Podemos dizer que estamos vivendo a "semana X" após a BMW mostrar o novo X2 M35i e divulgar a data de estreia do inédito X7. Agora a marca bávara antecipa mais novidades para sua linha de SUVs esportivos. Estamos falando dos novos X3 M e X4 M, cujos protótipos ainda camuflados foram destaque fazendo um test-drive na etapa da DTM neste último fim de semana em Nürburgring.
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Embora tenha dado um "spoiler" sobre os novos SUVs, a BMW ainda não revelou muitas informações sobre eles. Especula-se, no entanto, que tanto o novo X4 M quanto o inédito X3 M (que não existia até a última geração) serão abençoados com um novo motor turbo de seis cilindros em linha especialmente desenvolvido para trabalhar com o sistema de tração integral xDrive, adaptado do poderoso M5.
O motor que a BMW está desenvolvendo é possivelmente o S58, que é uma versão atualizada do B58 com 3.0 litros e pelo menos 450 cv de potência - embora haja rumores de que ele poderá entregar 475 cv no pacote Competition. O novo powertrain é importante não somente para os novos X da Motorsport, mas também para as próximas gerações do cupê M4 e do sedã M3.
Motorização à parte, tanto o X3 M quanto o X4 M vão compartilhar o diferencial traseiro ativo da M e uma série de outros "mimos" da divisão esportiva da BMW. Para-choques com tomadas de ar mais saradas na frente, saída quádrupla de escape atrás e uma série de upgrades aerodinâmicos estarão no menu destes que prometem ser as "novas referências em termos de dinâmica em seus respectivos segmentos", de acordo com o presidente da BMW M, Frank van Meel.
O fato de a marca mostrar antecipadamente os dois modelos não significa necessariamente que eles serão lançados ao mesmo tempo. O lançamento do X4 M deve acontecer antes, possivelmente ainda em 2018, seguido então pela estreia oficial do X3 M.
Fotos: BMW
Galeria: Prévia: BMW X3 M e X4 M
Warm-up on the Nürburgring: First official presentation of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M.
BMW M GmbH extends its range of four-wheel drive high-performance models – Camouflaged prototypes to be presented at a driving event during the supporting programme of the DTM races.
Munich. The BMW M GmbH is extending its range of high performance models in the segment of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupes (SAC). The high-performance character so typical of BMW automobiles will be passed on to two further BMW X models, the series development of which has already been kicked off. During the DTM racing weekend at the Nürburgring (7 – 9 September 2018), prototypes of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M will be test driven on the circuit. Thus, the camouflaged pre-series vehicles will be making their first public appearance precisely where the dynamic driving qualities of the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M will reach their final level of maturity. The Nürburgring is the traditional setting for the completion of the ultimate testing and tuning programme for the specific overall M package comprising drive system, suspension and aerodynamics.
With large air intakes at the front, specific M features for optimised aerodynamics and an exhaust system with four tailpipes integrated into the rear apron, the vehicles already bear the characteristics of a BMW M model at an early stage of their development phase. The technological highlight of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M is a newly developed straight six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and high-revving characteristics.
Part of the development process is the specific tuning of the M xDrive technology introduced for the first time in the new BMW M5. This technology is deployed in the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M to ensure constant supreme and performance-oriented transfer of engine power to all four wheels. The M-specific further development of the intelligent four-wheel drive system guarantees maximum traction and loss-free distribution of drive torque for achieving extremely dynamic handling characteristics. In interaction with the active M rear axle differential, cornering dynamics, agility and precision in the driving behaviour of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M are lifted to a level unrivalled within the competitive environment.
“With their M specific performance characteristics, the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M will set benchmarks in terms of dynamics in their respective vehicle segment,” says Frank van Meel, President BMW M GmbH.
With the development of its latest model innovations, the BMW M GmbH is once again breaking into an additional segment. The BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M render it possible for the first time to experience superior performance, agility and precision also in a Sports Activity Vehicle and a Sports Activity Coupe of the premium mid-range class. Thus, the BMW M GmbH is consistently continuing its successful strategy of dynamic growth with new and particularly attractive vehicle concepts.