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F30 335i Sedan voted 'The sportiest car of 2013'

8K views 19 replies 10 participants last post by  vern 
#1 · (Edited)
BMW F30 335i sportiest car of 2013

The readers of the specialist German magazine "Sport Auto" have named three current BMW models as "The sportiest cars of 2013", expressing their preference for pure driving pleasure. In the diesel category, the BMW M550d xDrive was voted into first place again, continuing the trend it set the previous year. Two more first-in-class awards were won by the BMW 335i Sedan and the BMW 335i Coupe. This hat trick, the triple triumph in the current readers' vote, builds on the excellent results regularly achieved by BMW over a number of years in this definitive, long-established ballot. The "Sport Auto" Awards 2013 will be presented on 12th June 2013 at the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart.

BMW is pleased to have achieved a first place in the category of "Sedans costing under 50,000 Euros". For the first time, the new BMW 335i Sedan was voted number one. However, this year's success is really just the continuation of an established tradition, as the predecessor model had already been voted the sportiest car in its class three times in a row in previous years. Similarly, the class entitled "Coupes costing under 50,000 Euros" was also clearly dominated by BMW. With this year's vote, the BMW 335i Coupe has now been named top of its class by "Sport Auto" readers for the third time in a row. The major similarity between these two habitual winners and their decisive success factor is the inline six-cylinder engine equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The 225 kW, 306 hp power unit has all of the characteristic virtues of the other six-cylinder BMW engines - a crisp, spontaneous response, superior high-revving characteristics and awesome running refinement - all of which are exhibited in a particularly efficient manner. An unparalleled balance between driving pleasure and fuel economy is achieved by combining a turbocharger working on the twin-scroll principle, with the High Precision Fuel Injection System and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve control.

BMW F10 M550d

With the world's most powerful six-cylinder diesel engine under the bonnet, the BMW M550d xDrive confidently lined up at this year's "Sport Auto" Awards to defend its title. With its three-stage turbo-charging and common-rail direct injection, the 3.0 litre engine develops a maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp and delivers a maximum torque of 740 newton meters. The specific chassis technology and aerodynamic balance, matched with typical M precision to the performance characteristics of the engine, crown the first-class sportiness of the most powerful diesel member of the BMW 5 Series. These attributes are shared by the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and the BMW M550d xDrive Touring. These two models provide a sporty, exhilarating ride while never losing sight of their commitment to contemporary standards, achieving an average fuel consumption of 6.2 and 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres respectively, as determined by the EU test cycle.

The annual poll to determine the "sportiest cars" was carried out for the first time in 1980. This year, around 15,300 readers participated in the ballot. They were asked to name their favorite cars in 15 categories of production vehicles and in a further 10 classes for tuned vehicles, from a total of 230 current models.
 
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#2 ·
That's because they never drove 328i ...

:D
 
#11 ·
I wouldn't say superior, more specifically the 2.0T models have very similar engines. Both made the "Wards" best engines list and both produce nearly identical DYNO numbers. The OEM tunning is a little better on the N20 but unlike the ATS it does require premium fuel. The manual transmission is the culprit here being criticized for its gearing and being a bit notchy. It is certainly an issue but not a deal breaker. Given BMW's and GM's history with turbo engines I think I would prefer the GM unit over the long run.
I have not read a single comparison of both 4s that did not mention preference for the N20. Call that what ever you choose. BMW has the superior drive train.
 
#12 · (Edited)
I have not read a single comparison of both 4s that did not mention preference for the N20. Call that what ever you choose. BMW has the superior drive train.
While the transmission/engine combo is without a doubt better in the 328 in the case of the turbo fours, the N20 by itself is hardly superior.

"More than that, the chassis feels more responsive, firmer, tauter. The Caddy's engine feels punchier mid-range, and while the engine note isn't what you'd call melodic, it's a little louder and rawer. If the BMW is the Beatles, the Cadillac is the Rolling Stones. There's that much more aggression and drive to the ATS; that uncompromised driving experience that sadly no longer exists in the 3 Series"

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...cadillac_ats_turbo/viewall.html#ixzz2WDCJdMFO

"Where the car still falls short is the powertrain. Don't get me wrong -- the 2.0 turbo I4 is the engine to have in the ATS, vastly better in this car than the 3.6-liter V6. The transmission is still flabby, though, even in so-called sport mode; I prefer this engine to the turbo BMW I4, but the Caddy's gearbox just can't compete with the BMW's eight-speed automatic.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130531/carreviews/130539988#ixzz2WDD4N8oR
Follow us: @AutoweekUSA on Twitter | AutoweekUSA on Facebook

"It turns out these two modern turbo 2.0L DI fours are quite similar. The BMW ekes out a smidge more peak torque and holds its power better at high revs, but the general character is essentially interchangeable among the two engines. Neither are particularly rev-happy things, but there's solid meat in both torque curves where it's suitable for everyday driving."

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/track-tests/dyno-tested-2013-cadillac-ats.html
 
#6 ·
The award score (for those keeping track):

328i - 26

335i - 1

You keep going, you little 335i. At this rate, you'll have 6 victories under your belt by the time BMW retires you in 2015 as the 320i's volume renders you needless.

BJ
Source regarding this?
 
#15 ·
Yikes, magazine races!

Just something to think about: for 6 years the star of BMW's 3-series was an n54/n55 engine or otherwise a six cylinder engine. It carried that weight over the front axle with a long inline six.

Now BMW puts a 4-cyl in and everyone says the 4-cyl is lighter weight and carries the weight better. But my question is really, inline six vs. inline six do you actually feel the f30 inline six carries it's weight WORSE than the star-reviewed e90 and previous models.
 
#17 ·
I think it's a muddled answer due to the handling/chassis tuning. The E90 even with out sports pack felt more buttoned down than the F30. So now, the added weight of the N55 seems to pay a penalty that the E90 never paid with either engine. Magazines were quoted as saying the suspension on the F30 335 does not account for the N55 and that the N20 does not display those issues in the same way.
 
#18 ·
335i :thumbup:
 
#20 ·
+1:thumbup:
cheers
vern
 
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