Thursday, September 6, 2007
One of the most popular models in the BMW X3 ranges will be receiving an enhancement in conjunction with the introduction of a revised engine with Efficient Dynamic technology. The all-new BMW X3 that have the same high quality parts as that of the BMW M3 parts will be powered by a 2.0d 1,995 cc engine that produces 177 hp which is 27 hp more powerful than the previous model. Its torquey power of 350 Nm was also up by 20 Nm.
The enhanced engine output provides the BMW X3 with better performance that accounts for 70 percent of X3 sales in the UK. The X3 2.0d which currently records an 11 percent improvement in terms of fuel consumption obtaining 43.5 mpg on the combined cycle. The vehicle’s CO2 emissions are also remarkably lower by 10 percent from 191 g/km to 172 g/km dropping it into Band E for Vehicle Excise Duty.
If there’s one thing that BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology can boast of it would be in terms of improvements in economy and emissions without sacrificing driving performance of its vehicles. In addition, sprinting time from 0 to 62 mph was also improved from the previous 10.2 seconds now its only 8.9 seconds while top speed increased from 123 mph to 128 mph.
The X3 2.0d will also be offered with the option of BMW’s Steptronic automatic transmission. The six-speed gearbox is going to be offered for both SE and M Sports variants of the X3 2.0d with a tag price of £1,470.
The introduction of the automatic gearbox to the model may satisfy customer demands but compared to the manual gearbox it has very limited impact on performance figures. The auto-equipped BMW X3 2.0d will still maintain 42.2 mpg on the combined cycle and posts a 178g/km emissions figure.
The other models in the BMW X3 ranges will also received the Efficient Dynamics technology coupled with an enhancement in overall performance. The other two popular models in the range namely the X3 3.0d and 3.0sd will both have improved fuel consumption by 7 percent and 11 percent to 38.2 mpg and 36.2 mpg respectively on the combined cycle.
Harmful CO2 emissions on both models are also to be reduced by 7 percent and 10 percent. Such decline in CO2 emission will ranked the BMW X3 3.0sd with the 2.5i in Vehicle Excise Duty from Band G to Band F resulting to a £95 annual saving.
BMW to Become Green
BMW has recently announced their plans of reducing the CO2 emissions of their vehicles. To accomplish such BMW will make use of more efficient engines, regenerative brakes, and stop-start functions on most of its BMW model ranges.
The new Green Dynamics’ programme that that German automaker and manufacturer of BMW aftermarket parts will implement is designed to improve its cars ecological credentials while maintaining their dexterity.
A range of optimized four cylinder petrol and diesel engines will made part of the programme. The 2007 BMW lineup which is comprised of no fewer than 22 models will benefit from such programme by achieving less than 140g/km carbon dioxide emissions.
One of the most dramatic reductions will be seen on the 320d Touring with fuel consumption that is now down by 17 percent over last years model. BMW’s smaller car are not the only ones that are to benefit from the said programme, the uprated 520d will pump out an incredibly low 136g/km CO2.
BMW 123d in Shade of Green
And in connection with BMW’s Green Dynamics’ Programme, the German automaker has also announced that for the coming 2008 there will be fewer than 22 models with a CO2 level of 140g/km or 240g/mile or lesser. And of these 22 models is the highly anticipated 123d.
The four-cylinder, twin-turbo all-aluminum 2.0 liter units that powers the 123d is just one among the long series of remarkable engines from BMW. If in case the 123d really do come out it will become the first mass-produced car with a 200 hp plus engine with CO2 output below 240g/mile.
To be more accurate the engine is capable of producing 201 hp which allows the new 123d to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in a matter of 7.1 seconds with an estimated fuel economy of around 54 mpg.
The 123d will be offered in three and five-door variants plus it will also receive BMW’s new stop-start technology called the Efficient Dynamics which includes a brake energy regeneration function.
BMW and Mini models will also be given new engine variations. The 123d is scheduled to go on sale in September with pricing to be announced in conjunction with its release.
Audi Highly Targeted by Car Thieves
According to reports German luxury cars are among the vehicles that are most frequently stolen.
Audi vehicles such as the Audi S4 with its top-of-the-line Audi S4 parts was claimed to be likely stolen 123 percent as compared to any other average car, followed by BMW with 117 percent average.
Surprisingly the other German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz has only gotten 19 percent on the average which makes you wonder whether its because of Mercedes really good car security features or car thieves just don’t have lots of orders for this brand.
Last year’s Suncorp statistics did not provide actual numbers, type or age of vehicle but only the proportions stolen.
The other vehicles that have gotten a below average ratings were Volkswagen, Ford, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Kia, Peugeot, Daewoo, Nissan, and the least to be stolen was Daihatsu. Basing on the researched most of the frequently stolen cars are the expensive ones.
The prices of the most frequently stolen vehicles range from $60,000 to $100,000 that is despite the claims of its manufacturers that these vehicles are equipped with the best theft protection features available.
Suncorp has also revealed claims information on crash frequency which contradicts the theory that the better the car, the better the driver.
In accidents where drivers were at fault it was found out that 10 percent of those involved in such type owns cars with cost ranging from $60,000 to $100,000. The research also revealed that Alfa drivers were 58 percent more likely to make an at-fault claim as compared to an average driver.
According to Suncorp Motor Insurance General Manager Daniel Fogarty, the results of the research clearly shows that drivers of prestige motor vehicles tend to become overtly confident which caused them to become more reckless in driving.
He also added, "On the other hand, drivers of new prestige vehicles may feel slightly more nervous on the roads than if they were driving a mid-range car, which might potentially cause more accidents, as the financial implications of accidents are higher."
Meanwhile one of the most usual types of claims that Queensland drivers made was for a single-vehicle accident. On the other hand, Holden Special Vehicles drivers were 50 percent more likely to make a single-car accident claim, followed by Audi with 49 percent and Chrysler with 44 percent.
The least likely to make such a claim were drivers of Daihatsu with 30 percent less than the average. The statistics revealed also that it is not a good idea to lend new vehicles to friends or relatives since there is a 12 percent chance that they will scratch or damage it.
Frequency of thefts
1. Audi 123%
2. BMW 117%
3. Jaguar 100%
4. Alfa Romeo 89%
5. Saab 74%
Frequency of at-fault accidents
1. Alfa Romeo 58%
2. Proton 19%
3. Mazda 13%
Frequency of not at-fault accidents
1. Audi 102%
2. Alfa Romeo 94%
3. Proton 75%
Frequency of single-vehicle accidents
1. HSV 50%
2. Audi 49%
3. Chrysler 44%
