2008 Detroit Auto Show Preview
This is the time of year both automotive journalists and enthusiast’s alike look forward to most. Having just celebrated the holiday season and ushered in the New Year, auto show season hits full-throttle starting now!
Of course the rumor mill continues to churn as to what we can expect to see at the 2008 NAIAS on the shores of Lake Michigan. Here are some of the current hot topics of discussion as we do our best to separate fact from fiction.
BMW will launch several exceptional diesel automobiles and SUVs designed with North American buyers in mind. Dare I say, “It’s about time! “ But if you think alternatives to gasoline power is the only idea they have up their Bavarian sleeve, you better think again. Making a worldwide debut in Detroit will be the BMW X6 Sport Activity Coupe and 1 Series Convertible.
North American versions of the new luxury/sport Coupe will be referred to as the X6 xDrive35i and X6 xDrive50i. Both will feature engine technology currently available in a variety of BMW models. The X6 xDrive35i will house the venerable 300 hp twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The 50i version will showcase an even more powerful 400hp 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 engine.
Having won over many would-be BMW owners with the affordable 1 Series Coupe, the Convertible version will demonstrate similar engine performance and first-class interior appointments.
Expect two powertrains to be standard equipment at introduction. First, a 230hp Valvetronic inline 6-cylinder engine will power the 128i Convertible. Second, the 135i Convertible will come well equipped to handle U.S. highways with BMW’s award winning 300hp twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine.
Diesel power is long entrenched in the European psyche and BMW hopes to build on this by introducing the X5 xDrive35d and 335d to showrooms in the United States and Canada.
Arriving late in 2008, both models are expected to be 50-state compliant. At the 2008 NAIAS, BMW plans to showcase the 265-hp high-performance diesel engine in both the BMW X5 xDrive35d and the BMW 335d.
