Are These The Specs Of The Next Breakthrough BMW And Can It Be Done?

I'll be honest with you, I very rarely agree with anything magazines like Car and Driver reviews say, outside of the actual specs of the car...0-60, MPG, etc.

They are excellent at that but their writers seem like they're on another planet when compared to us and the real world.

Here is a perfect example of what I am talking about...

In the December 2008 issue they review the GL320 diesel and one of their writers (Aaron Kiley) says this about the GL:

"My Honda Odyssey takes our family to Vermont with lots more luggage capacity, legroom, and storage cubbies."

Only one problem...IT'S A MINIVAN THAT LOOKS LIKE ASS!

So you get my point...WHY, would a Honda Odyssey comment even appear in a GL review?

Two TOTALLY different vehicles...but whatever...another example of a Honda owner reviewing a Mercedes and expecting the world to think their opinion has ANY validity.

So I was shocked when I read Csaba Csere's Column and for the first time thought they have crossed the 100 IQ threshold with his article... "A Sports Sedan For The Next Decade: 3000 Lbs., 300HP, 30MPG, 3 liters."

His point in the article is "with today's more sophisticated technology, it should be possible to boost fuel economy substantially without making major compromises in performance or driving satisfaction."

He goes on to describe the PERFECT sports sedan for todays world... A 3000 Lb. BMW 328 with, 300HP, 30MPG, 3 liters.

Sounds great to me but only one problem.

The 328 is 3400+ lbs. right now.

To get 30MPG, Csere says if you can get the car sub 3000lbs., the rest is fairly easy.

You'd get a low 5 second 0-60 and around a 13 second quarter mile.

I'd like to point you to the full article to see the full specs of his dream mpg machine but they don't have it live yet.

Guess they think the internet is a fad like Starbucks ;)

I must say for the first time i felt they were actually ahead of the curve and i think he is bang on here.

Great job Csaba!

What would you rather drive?

A plug in Hybrid or regular hybrid from the Americans or the Japanese, or the Ultimate 3000 Lb. BMW 3-Series with, 300HP, 30MPG, 3 liters and fun written all over it?

Let us know if you think it's possible, would you pay a premium for it (added Titanium to lighten it, etc.) and your other thoughts on this subject...

dlin - 11/11/2008 2:52:06 AM

+7 Boost

Of course it can be done. Rev it to 9000 rpm and carbon fiber everything.

The only thing is M O N E Y.

henbmw - 11/11/2008 7:14:51 AM

+12 Boost

Have you ever actually reread your articles, 001? I can't even keep track of all the flaws in your criticisms.

HSCenterconsole - 11/11/2008 8:24:46 AM

+4 Boost

1) I think the future of better mpg will be through lighter cars. Hopefully as more automakers turn to alumnium and carbon fiber, cheaper ways of producing these materials will be developed and the price will be driven down.

2) 001, why so much vitriole directed at the automotive press lately?

Personally, I would NEVER drive or own a minivan. However, I understand Kiley's argument that the van offers a better value for space even though the GL is a far superior vehicle (it has AWD, more features, etc.).

At the end of the day, Car & Driver is the most popular US car magazine. It has earned the respect of car enthusiasts and the general public after decades of solid stories and reporting. Autospies may be one of my favorite websites, but at the end of the day it is closer to a blog with great links to car news than to mainstream automotive journalism. Car companies advertise when they are selected as one of C&D's 10 Best Cars (or 5 Best Trucks). Autospies has yet to earn that level of credibility (or even offer the quality and quantity of reviews and comparison tests C&D does monthly).

daytonaviolet - 11/11/2008 9:52:06 AM

+7 Boost

The STI is fast and handles well, I'll definitely give it that. Too bad it feels like your riding in a tin can.

