BMW to launch new 320iS...

Jeroen · Post by **Jeroen** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:11 pm

oh well 320Si then. Based on the WTCC 275 HP 320Si BMW have now announced a road version of that 2 litre 4 cyl 320Si. I'm not particularly impressed by its 173 HP / 200 Nm stats but there must be some room for improvement

Top speed 225 km/h, 0-100 km in 8.1 sec.

The car will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. Ordering is possible from early Dec, both LHD and RHD versions will be produced. If you're interested you have to be real quick though as only a total 2.600 cars will be produced.

ItalianM3 · Post by **ItalianM3** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 5:36 pm

its a bit pathetic that they cant or wont get more power out of it. Do our engines have more torque aswell as power?

greggearhead · Post by **greggearhead** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 6:05 pm

I bet the emissions and mpg ratings are much higher, though. Not that that makes up for reduced power but in this day and age, it is important to an auto mfr.

I wonder how much more power is easily released in them?

ItalianM3 · Post by **ItalianM3** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 6:20 pm

I see what you mean. I bet they are probably very responsive to tuning.

E21Dane · Post by **E21Dane** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 11:49 pm

hmmm.... underpowered and looks to match!!

It's a bit dull isn't it?? Certainly doesn't make my heart go boom...

But by limiting production to only 2600 cars it'll probably end up being a proper collectors item anyway.

Jeroen · Post by **Jeroen** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 12:16 am

Here's a nice vid about building and testing the WTCC version... the car sounds right huh?

[18MB wmv vid]

JoD · Post by **JoD** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 9:58 pm

Hi all,
I just did a testdrive in the SI and was quite impressed. At first I had doubts: weight: +1400 kg, only 170-ish bhp and 200 Nm torque. Nothing much there, I thought. But in the end, it is a mighty fine car. In cornering it instantly makes you think of the 320 is. It has the same agility and lightness in bends and the switch from one corner to another is textbook stuff. The 'is' feels faster (logically so), but thanks to the 6-speed gearbox, the 0-100 km/h time is almost identical (8,1 second) for the SI.
The engine isn't very smooth, but you could rev the nuts of it all day. It revs up to about the same rpm as the 'is', and feels like it will never grow tired of it. It is also an incredibly stiff machine. From the inside the sound isn't too wel developed, but boy can you hear it on the outside. And the Motorsport rims are drop dead gorgeous in real life. I hope I can reunite it with my 'is' for a photoshoot. Didn't have the time now.
Oh, and it's very expensive in Belgium: 38.000 euro (with some options) for a car that gets beaten by most diesels, frustrating. Cool cam cover though

Jeroen · Post by **Jeroen** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:04 pm

Thanks for the report... I guess I gotta experience one myself as well then

Bullmoose · Post by **Bullmoose** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:30 am

I'm sure you've seen the Si pace(safety?)car @ Zandvoort right Jeroen?

Jeroen · Post by **Jeroen** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:16 am

Nope!

Bullmoose · Post by **Bullmoose** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 5:48 pm

Sorry guys, but

BMW Nederland heeft, als partner van Circuit Park Zandvoort, een BMW 320si als Safety Car ter beschikking gesteld. Deze auto is de basis van de BMW 320si waarmee BMW als regerend wereldkampioen in het WTCC actief is. BMW Nederland zet daarnaast twee BMW’s 3-serie Touring in voor de medische staf op Circuit Park Zandvoort .

Volgens mij hadden ze de Si al op Zandvoort voor de officiele release.

Jeroen · Post by **Jeroen** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 9:25 am

Well I've been to Zandvoort only once this year... and that day it was raining continuously... I only stayed in my car or in our pitbox, didn't look around!

Bullmoose · Post by **Bullmoose** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:24 am

If I'm not mistaking, the first time I saw the car was during the spring clubpecials day.