The Iconic 2006 BMW 330i and Partstrain's Commitment to Product ExcellenceWritten by Jenny Mc Lane
The 3-series each year sells about 450,000 worldwide-making it one of biggest single car lines from any carmaker, which is especially remarkable for a premium vehicle. All U.S. 3-series models come with front, front-seat side, and full-length curtain air bags, but not with rear-seat side-impact air bags, because BMW claims "advances in side-impact safety are such that it is no longer necessary to offer rear side bags." "We cannot afford to take a risk with this car, because it is too important," says BMW's R&D chief Burkhard Göschel. "If you look at Z4 as extreme, as avant-garde, this is in middle between safe and avant-garde."The BMW 3 Series represents 40% of BMW's vehicle output. It is, as one BMW executive said, "the core product for brand." Not only is it important to BMW economically, but also its status as an iconic car is crucial to company's image. For many, it's car that says, "I've made it," or at least, "I'm on my way." The BMW 330i has a three-stage variable induction system, an electric cooling pump and a volume-controlled oil pump that only pumps as much oil as needed, saving engine power. Its new engine weighs 22 pounds less than its predecessor does. It is also more powerful, more fuel-efficient and more compact. In addition to usual double VANOS magic, this engine features Valvetronic continuously variable valve lift. BMW's double-pivot independent front suspension has been adapted for 3 Series, with a pair of lower arms that complement car's upgraded MacPherson struts. An all-new five-link rear suspension, featuring many lightweight aluminum pieces, is combined with an all-new, more rigid chassis. Oversized ventilated discs in all four corners and an aluminum steering rack ensure precise handling and braking.
| | Moving Toward the Future with Volvo 3CC Concept and Volvo Performance PartsWritten by Jenny Mc Lane
PremAir is offered on Volvos today. The technology removes ozone from air sucked into radiator, making select Volvo models four-wheeled pollution vacuums. PZEV engines meet partial zero-emission vehicle standards in California and New England, and are among cleanest-burning vehicles of any kind regardless of their requirement for gasoline.Volvo 3CC concept won “Best Design” at seventh Annual Michelin Challenge Bibendum, where alternative-fuel concept vehicles compete as automakers are challenged to find better, greener ways of producing vehicles. We see Volvo 3CC as a functional demonstrator from which clean, safe and efficient vehicles can be derived in future," says Volvo Car Corporation spokesman Dan Werbin, Director Volvo Cars North America. The 3CC is powered by 3,000 lithium-ion cells like those in a laptop computer, can accelerate to 60 mph in 10 seconds while emitting zero emissions, according to Volvo. It will travel 180 miles on a single charge, and can cruise at speeds as high as 85 mph. Unique engine housing construction allows Volvo 3CC to conform to a wide variety of propulsion systems, giving it flexibility to meet ever-changing power source requirements whether they call for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric, or bio-fuel motors. The 3CC is a small, sleek and environmentally efficient car with a powerful, zero emission electric power train, great aerodynamics and a lightweight, high-strength steel space frame. Volvo could not compromise on safety for 3CC thus it developed unique 'Volvo safety ride down concept' to absorb collision forces in a frontal impact by controlling forward motion of occupants.
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