A little after a leaked brochure gave us our first taste of the lightly refreshed 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, BMW rushed out an official release and a whole bunch of pictures. For the 2011 model year, the Bavarian automaker's bread-and-butter coupe and cabriolet models receive some minor cosmetic touches and updated powerplants. The only change in the cabin concerns the convertible models and the use of sun-reflective technology to mitigate temperatures on leather seating, armrest surfaces, headrests, and gear shifter. BMW says that this new treatment is able to reduce surface temperatures on dark interior colors by up to 20 Celsius degrees (36 Fahrenheit degrees) and by as much as Celsius degrees (27 Fahrenheit degrees)on light-colored upholstery. The next-generation BMW 3 Series isn't that far off, with the sports sedan expected to debut sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model. Yet the Munich brand isn't sitting on its hands in the meantime - the current 3 Series coupe and convertible are getting a mild refresh and updated powerplants this spring for the 2011 model year.
The most immediately noticeable change are headlamp clusters that get a subtle reshaping to go along with a wider grille and reworked lower front fascia. At the rear, the taillamps retain the same shape, but the reflectors are redesigned with some of the light-pipe styling found in other recent Bimmers. The 3 Series coupe will now be offered with xDrive all-wheel drive, while the 3 Series convertible gets a new solar reflective leather upholstery that BMW claims helps keep seat temperatures down when the lid is open. The most significant updates come underhood, where the much lauded twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is being replaced by a new single turbo version. The revised engine, dubbed N55, has recently been launched in the 740i and the 535i Gran Turismo. The twin scroll turbo has dual exhaust inlets that allow the engineers to better balance the pulses coming in to spin up the turbine faster. This is expected to reduce the turbo lag that some drivers complained about with the outgoing twin turbo setup. BMW also claims it has reduced cold-start emissions by routing all the exhaust gases through a single, larger catalytic converter that heats up faster.
On the intake side, the throttle is eliminated thanks to the addition of BMW's Valvetronic variable valve control system. The N55 also gets direct fuel injection. The end result is the same 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque as before, but with a fatter torque curve that maintains its peak from 1,200-5,000 rpm. The new design of the taillights is unique to the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. The rear light cluster feature two-piece L-shapes and are further accentuated by a new color scheme. With two rows of light tubes that illuminate simultaneously, they create a night design with depth and dimension. Integrated flush into the body of the car, the lights are split into two sections and extend up the trunk lid, blending with the character lines from the side profile. Though the updated BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible will go on sale this Spring, pricing and fuel economy figures haven't been announced as of yet. 52,075 for the 335i Convertible. The latter is expected to be a small improvement in fuel economy for the new single-turbo engine over the current twin-turbo engine's 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Sorry I don't have time to read all the previous suggestions but I gotta throw in my thoughts cuz the concept of this game (experience really) is AMAZING! And it comes with so much potential. I have read a few really good suggestions that I wont repeat but sorry if I repeat other suggestions. 1. Birds sound super weird to me on green meadows. Depending on where you stand sometimes it is just downright obnoxious lol, would it be possible to dial it back a bit or swap sounds? I really love the meadows but the bird thing kills it. 2. I've seen a few people discussing animal interactions. For my part, I'd be happy just getting to pet them. I not calibrated correctly. 3. I think a scene that contains ancient ruins or something would be cool. Like the ruins of an old castle or something. On that note, I love when you scatter structures and things throughout the map. Its fun to stumble upon things while exploring and I think more of that in general would be cool. 4. More interaction with everything. 5. I want to intentionally repeat the idea I've seen for abstract or "fantasy" worlds, cuz that would be awesome. Maybe if you get enough scenes you could design the home screen to actually be like a structure with portals or something (im just spit balling at this point). Also think surreal worlds would be cool. Really though, you have done an AMAZING job with this concept and have a lot of great ideas for the future. Please don't ever stop working on this project!
Audi knows a thing or two when it comes to performance diesel engines. It's record of race wins with high power turbo diesels at Le Mans speaks for itself. The three litre TDi engine in the standard Q5 is a standout, (also found in other Audi models) and is one of the best if not THE best in the world. Huge torque, virtually silent, they really are the benchmark. Add twin turbos to the engine and it's a whole new ball game. Absolutely stonking acceleration, that will leave you speechless. Towering performance from an SUV that sips fuel at an average of just 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres. 230 kilowatts and 650 nm of torque provides exhilarating thrust. Under full throttle, the diesel in Comfort mode sounds gruff and authoritative, but switch to Dynamic and you'll know you're driving something very special. To enhance the mechanical symphony, synthetised speakers in the mufflers produce a deep booming exhaust note not unlike a V8.