SHOWTIME - 11/11/2008 10:16:54 AM

+3 Boost

o yea? how many MPG is it? not even close to 30...handles better than ANY BMW? keep dreaming.

holmstar - 11/11/2008 10:45:43 AM

-3 Boost

they are built for two different purposes. The sti is a rally queen and a comparably powered BMW would probably smoke the sti on an asphalt track. Apples and oranges.

mscottc1 - 11/11/2008 9:25:12 AM

+2 Boost

I almost think this could be a new approach to a niche brand, like M-cars-- they could make this treatment available as an option package or even a stand-alone model like M3, M5, etc. Maybe redefine CSL? I wouldn't use the CSL name though- too much to live up to! Maybe revive the "e" nomenclature? Say, a 330e or 530e instead of entry level models this would be positioned slightly higher in the lineup. I think it could work and be profitable. Throw diesel technology in the mix and achieve 40MPG easily.

grover432 - 11/11/2008 10:04:26 AM

+2 Boost

I don't think he is far off. BMW is almost there now. The 335d will 0 - 60 in 6 seconds and gets 23 mpg in the city. The 330d is a bit slower but achieves higher mileage.

Porsche produces high HP power plants and puts them in a light (OK, used to be light) package.

grover432 - 11/11/2008 10:04:41 AM

+2 Boost

2ndbimmer - 11/11/2008 11:17:48 AM

+3 Boost

actually, i ahve driven the 335d and it feels faster than the 2006 330i sedan i owned, which was about 5.6 0-60. BMW usually understimates in 0-60 times. I mean, the 2009 brochure says the 335i sedan is 5.6 0-60! we all know it is 5 flat.
but you are right, BMW has pretty much already acheived this through the 335d. it could be a little lighter at 3800 pounds, but if it still performs well and gets mileage in the 30's on average.

mercuryguy - 11/11/2008 10:09:57 AM

+1 Boost

Diesel is a much more durable idea for Americans. It requires far less maintenance than Hybrids and gas engines. The Diesel Motors can go easily go 300,000 miles with far less repairs and headaches. This is the way to go in states that have tough inspection laws that bleed people's wallets to death in order to get to work the day your inspection is due.

With hard times ahead, Diesel will also be better, because I think people will once again learn to keep a car for 5 years or more since they will be unable to barrow like in past years. Cost of Steel, Aluminum, Rubber, Glass and Plastic is on the rise, I think we will now need to curb our consumption and get products to last longer to save energy and raw materials.

One big barrier is that women and prettyboys will likely not like to pump thier own Diesel, as it is more oily to the touch. Just keep some rubber gloves handy, in the trunk.

holmstar - 11/11/2008 10:49:18 AM

+4 Boost

If they can bring it down by 400lbs that will improve just about every driving aspect of the car. If they can do it... awesome.

sector - 11/11/2008 11:21:47 AM

+1 Boost

BMW doesn't need to work on the performance department, what they need are improvements in the quality control department :)

Some of us get tired of huge amounts of cash outlays in upkeep and dealership dependence for a depreciating asset that is the trademark of Bimmers.

HSCenterconsole - 11/11/2008 12:00:41 PM

0 Boost

Sector what are you talking about in regards to "huge amounts of cash outlays in upkeep and dealership dependence?"

All BMW's come with free maintenance/service and a warranty. Plus scroll down on this page a little and you'll see the 3-Series is the most reliable car in the UK. My '07 3-Series has been flawless.

turrbo - 11/11/2008 1:23:40 PM

+2 Boost

This could have been done if we didn't have to shove 12 air bags, 53 support beams, 74 crush zones, and have a billion other safety systems.

You can put all the carbon fiber rooftops on your model line up you want, it's just a matter of time before there's a new idiot proof safety law that comes into play that will add 50lbs, to the 20lbs. you just figured out how to save.

85bmw745i - 11/14/2008 12:49:42 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah, remember the e30 M3 that thing handled amazingly, and was fast for the engine it had. If the new M3 weighed the same it would be crazy fast. it wouldn't need a V8, a small 3.0l high reving inline 6 would have worked great, but we can only dream and wish.