2011 BMW 3-series M Sport and 335is Leak Out

It's been a big news week for BMW. Initial details of the not-quite-an-M3 335is model broke late last week, official images of the "what is that?" Mini Countryman escaped ahead of the embargo, and details and pictures of the M-Sport package 3-series coupe have all surfaced on the web within the past few days.  BMW likes to keep the press rolling; most journos have hardly stopped drooling over the new 5-series at this point, and already there's a handful of new models to cover!

The entire 3-series lineup is getting a minor facelift for 2011, and there will be some new derivatives of interest joining the lineup.  Exterior changes aren't massive - there are new (and rather prominent) headlights at the front as well as new bumpers and some other shiny bits to keep your attention.  Otherwise, it's the same E90/E92 we've come to know and love over the past few years.

First off, new to the lineup for 2011 is the 3-series M-Sport Coupe.  Sort of in the vein of the old E46 330Ci ZHP (Performance Package) models, it's basically a 3-series Coupe with some M goodies stuck on it to make it look nicer.  Think Mercedes "AMG Pack" or Audi "S-Line" vehicles.  The main differences are aesthetic: there are M-Sport bumpers front and rear and a set of nifty side skirts, along with a choice of three different wheels in the 18 or 19" variety.  For mechanical upgrades, it's pretty much limited to an M-Sport specific suspension setup which lowers the car a little bit.  Inside you get a chunky M-Sport steering wheel, Anthracite headliner, some metallic trim and alcantara/cloth sport seats.

Now, I know it's stupid to complain about a loaded BMW, but this is all just fluff.  The old ZHP had a hotter camshaft for increased output, a 6-speed manual (instead of a 5) and a remarkably tight suspension setup.  I will admit, the M-Sport's a looker, but that's not the one you're going to care about.

As I covered earlier, the big news for 2011 is the 335is, which will initially be a US-only model.  While the 2011 335i gets an upgrade to the new N55 single twin-scroll turbo I6, the 335is retains a tuned version of last year's twin-turbo N54 motor.  While the new twin-scroll single turbo motor goes for easy low-end torque and butter-smooth dynamics, the 335is's motor is going for face-punching twin-turbo power.  Which is my favorite kind.

Initial reports have been inconsistent on how much power the 335is will be making, but the leaked document from BMW NA (here) says there'll be 322 horsepower, plus 332lb-ft of torque.  What's really interesting is the "overboost" function - which basically holds the wastegate closed a little longer under wide-open-throttle to deliver a wedge more torque.  And with 369 lb-ft available (on overboost), that's actually a whole chunk more than the 4.0L V8 M3 puts out, and way lower down - the M3's 295lb-ft of torque comes at a rather lofty 3900rpm, compared to around 2000 for the turbo 6.

This is basically the same engine as fitted to the hotter Z4 sDrive35is, and it'll be paired to either a six-speed manual or a 7-speed "DCT" twin-clutch automated manual.  In addition to the hot-rod motor, the 335is gets the M-Sport suspension tuning, increased cooling capabilities (through an additional water cooler and high-output cooling fan), a sports exhaust, and M-Sport bodypieces (including that awesome rear diffuser.)  It fills the "no-man's land" between the 335i and the M3 pretty nicely, with an expected 5.0 second 0-60 time with the DCT gearbox.  The sub-M3 will be available as a Coupe and Convertible- no word on a 335is sedan to do battle with the dominant new Audi S4, but it wouldn't be a shock.

The 335is gets the same interior goodies as the M-Sport models, and it's really a nice look for the 3-er.  Hardly groundbreaking, but still very nice - exactly what you'd expect.

The 335is makes it's official debut at the Geneva Auto Show this year, and hopefully we'll get some better pictures before then!  Stay tuned for more information on this latest hot-rod BMW.