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BMW introduces the 2 Series; power up, fuel consumption down by up to 21% over 1 Series, depending upon model

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New BMW 2 Series Coupe. Click to enlarge.

BMW has introduced an entirely new model series in the form of the BMW 2 Series Coupe. Offering both gasoline and diesel engines at launch (depending upon market), output is up by as much as 10 kW over the new car’s 1 Series predecessor, yet average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle has dropped by up to 21%, depending on the model.

One four-cylinder gasoline engine and one four-cylinder diesel unit are available from launch, putting 135 kW/184 hp at the disposal of the BMW 220i Coupe and BMW 220d Coupe. (The US will see the gasoline model as the 228i.) Also joining them, with a six-cylinder in-line engine developing 240 kW/326 hp, is the BMW M235i Coupe. Subsequently, BMW will introduce two more four-cylinder diesel models in the form of the BMW 218d Coupe (105 kW/143 hp) and BMW 225d Coupe (160 kW/218 hp).

All the engines can be combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox (standard in the BMW 225d Coupe) for fuel consumption and emissions figures that are lower than those achieved with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. All model variants come with extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology as standard and meet the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust standard.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package comprises a twin-scroll turbocharging system, High Precision Direct Injection, Valvetronic fully variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control.

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BMW 2 Series Coupe. Click to enlarge.

220i Coupe. The engine powering the BMW 220i Coupe sources significantly higher output from its 2.0-liter displacement than the four-cylinder gasoline units available for the BMW 1 Series range: 135 kW/184 hp between 5,000 and 6,250 rpm and peak torque of 270 N·m (199 lb-ft) between 1,250 and 4,500 rpm. The 10 kW increase in output over its predecessor has been complemented by a drop in fuel consumption of up to 14%.

Its BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package comprises a twin-scroll turbocharging system, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control.

The BMW 220i Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 7.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 235 km/h / 146 mph (automatic: 230 km/h / 143 mph). The average fuel consumption of the BMW 220i Coupe stands at between 6.1 and 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers / 38.6 – 37.3 mpgUS (automatic: 5.7 – 6.0 liters, or 41.3 - 39.2 mpgUS), while its CO2 emissions come in at between 142 and 148 grams per kilometer (134 – 139 g/km); figures are calculated according to the EU test cycle and may vary depending on the tire format specified).

The BMW 228i Coupe in the US will be powered by a 240 hp (179 kW) version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with peak torque of 258 lb-ft (350 N·m) which is on tap between 1,250 and 4,500 rpm.

BMW 2002
The number 2 has denoted the presence of a sporting driving experience in a sub-compact two-door car for 45 years, said BMW—ever since the introduction of the BMW 2002 in 1968.
With a precisely tailored package of powertrain and chassis technology, the two-door Coupe became a standard-bearer for sporty handling and driving pleasure in the sub-compact car segment. BMW calls it the first building block in the foundation of what is now known as The Ultimate Driving Machine. The most spectacular version was the 170 hp BMW 2002 turbo—the first turbocharged model from a European manufacturer.
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BMW 2002 TI running in the AvD-Oldtimer Grand-Prix 2012. Click to enlarge.

The BMW 228i Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 130 mph/210 km/h or 155 mph/250 km/h. Preliminary EPA fuel economy estimates for the 228i are 23 city/35 highway/27 combined (10.2, 6.7, and 8.7 l/100 km, respectively) for the 8-speed sport automatic, with 22 city/34 highway/26 combined (10.7, 6.9, and 9.0 l/100 km) for the 6-speed manual.

220d Coupe. A turbocharger with variable inlet geometry and common rail direct injection, the solenoid valve injectors of which employ maximum pressure of 1,800 bar, are the key features of the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine technology in the BMW 220d Coupe. Maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp is available at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 380 Newton meters (280 lb-ft) comes on stream between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm.

Fitted with the standard manual gearbox, the BMW 220d Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with the optional automatic). Top speed stands at 230 km/h / 143 mph with either gearbox. The output of the BMW 220d Coupe is 5 kW higher than that of its predecessor, yet it delivers lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Average fuel economy stands at 4.5 – 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers / 52.3 – 490.0 mpgUS (automatic: 4.2 – 4.4 liters / 56.0 – 53.5 mpgUS), CO2 emissions are 119–125 grams per kilometer (111 – 117 g/km; figures are calculated according to the EU test cycle and may vary depending on the tire format specified). Cars fitted with the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox achieve the largest reduction in fuel consumption, of around 21%.

