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BMW claims innovations in both cars and engines

BMW is claiming that the two vehicles making their "world debuts" at NAIAS in Detroit are both first examples of a new class of vehicle.

The X6 is being marketed as the world's first "sports activity coupé", a cross between a sporting coupé and the X series. It is being built at the group's US base at Spartanburg.

The X6 (shown below) sees the introduction of what BMW is calling "Dynamic Performance Control" which is an active power distribution system varying power output between front and rear axles and varying torque and drive power between the right and left rear wheels to improve traction and dynamics.

It also has a V8 engine with turbocharging fitted in the V between the two ranks of cylinders, which BMW says is also a world first.

Also in Detroit BMW has unveiled the 1-Series convertible, with two models for the US market, the 135i and the 128i.

BMW is also part of a continued onslaught by the German-owned car majors on the US resistance to diesel engines for passenger cars. It is showing its AdvancedDiesel 3-litre straight-six engine, which has variable twin turbo technology, develops 265hp and has an onxidation catalyst, a particulates filter, and a NOx selective catalytic reduction system. The engine is available in the X5 and the 335.