BMW has announced two high-performance diesel cars

By Simon B. Tremblay

BMW Group Canada has announced that two high-performance diesel models will be sold in Canada in the fall of 2008. The BMW 335d and X5 xDrive35d will be premiered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month, and will introduce BMW's new Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine. The engine features variable twin turbo technology and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) combustion management system with urea injection.

The 3.0-litre will produce a maximum output of 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. Preliminary performance features using U.S. specifications for the 335d indicate acceleration of zero to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 10.2 L/100 km in city and 7.2 L/100 km in highway driving. This represents an advantage of 35.3 and 26.9 per cent, respectively, over the gasoline-powered BMW 335i, which accelerates from zero to 100/km in 5.7 seconds.

The X5 xDrive35d indicates a zero to 100 km/h acceleration of 7.2 seconds, a full second faster than the X5 3.0si gasoline engine; its rating of 12.4 L/100 km in city and 9.4 L/100 km on the highway is 26.7 and 19.0 per cent better, respectively, over the gasoline engine. Canadian versions of the two vehicles are expected to achieve similar performance and fuel economy ratings as the U.S. counterparts.

The SCR technology ensures full compliance with Canadian emissions standards, as well as those of California and other U.S. states.