(continued from the previous page)

More Power

The BMW 335is Coupe is powered by BMW's widely-acclaimed "N54" twin-turbocharged inline-6, which displaces 3.0-liters and features all-aluminum construction. The engine further benefits from BMW's High Precision direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS stepless valve timing, and advanced Digital Motor Electronics (DME) engine control system. For the 335is Coupe, the engine has a heavy-duty cooling system and has received special software that allows the N54 to sustain a nominal output of 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Through the use of temporary overboost in certain circumstances, the engine will produce up to 370 lb-ft of torque (horsepower remains 320) for even better performance during overtaking and other high-load / high-speed maneuvers.

The increased power and torque naturally place higher loads on the engine componentry, so a number of items, including the cooling system of the 335is, have been upgraded accordingly. An additional radiator has been added behind the left-side front air intake, along with a more powerful electric cooling fan. An oil cooler is fitted opposite the second radiator, on the right side. The front fascia of each model has been shaped with large openings to allow improved air flow to the coolers, and special emphasis was placed on the 335is Coupe's higher probability of being used for spirited driving. As a result, the 335is Coupe has traded the Convertible's foglights for the largest possible air openings, which help result in a substantial increase in effective cooling capacity over the original BMW 335i Coupe. These measures were taken specifically to ensure that the 335is will provide constant, reliable power under even the harshest driving circumstances. Engine mounts have also been replaced with stiffer units to help minimize deflection under very high G-loads.

Performance and Specifications

Top speed of the BMW 335is Coupe will be electronically limited to 150 mph. The 335is Coupe performs 0-60 mph runs in 5.0 seconds with the optional 7-speed DCT and 5.1 seconds with the manual 6-speed. Maximum rated horsepower of 320 is achieved at 5900 rpm, and nominal peak torque output of 332 lb-ft is achieved from 1500 - 5000 rpm. Temporary peak torque of 370 lb-ft is available under special high-load circumstances, such as when overtaking at higher speeds. The drag coefficient (Cd) is 0.30. The vented brake rotors are the same sizes as on the standard 335i Coupe, measuring 13.7" front and 13.2" rear.

Sensational Sounds

Appropriately, the 2011 335is Coupe has been fitted with a new sport exhaust system to enhance the sound and responsiveness. Without being intrusive, the emotionally-charged character of the free flowing exhaust system has been specially tuned to focus on the low frequency "rumble" sounds that are most enjoyed with the windows lowered. The system is designed to minimize the restriction of exhaust gas flow, which is always important for a turbocharged powerplant.

History of BMW's "s" Models

The "s" was first seen by North Americans on the original BMW 3 Series, which was imported from 1977-1983. The 1980 BMW 320is included the most desirable 3 Series equipment, including Recaro sport seats, sport steering wheel, halogen high-beams, sunroof, dual color-keyed wing mirrors, anti-sway bars, exterior aerodynamic enhancements, and cross-spoke light-alloy wheels. Later in the1980s, the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series were each available as "s" models, including the BMW 325es, 325is, and 535is. Again, sticking with a proven formula, BMW gave the "s" models enhanced aerodynamics, sport suspension, on-board computer (OBC) and Check Control, sport leather seats, and other features. Early last decade, the original BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) was available twice as an "s" model, first as the BMW X5 4.6is and then as the BMW X5 4.8is. The "s" model SAVs brought even further enhancement in the form of increased power from their modified V-8 engines.

As the newest "s" model, therefore, the 2011 BMW 335is follows its lineage by offering stunning looks, more power, and a raft of functional, performance-inspired equipment tailored to suit the enthusiast driver.

BMW 335is Coupe: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications