BMW celebrates Andy Priaulx being crowned FIA World Touring Car Champion with a new touring car based 3-series. The latest vehicle linked to the Motorsport arm of Munich motors, badged as a 320si, features an uprated engine that creates an extra 23bhp over the standard 2-litre unit. It has styling cues from the
2006 3-series M Sport model including sports seats, sports suspension and 18-inch touring car style wheels.
Andy Priaulx becomes the first British FIA world champion since Damon Hill won the F1 title in 1996. Priaulx became champion by beating Dirk Muller (in another BMW) in to second with Fabrizio Giovanardi in an Alfa finishing third. Having won every official touring car championship in the world in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it is not surprising that BMW wants to capitalise on its motorsport pedigree and extend the current 3-series range.
Although the 320si has exterior and interior features that make it stand out from the crowd, the finer details are hidden under the bonnet. A carbon fibre cylinder head cover is the first clue to an engine that has been extensively modified when compared to the
stock 320i. The bore has been increased and the stroke shortened, shifting the peak power further up the rev range and leading to an increase in power output. To aid with aspiration, both the inlet and exhaust valves have been increased in size to make use of the larger bore size. Compression ratio has also been increased from 10.5 to 11.0; ensuring full use has been made of that extra airflow. BMW’s patented VALVETRONIC induction system has been dropped in favour of a more conventional throttle, improving air handling at the higher engine speeds. This ultimately leads to an engine that will love to rev and is reflected in the 320si producing its peak power at 7000rpm and red lining at 7300rpm. These modifications contribute to the 320si’s vital statistics: 0-62mph in a respectable 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 140mph.
If the 320si captures your interest, you will have to be quick because only 500 of a limited run of 2,600 will be arriving in the UK. Production will begin in March 2006 with the first customers taking delivery in April. Prices are unconfirmed but are expected to be approximately £24,975.
Paul Wilkinson - 12 Dec 2005