New BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible with 320HP Twin-Turbo Six Officially Revealed

BMW's North American division has released official details on the new 335is Coupe and Convertible models ahead of their world debut at the New York International Auto Show in April.

Based on the facelifted versions of the 3-Series Coupe and Convertible, the 335is feature a detuned version of the 340HP N54 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight six found in the also new Z4 sDrive35is.

In the 335is this unit produces 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque with up to 370 lb-ft of torque available through the use of temporary overboost. As a reminder, BMW replaced the 300HP twin-turbo six N54 with the new 300HP single-turbo six N55 in the 2011 335i.

Aside from the more potent 320HP engine, the 335is are also the first 3-Series models in the U.S. to be offered with BMW's 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Launch Control as an option, in place of the standard 6-speed manual transmission.

BMW said that top speed of the 335is will be electronically limited to 150 mph or 241km/h.

The 335is Coupe performs 0-60 mph (96km/h) runs in 5.0 seconds with the optional 7-speed DCT and 5.1 seconds with the manual 6-speed. The 335is Convertible, meanwhile, requires 5.2 seconds for the 0-60mph run whether equipped with the 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed DCT.

Other notable upgrades under the hood include the additional radiator behind the left-side front air intake, along with a more powerful electric cooling fan, stiffer engine mounts and a new sport exhaust system.

Above and beyond the cosmetic tweaks of the facelift models, the 335is get M Style bumpers, the rear with an integrated diffuser, new kidney grille surrounds in high gloss black, Shadowline black window trim, wing mirror caps in high gloss black, and standard 18-inch light alloy wheels in ferric grey color (19-inch are optional).

Inside, the M Sport upgrades concern the M Sport steering wheel, sport seats, anthracite headliner, M door sills, M driver's footrest, M gearshift knob, and stainless steel sport pedals. The instrument cluster dials in dark grey with a "335is" badge on the tachometer face and the "335is" badge on the passenger side dashboard complete the changes.

The 335is will initially be available only in the U.S. and Canada with prices in the States starting from $50,525 including destination for the 335is Coupe, and $59,075 including destination for the Convertible.







Fiat Showcases Eight Uniquely Designed 500 Minis in London


In celebration of the second anniversary of the UK launch of its popular 500 city car, Fiat brought a unique collection of special edition 500s from all over the world to its Marylebone showroom in London. These include the 500 Capri by Castagna, the 500 Valentino Rossi, 500 by Andy, 500 Diabolika, 500 Ron Arad, 500byDiesel, a racing Abarth 500 and the new limited-run 500 Pink, which went on sale in the UK earlier this week.

To mark the occasion, the dealership held a private preview for Fiat customers, VIPs and UK celebrities such as TV actor Angela Griffin and our personal favorite, Raef Bjayou - he's the smiley guy with the wicked hairdo on the right.

And for those that missed the opportunity to see the 500s, no need to get uspet as from today, each of the special cars will be displayed in the Wigmore Street flagship's showroom window, one at a time, until the end of February.






Designer Envisions 2017 Alfa Romeo Executive Fastback Sedan


So what if Alfa Romeo's long-awaited replacement for the departed 166 premium sedan has been put on hold for now (from what we've heard, same goes for the successors to the 159, Brera and Spider) while the Fiat Group revaluates the historic brand's future? It little matters to independent designers like Jacob Mcmurry who have the freedom to envision the future of any model they wish.

In this case, Mcmurry designed a futuristic-looking proposal for a range-topping Alfa Romeo in 2017 that is said to have been inspired by the Carnival of Venice - don't ask...

The designer claims that the 'pointy' Italian saloon with the weird boat tail end would be ideally equipped with a V8 diesel sending power to the rear wheels. More pics after the break.

Via: Yankodesign