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BMW
creates new segment with X6
• World’s first Sports Activity Coupe
By Moses Akaigwe
Friday, April 18, 2008
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| Photo:
Sun News Publishing |
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In 1999, BMW caused a stir in the global auto market with
the introduction of an entirely new and exclusive vehicle
category named Sports Activity Vehicle (or SAV) which the
X5 represents.
A few years later, a smaller SAV called X3 followed the success
trail blazed by the precursor, and the auto world could not
help but recognize the combination of dynamic, design, excellent
on-road capabilities and technical ingenuity the X range epitomizes.
Nine years after that historic debut, BMW has taken its innovative
lead a step further with the BMW X6 and again established
a brand new vehicle segment – the Sports Activity Coupe.
The new BMW X6 adds a unique dimension to the BMW X family
and is an absolute innovation on several fronts.
X6 is the world’s first sports Activity Coupet. Its
unique design combines the strong character of the BMW X range
and the elegance of a coupe. With world premieres such as
Dynamic Performance Control, BMW, once again sets the pace
for outstanding benchmark-setting innovations, strengthening
its image as the world’s leading premium car manufacturer.
Looking forward to the formal entry of the new kid on the
block into the global auto market, BMW franchise holder in
Nigeria, Coscharis Motors, said the many ‘firsts’
scored by the new product confirms the brand’s leadership
in innovative auto engineering. A spokesman for Coscharis,
Mr Ifeanyi Nihe, told Daily Sun last week that the new coupe
would hit BMW showrooms in the country soon after it is launched
into the global market.
SAV meets large coupe
The new BMW X6 combines the impressive performance of a thoroughbred
sports car with the versatility and spaciousness of an SAV
and the dynamic silhouette of an athletic coupe. An elegant,
luxury-class interior with a prime view, sports seating comfort
and superior ergonomics all make for an unforgettable driving
experience.
Dynamic Performance Control
With the new BMW X6, BMW is introducing the sportiest and
most agile member of the BMW X family yet. BMW is the world’s
first manufacturer to introduce a new chassis control system
that adds a whole new dimension of driving pleasure and agility
to a large vehicle like the new BMW X6. This system is called
Dynamic Performance Control. It enables fully variable power
distribution between the left and right rear wheels, for improved
handling and higher cornering speeds.
The result: Exceptional road holding and superior steering
precision when accelerating out of corners. To enhance cornering
agility, the system increases the drive torque applied to
the outer rear wheel. This creates an additional steering
force and ensures that the new BMW X6 enters bends willingly,
and remains very easy to control – making the new BMW
Sports Activity Coupe feel as agile and nimble as a coupe
of distinctly smaller proportions.
The new V8 engine
BMW engines are among the most powerful, efficient and innovative
power plants in the world. By introducing the new 4-litre
V8 engine for the new BMW X6, BMW is adding another chapter
to its long and distinguished engine-making history. It is
the first V8 engine to combine High Precision Injection (second
generation direct petrol injection) and Twin Turbo technology.
The result: 300 Kw (407 hp) and a maximum torque of 600 Nm
available from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. Given its size and tremendous
power, the new BMW X6 x Drive 50i, at 12.5 l / 100 km (EU
consumption), is extremely
economical, making it “best in class” by a considerable
margin. And there’s another reason the engine is so
unique and innovative: For the first time, the turbocharger
has been placed in a space-saving position between the cylinder
banks, enabling faster response times and lower emissions
ratings.
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