BimmerCast #68: BMWUSA 3 Series & Z4 Product Manager Interviewed

01/20/13 • -1 min

While at NAIAS we caught up with Victor Lelue, BMW 3 Series and Z4 Product Manager for the US. We used this opportunity to chat about everything you can imagine 3 Series. Starting with the 320i and why it exists without much if any improved MPG figures. We then moved onto the new 3 Series wagon and what we should expect with it. And yes that means only xDrive and 8 Speed auto.

But the big subject we tackled regarding the 3er is of course the new diesels. We learned from Victor that the new 3 Series diesel will be powered by a 2.0L four cylinder (as expected) with around 180 hp and 300 ft lbs of torque. And MPG? BMW is expecting 40 pus MPG on the highway.

The new 3er diesel (likely called the 328d) will be all about efficiency where the 335d was marketed mostly with performance in mind.

Yet the Z4 had a big day at NAIAS with the world debut of its LCI. Victor gives us some insight into why the LCI was so subtle (hint – it ‘s already pretty good looking). Additionally we asked Victor about the lack of a M Performance Line Z4 considering the 35is is basically just that. And what about that N54 sticking around? You ‘ll have to listen to find out the official answer.

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The new 3er diesel (likely called the 328d) will be all about efficiency where the 335d was marketed mostly with performance in mind.

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Previous Episode

BimmerCast #67: Behind the 4 Series w/Designer Won Kyu Kang

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The 4 Series coupe concept not only marks the first time we ‘ve seen the letter four used by BMW, it also marks the first concept lead by BMW Designer Won Kyu Kang. Won Kyu (pronounced 1-Q) was visibly excited if not a touch anxious when we caught up with him at NAIAS shortly after the 4 Series concept introduction. Yet his enthusiasm for the concept and articulate and thorough walk-through of the design principles belied his youth and the fact this was his first NAIAs. In short if you ever wanted to see the future of BMW design, you ‘re listening to it in this interview.

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Next Episode

BimmerCast #69: M235i & the Future of the M3 – Can Either Live up to the E90?

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We ‘re back with a quick recap and news and then a look ahead. The Geneva show is hours away and it serves as the perfect backdrop to talk about what BMW will be up to for the rest of the year. Here ‘s a quick look at the topics of BimmerCast #69.

– BMW i3 with range extender detailed
– The M3/M4 and what to expect (plus when to expect it)
— But more importantly we get into the debate that will drive enthusiasts for years to come – will the F80 equal the special-ness of the E90 V8 M3?
– M235i and how it ‘s what the 135i should have been all along
– The 3 Series GT and why we can ‘t quite wrap are heads around it
– The X5 leak – it ‘s real and why we ‘re a little disappointed
– The new 328d in the US. What to expect from BMWNA ‘s new efficiency leader.
– A quick recap of the latest BMW news and what to expect for 2013

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