Customers can order their BMW 220d Coupe from launch with a BMW M Performance Power Kit from the Original BMW Accessories range. This kit lifts engine output by 12 KW and increases peak torque by 20 N·m (15 lb-ft). Fuel consumption and emissions are unaffected by the resultant improvement in sprinting performance.

218d Coupe. Further additions to the engine line-up include another two 2.0-liter four- cylinder diesel units with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. A turbocharger with variable geometry and common rail direct injection at up to 1,600 bar endow the engine in the BMW 218d Coupe with peak output of 105 kW/143 hp and maximum torque of 320 N·m (236 lb-ft).

The entry-level diesel model needs 8.9 seconds (automatic: 8.6 seconds) to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph en route to a top speed of 213 km/h / 132 mph (213 km/h / 132 mph).

The BMW 218d Coupe posts average fuel consumption of 4.3 – 4.5 liters (4.2 – 4.4 liters) per 100 kilometers / 54.7 – 52.3 (56.0 – 53.5) mpgUS and CO2 emissions of 114 – 119 grams per kilometer (111 – 117 g/km); all data are provisional, fuel consumption and emission figures are calculated according to the EU test cycle and may vary depending on the tire format specified).

225d Coupe. Serving up output of 160 kW/218 hp and peak torque of 450 N·m(332 lb-ft), the engine in the BMW 225d Coupe is the most powerful diesel variant available for the new two-door model. Its two-stage turbocharging system consists of one large and one small turbocharger, also with variable geometry, whose precisely controlled interplay ensures instantaneous pulling power. The piezo injectors of its common rail direct injection system generate maximum pressure of 2,000 bar. The BMW 225d Coupe is fitted as standard with the eight-speed automatic gearbox and sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 6.3 seconds. Top speed is 242 km/h / 150 mph.

With average fuel consumption of 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers / 50.0 mpgUS and CO2 emissions of 124 grams per kilometer, the sportiest diesel model in the line-up also achieves excellent efficiency (all data are provisional, fuel consumption and emission figures are calculated according to the EU test cycle).

M235i. The BMW M235i Coupe is made for the driving enthusiast. It is the latest member of the BMW M Performance Automobile family, and the first for the US market. It embodies the driving dynamics that are signaled by its modified, aerodynamically optimized body design, and is propelled by the most powerful gasoline engine developed so far for a BMW M Performance Automobile. The inline six-cylinder with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology generates maximum output of 322 hp and accelerates the BMW M235i Coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, with the 8-speed sport automatic.

It features M-specific chassis tuning which, for the US will include standard M Adaptive suspension, M Sport Braking system, variable sport steering and Michelin Pilot Super Sports tires. Even the exhaust has been specifically tuned for the M235i.

With a top speed of 250 km/h / 155 mph, the M235i has preliminary EPA Mileage Estimates (mpg) of 22 city/32 highway/25 combined for the 8-speed sport automatic and 19 city/28 highway/22 combined for the 6-speed manual.

Sports automatic with Launch Control, ECO PRO mode with coasting function. As well as the eight-speed automatic gearbox, the BMW 2 Series Coupe can also be ordered as an option with a Sports automatic, which uses ultra-fast gear changes to underline the dynamic character of the two-door car. This gearbox variant likewise comes with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and a Launch Control function (not available for 218d), which enables traction-optimized, dynamically maximised acceleration off the line. All the 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph acceleration figures for the automatic variants of the BMW 2 Series Coupe were recorded using Launch Control.

The standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch on the center console allows the car’s set-up to be adjusted at the touch of a button through COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO settings. SPORT+ mode is also available for cars equipped with at least one of the following options: Sports automatic gearbox, M Sport package, BMW Sport Line, Adaptive M suspension or variable sport steering. The Driving Experience Control switch can also be used to modify the car’s accelerator mapping and steering characteristics as well as—depending on specification—the responses of the automatic gearbox and dampers.

In ECO PRO mode the car encourages a particularly relaxed as well as frugal driving style. A coasting function is available in conjunction with an automatic gearbox. At speeds between 50 and 160 km/h (approx. 30 and 100 mph), the powertrain is disengaged as soon as the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator. If the Navigation system Professional is specified, drivers also enjoy the services of the Proactive Driving Assistant. In ECO PRO mode this system alerts drivers to the ideal fuel-saving moment to take their foot off the gas ahead of corners, junctions, roundabouts and speed-restricted areas.

