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BMW had launched the new M5 and displayed its new Mini range including the Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper Convertible and Countryman at the 2012 Auto Expo. This year, we expect BMW to display the 3 Series GT, the i8 hybrid supercar and the new 2014 Mini range at the Auto Expo.
The BMW i8 is a hybrid sports car and was first unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The car boasts of distinct panels at the front, gull-wing styled doors and a LED headlamp cluster with optional ‘laser’ headlights. The exterior of the vehicle also features aerofoils on the C-pillarThe interiors are futuristic and integrate touchscreen instrument panels.
The i8 is powered by a 1.5-litre twin-turbocharged, three-cylinder petrol engine which in combination of an electric motor produces 362bhp of power and 570Nm of torque.
BMW will also debut its 3 Series GT at the Auto Expo. Internally called as F34, the GT version of the 3 Series sedan (F30) is much like the 5 Series GT which is being sold in India for some time now. The 3 Series GT borrows the all good qualities from crossovers without quite becoming one, while retaining the driving experience of the sedan. The extra length and height translates into better room for passengers and a bigger boot.
The 3 Series GT is most likely to be offered with three engine options, two petrol and one diesel. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel in the 320d will pump out 184bhp and 380Nm of torque while the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol will be available in two guises, producing 240bhp and 350Nm of torque in the 328i and 184bhp and 270Nm of torque in 320i. For a start, they will be sold in India through the completely-built-unit (CBU) route and will later be assembled at their Chennai facility, to keep the prices down.
Mini claims that the 2014 Mini is a more ‘grown up’ car as compared to the predecessor. As the new car retains some of the traditional elements like the hexagonal grille and the circular headlights, it does look very similar to the old car.
A new range of engines, all of which are turbocharged have been introduced in the car. This is the first Mini to be available with the option of Variable Damper Control, which allows the driver to choose between comfort and sporty suspension set-ups. Mini has provided more scope for personalisation in the new car, with an extensive list of interior and exterior components. The prices of the new Mini were recently announced and have increased across the range by a few thousand rupees. For now, three models will go on sale in the European markets– the Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D.
