Wheels

By: ROBINSON/BEINTEMA AUTOFILES

BMW Group Canada premiered the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, BMW 1 Series Cabriolet, and BMW M3 Sedan at the Canadian International Autoshow Press Day on February 13, 2008 at the Rogers Centre.

The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid integrates an innovative two-mode gasoline-electric drivetrain technology into the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé to produce unprecedented driving dynamics for a hybrid and fuel consumption up to 20 per cent lower than an equivalent conventional drivetrain. Developed in collaboration with General Motors and Daimler-Chrysler, the second-generation two-mode drivetrain utilizes two high-performance electric motors linked variably to a gasoline engine through planetary gearsets. Through fixed-ratio gears, the electric motors can be used both during acceleration and for the recovery of brake energy, resulting in a high power yield coupled with maximum efficiency in any driving situation.

The BMW 1 Series Cabriolet, the first cabriolet model to be based on the remarkably successful BMW 1 Series, will arrive in Canada for the first time in late spring 2008. The new BMW 128i and 135i Cabriolets are part of a brand new series of Coupés and Cabriolets premiering in North America this year.

The all-new 2008 four-door M3 Sedan will arrive in spring 2008 featuring a high-revving V8 engine, a first in a series-production BMW M3 and the highest-performing M3 ever offered by BMW's M division. Displacing 3,999 cubic centimeters (4.0 litres), the new light-alloy engine produces 414 hp at 8,300 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.

The Canadian International Autoshow takes place from February 15 to February 24, 2008 in Toronto.

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