The standard-fitted BMW EfficientDynamics technology also includes Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering, an Optimum Shift Indicator and the Auto Start Stop function, which can also be used in conjunction with an automatic gearbox.

Advanced chassis technology. The advanced chassis engineering of the BMW 2 Series Coupe includes elements such as a double-joint spring strut front axle with suspension struts and anti-roll bars, and a five-link rear axle. The chassis has a large aluminium content and has been adapted specially to suit the output of the engine fitted.

This allows the driver to fully exploit the dynamic potential of the new Coupe, to which a low center of gravity, a much wider track compared to its predecessor and ideal 50 : 50 weight distribution make key contributions.

The construction techniques and materials used for the body of the BMW 2 Series Coupe are underpinned by the principle of intelligent lightweight design. This approach allows agility and occupant protection to be enhanced while keeping the car’s weight as low as possible. For example, the increased rigidity of the car’s front end has a direct effect on the dynamic properties of the BMW 2 Series Coupe.

Measures such as considered use of high and ultra-high-tensile steels lend the body increased torsional stiffness and ensure the strength of the safety passenger cell. The mean strength of the materials used in the new Coupe is 13% higher than was the case in its predecessor.

Driver assistance. The range of BMW ConnectedDrive features available for the BMW 2 Series Coupe includes a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation. Adaptive Xenon headlights including cornering light are optional. Customers can also order their car with High Beam Assistant.

Other features available for the BMW 2 Series Coupe include Park Distance Control and the rear view camera, which displays its images on the iDrive operating system’s Control Display in order to help to ensure precise and comfortable maneuvering. The likewise optional Parking Assistant aids the driver in choosing and making use of parallel parking spaces. The system identifies suitable spaces and, if desired, carries out the steering movements required to park the car.

The Driving Assistant option comprises the camera-based Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning systems. The Lane Departure Warning system can be used at speeds over 70 km/h (43 mph) and alerts drivers with a visible signal in the instrument cluster and a vibration though the steering wheel rim if they have inadvertently drifted out of their lane. At speeds upwards of 15 km/h (9 mph), Collision Warning recognizes if the distance to the vehicle travelling in front has become too small. As well as triggering visual and acoustic warnings, this system primes the brakes to help the driver achieve the shortest possible stopping distance if he or she has to intervene.

The ConnectedDrive Services option lays the groundwork for in-car connectivity by means of a built-in SIM card. This allows customers to access the internet, the Concierge Service telephone-based information facility, remote functions, the BMW ConnectedDrive range of online entertainment features. BMW Assist eCall with enhanced automatic collision notification and BMW TeleService is included for 10 years as standard equipment on every BMW 2 Series in the US.

Numerous other functions can also be integrated into the car at a later stage using apps, via a smartphone or the built-in SIM card. These include Advanced Real Time Traffic Information, web radio functions and use of social networking services such as Facebook and Twitter. The flexible app concept allows the integration both of applications developed by the BMW Group and of BMW Apps-ready applications from external providers.

Wide-ranging measures have been implemented in the development of the BMW 2 Series Coupe as far as pedestrian protection is concerned. Relocating the intake air duct for the engine plus the air filter for the interior allowed the creation of a larger deformation zone in the hood area. The BMW 2 Series Coupe has also been designed with an “active” hood system: in the event of a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist, the system automatically raises the rear part of the bonnet. This creates additional deformation capacity, and the risk of injury in a collision with particularly unyielding sections of the engine is reduced.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe is significantly larger than its predecessor in terms of exterior length, width, wheelbase and track width. These increased dimensions are evident in areas such as headroom in the front seats, which has grown by 0.7 inches (19 mm), and rear-seat legroom, which is up by 0.8 inches (21 mm). In addition, the access space through to the rear is now 0.4 inches (11 mm) larger which, when combined with the standard Easy Entry function for the front seats, means that using the rear seats is a more comfortable experience.

The 2 Series will arrive in the US in the first quarter of 2014 as the 228i and the M235i. The successor to the 1 Series Coupe will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in January 2014. The 2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe will be offered at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $33,025 for the 228i and $44,025 for the M235i, including $925 destination and handling.

Comments

sd

Although it is not explicitly stated, I assume that the automatic is a dual clutch automatic as compared to a torque converter automatic. Anyway, it is interesting to note that the automatic outperforms the manual in both acceleration and mileage which is what you would expect with a dual clutch automatic.

GreenPlease

The eight-speed auto is a slush-box made by ZF.

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