The New 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 16, 2011 6pm Eastern Time… BMW has announced substantial enhancements to the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, including outstanding style updates for 328i and 335i models and a new engine for 335i models. The 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models will go on sale in Spring 2010, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Fundamentally unchanged are each car’s essential attributes of rear-wheel drive (xDrive is available on the Coupe), near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, remarkably precise steering, and skillfully engineered suspension…all of which conspire to produce the uniquely satisfying driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.

All-new is the engine for the 335i model. Internally designated the “N55,” this turbocharged, all-aluminum engine features essentially the same “short block” and 3.0-liter displacement of its predecessor, but benefits from five additional years worth of development and refinement. The result is an engine that is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its outstanding predecessor, but preserves the previous engine’s output and soul: 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 7,000 rpm redline. The 6-speed manual gearbox – beloved by North American enthusiast drivers – remains standard, and the well-known 6-speed Steptronic automatic is optional, now featuring “pull-style” shift paddles on the multifunction steering wheel.

QT UNVEILS ITS NEW RANGE OF WILDCATS ON THE INTERNET

 

Going live on the opening day of Autosport International, January 14th, the new Wildcat website (www.qtwildcat.co.uk) will be presenting the three model range, developed since Qt took over the manufacture of the Wildcat offroad brand. The three new models start with the 300STR, which is a dual purpose, street legal competition car that Qt are offering with lifestyle and custom options such as air conditioning, hi-fi and even a golf club compartment.

 Next up is the 400NSR, a contender for hill rally honours in national events such as the British Cross Country Championship or the French Tout Terrain series. A variety of engine and suspension options are available, depending on the level of competition required. Qt have built in considerable flexibility to the options, with the facility to cover from entry level to professional team status.

 The jewel in the Qt crown, however, is the 500DKR, a full-blown rally raid machine, powered by the latest 4-litre Jaguar V8 petrol engine putting out in excess of 285bhp. Chassis, drivetrain and electronics are fully ruggedised to withstand the harshest raid conditions and options are available to make this car a serious contender for international honours. The first Qt-built Wildcat running with the Jaguar V8 was placed third in the recent gruelling Pharaons Rally held in Egypt’s Western Desert.

 Dave Marsh, boss of Qt is enthusiastic about the interest being shown in the reborn Wildcat: “It’s been quite an adventure, taking this project on but with the improvements we have made in just about all departments – particularly the chassis dynamics, where the drivability has been improved no end – it looks like it’s all beginning to pay off.”

 Full details of the range can be found at www.qtwildcat.co.uk and the cars – including Michel Visey’s third placed Pharaons Rally version – can be seen on the Wildcat stand number 7150 at Autosport International at the NEC, Birmingham from January 14th to 17th inclusive. Celebrities being interviewed in the Live Action Arena will also have the pleasure of being chauffeured in by full competition prepared Wildcat.