS BROWN OR MAD MAX?

We don’t normally publish such things but today seems kind of a fun day, so we will. This is Mr Chris Brown, singer and lately actor, and the man who beat up ex-girlfriend and fellow singer Rihanna to a pulp just over a year ago. He’s just come out of a Lamborghini Gallardo and is going to his local gym.




Mind you, this is not the same Gallardo he was driving at the time of the assault. I guess he has a penchant for these exotics. Not that this is the best-looking one out there, being a Lambo and all. Just check out all the tattoos on the bodywork matching the owner’s. Or are they bullet holes? Actually, it looks like something out of a Mad Max nightmare. I wonder if he used to drive it around while he served his community service.


PICTURES COURTESY OF BAUER GRIFFIN