It’s a tricky move for any car manufacturer to come up with a car by modifying one that already is a best seller. BMW however have their plans and are of the opinion they would be able to do it with their 2011 BMW X3 which is the second generation amongst the marquee luxury cross over vehicle genre.
As per BMW, X3 was the vehicle responsible for launching the compact luxury crossover makes of car. The E83 X3 was based on the E46 3 Series which has been in the market since 2004. A better claim to this title actually lies with the Lexus RX which had been launched in 1998. Whatever the discussion and debate on who was first, undoubtedly the original X3 has been the better model as far as refinement and handling goes.
Time it is now for the F25, as the name goes within the inner circles of the makers, and for the public as it is known by the name 2011 X3. After a lot many days of spy shots, rendering action and leaked reports, the official data is finally out in the open. It has a new N55 single turbo 3.0 liter inline six as its power house. The rating of the engine is 300 hp along with 300 pound feet of torque. It is able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The top speeds of the car are 150 mph. It is due for launch in the US by end of the year.
There is a variant of the 2011 X3 which is an xDrive28i Trim. This one has a naturally aspirated N52 3.0 liter six engine that delivers 240 hp and 230 pound feet torque. Acceleration is from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
It carries a smooth yet contoured surface. There front end has a new look about it with the overall style and looks giving a new modern outlook. By size, the car when compared to previous models is 0.5 inches taller, 3.6 inches longer, and 1.1-inches wider. It also has 0.5-inches more ground clearance, with a 110.6-inch wheelbase while being 0.6-inches longer than the previous models.
The gearbox is an eight speed automatic system which is standard for all BMW. This provides for high acceleration and good performance in lower gears. There is also the effect of better cruising comfort as well as improved fuel efficiency. Efficiency is further improved due to the torque convertor locking up at lower rpm. There is added responsive feeling between gas pedal and wheel speed.
As for suspension of the 2011 X3, the entire thing has been redeveloped with a double joint spring strut system for the front with the rear having a multi link system. It remains close to what the basic system is on all BMW models. There is an optional damping control system that’s electronically controlled. The drivers input are automatically changed depending on the road conditions being traversed by the car. There is a toggle switch in this case next to the gear selector which can be selected between Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes. This allows for driver to adjust for shock firmness, engine throttle response transmission shift points, power-assist steering level and DSC mode with the press of a single button.
A new feature in the 2011 is the one that promotes neutral handling through a 20/80 percent front / rear torque split during a steady state cornering. This feature can also help top rotate the vehicle by boosting power to the outside rear while applying brake to inside rear brake.
From the xDrive system we get a 40/60 percent front /rear torque split as also the capability to send up to 100 percent torque to any one end when required.
Production is to start quite soon and the cars are to hit the market in 2010.
Source: motorauthority
