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2005 Geneva Auto Show:
Car Shows European Style (continued) |
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BMW debuted several new models. What would've qualified for 'most significant'-had a brochure not been "leaked" months ago-was the all-new 3-series. Although modern styling is courtesy of the Bangle-led studio responsible for the 5- and 7-series, this fifth generation of BMW's bread-and-butter car seems less controversial. The comfortable and functional interior is all new, with two different configurations depending on whether iDrive is ordered. Powertrain choices-from 2.5 to three liters of displacement and 215 or 255 horsepower-all should prove fun to drive, despite newfound girth. (It's 2-3 inches bigger in every dimension but height, although the extra 150 lbs. didn't change the perfect 50/50 weight distribution.)
The M6, BMW's 500-horse V10 supercoupe, was also officially unwrapped here. Also shown was the more mainstream 7-series, reworked to ease the typical complaints leveled at this flagship model. Mild restyling brings a more conventional headlight treatment and tones down the funky, notched trunk. The 750i's new V8 makes 360 hp and lb/ft of torque. The iDrive controller is mildly simplified, and suspension and brake tweaks tighten up this already buttoned-down sedan.
Not to be outdone by Audi's A3, BMW has officially decided to bring the 1-series to North America. Although several powertrain combinations and body styles will be available, the Bavarian concern took the opportunity in Geneva to show the top-dog 130i. With the 258-horse inline six from the 3- and 5-series, this diminutive Beemer promises spirited performance and a 0-60 time of about six seconds. Its popularity proven in Europe, the five-door hatchback baby Bimmer-with 30-mpg economy-may become the success the 318ti never was.
The diesel version of VW's next-generation Golf was no surprise. Wearing the same gaping grille as the new Jetta we saw in Detroit, the Golf continues as a de-trunked version of that sedan. The introduction of the new Passat here, however, was a shock-it was supposed to debut in Chicago. Base models will carry the 197-hp turbocharged 2-liter from the GTI, while the 247-horse V6 will be optional. On sale this fall, the new midsizer should help Volkswagen arrest their recent sales slide.
Near-lux Lexus stole headlines with the all-new IS. The sportiest sedan in Lexus' lineup, the US-bound IS will carry a V6 with around 300 horsepower, replacing the creamy inline motor of the previous generation (at Geneva, only a 2.5L, 201-horse version was shown; but we expect a bigger, as-yet-unnamed motor will debut in New York). With styling based upon the LF-S concept, the new IS looks chiseled and far more purposeful than its more sedate ES330 sibling-it should carve serious corners, too.
For the truly well-heeled, a trio of high-end sports cars was unveiled. Lamborghini took the wraps off the topless Murcielago Roadster. Expected in the toniest of dealerships by mid-year, this high-powered hairdryer packs 580 horsepower from its storied V12, channeled to all four wheels through a six-speed manual. None of the raging bull's beauty is lost in the translation to roadster-dom; if anything it looks better. Top speed is 198 m.p.h., although Lamborghini recommends top-down drivers not exceed 99.
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