
Newcomers: 2007 BMW 335i coupe
Back in the race
By Neil G. Chirico
Photography by the Manufacturer
Face it, coupes are just plain sexy. Who can forget BMW's stunning 3.0CSi? It was a great performer in its day and, 35 years later, it still looks crisp. In 1971, it was equipped with an inline-six-cylinder engine that cranked out an energetic 200 horsepower.
History now repeats itself with BMW selecting the 2007 3 Series coupe as the launch platform for its new twin-turbo, direct-injection inline-six. Displacing 3.0 liters, it spools out 300 horses and just as many pound-feet, a big advance on the base 328i Coupe naturally aspirated 3.0's 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Those twin turbochargers quell the famed inline-six's exhaust note, but enhance the creamy smooth engine's willingness to rev. The result is a turbolag-free 0-to-60 time of 5.1 seconds. Compare that with the 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan packing a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6, which ran a 5.4, and the wundercar is back on top. The 335i Coupe will run a tenth of a second quicker and almost four mph over its Japanese rival. Looks are one thing, but fast is sexy, too.
| 2007 BMW 335i Coupe |
| Base/as-tested price | $41,295/$45,720 |
| Drivetrain | Front engine, RWD |
| Engine | 3.0L/300-hp/300 lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve I-6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Curb weight (dist f/r) | 3561 lb (51/49%) |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in |
| Length x width x height | 180.3 x 70.2 x 54.1 in |
| 0-60 mph | 5.1 sec |
| Quarter mile | 13.6 sec @ 104.3 mph |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | 20/29 mpg (MT est) |
| On sale in U.S. | Currently |