On Mon, 26 Jan 1998 15:44:52 -0500, "Andy Peavy"<apeavy_at_mdx.com> wrote:
>Also mentioned was an all-wheel drive option also indicated to come to the
>states!
>I wonder how much truth there is to this...Anybody have other bits of info?
Yep. In the February issue of "German Cars Monthly" (aka Road & Track), they have a guess-fest for the new 3-series. Here's some of the good bits (don't let the fact that I'm giving them away discourage you from buying the magazine):
"Following established policy, the new car isn't that different looking from the current 3 Series."
"Under the skin, however, this third-generation car will have some technical advances. Most important is an increased use of aluminum in the chassis and suspension, which will lower both the sprung and unsprung weight, likely resulting in improved road manners."
"Engines and gearboxes are unlikely to change from those currently in use: 4- and 6-cylinder gasoline and diesel powerplants ranging from 118 to 193 bhp. Five-speed automatic and manual gearboxes will be offered, and BMW's Steptronic sequential shift will be available on 6-cylinder models (at least in Europe)."
"... BMW promises 'a variety of features and technology formerly reserved for vehicles in the upper luxury categories.'"
"It's unlikely, however, to offer an all-wheel-drive option, as in the 325ix of many years ago. That will most likely appear first on the 5 Series 'off-road station wagon' currently being developed in Munich."
"No details yet about price, but experts predict increases of up to 5 percent on current prices."
R&T also pulls another wonder out of their hat: despite giving the Lexus GS400 the edge in nearly all categories, they give the overall win to the 540i. They say they like the way the steering wheel buzzes and vibrates. I think all the editors are secretly intensely-patriotic Germans.
hatred, n.: A sentiment appropriate to the emccoy_at_hamilton.edu occasion of another's superiority.
