What is it?

The all-new BMW 335is models are the sportiest iterations of the reskinned 2011 3-series coupe and convertible. These high-content versions of the highly successful 335i models are powered by a more muscular version of BMW’s award-winning twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six. The reworked N54 engine develops 320 hp at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 rpm to 5,000 rpm, with an overboost mode that hikes twisting force to 370 lb-ft for up to seven seconds at full tilt. A six-speed manual is standard, and BMW’s seven-speed double automated clutch (DCT) gearbox, with launch control, is optional, a first for the 3-series.

The 335is will be sold exclusively in the United States and Canada. The sound from its new sport exhaust system goes from a rich burble at low revs to an irresistible howl at full song, but this system would be illegal in Europe because it is too loud. Both 335is versions are further distinguished from their milder 335i counterparts by a more sculpted front fascia that sports black grilles, and a new rear fascia with a wide, functional diffuser. The coupe also gets large air intakes that feed an upgraded cooling system. Standard on the335is are goodies such as the M Sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, sport seats and aluminum pedals.

bmw 335is

How’s it drive?

On the famed Estoril racetrack in Portugal, we drove three fast laps in a 335is equipped with the DCT gearbox and just as many in a sister car with the six-speed manual. Both cars displayed the exceptional agility and poise of the 3-series coupe, even on a damp surface and even when we stretched the rules by switching traction control and stability systems off entirely. Amazing balance and that wail–what a treat! There is a touch of well-damped and tempered body roll in hard cornering, and the 335is coupe does feel higher-perched than an M3, but this bodes well for driving on real-life roads in return.

Do I want it?

No question. With a base price of $50,525 for the coupe and $59,075 for the convertible (destination included), the 335is is roughly $10,000 less expensive than the equivalent M3 versions. It was developed for North American drivers who will take their car on a track and enjoy doing it with more than a modicum of style and comfort, in BMW’s signature sporting manner. Not as ferocious as the M3 but thoroughly sweet and competent.

More Power.

The BMW 335is is powered by BMW`s widely-acclaimed twin-turbocharged inline-6, which displaces 3.0-liters and features all-aluminum construction. This engine further benefits from BMW`s High Precision direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS stepless valve timing, and advanced Digital Motor Electronics (DME) engine control system. The engine employs special DME software, contributing to an increased output of 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Through the use of temporary overboost in certain circumstances, the engine will produce up to 370 lb-ft of torque (horsepower remains 320) for even better performance during overtaking and other high-speed maneuvers.

The increased power and torque naturally place higher loads on the engine componentry, so a number of items including the cooling system of the 335is have been upgraded accordingly. An additional radiator has been added, along with a more powerful electric engine cooling fan. The front fascia of each model has been shaped with large openings to allow improved air flow to the radiators, and special emphasis was placed on the 335is Coupé`s higher probability of seeing race track duty. As a result, the 335is Coupé has traded the Convertible`s foglights for the largest possible air openings, which help result in a substantial increase of effective cooling capacity. These measures were taken specifically to ensure that the 335is will provide constant, reliable power under even the harshest driving circumstances. Engine mounts have also been replaced with stiffer units to help minimize deflection under very high G-loads.

bmw 335is

Performance and Specifications.

The 335is Coupé performs 0-100 km/h runs in 5.3 seconds with the optional 7-speed DCT and 5.4 seconds with the manual 6-speed. The 335is Convertible, meanwhile, requires only 5.5 seconds for the 0-100 km/h run whether equipped with the 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed DCT. Maximum rated horsepower of 320 is achieved at 5900 rpm, and peak torque output of 332 lb-ft is achieved from 1500 – 5000 rpm. Temporary peak torque of 370 lb-ft is available under special high-load circumstances, such as when overtaking at higher speeds. The drag coefficient (Cd) is 0.30 for the 335is Coupé and 0.31 for the 335is Convertible. The vented brake rotors are the same sizes as on the standard 335i Coupé and Convertible, measuring 13.7″ front and 13.2″ rear.

Sensational Sounds.

Appropriately, the BMW 335is Coupé and Convertible have been fitted with a new sport exhaust system to enhance the sound and responsiveness of each model. Without being intrusive, the character of the free-flowing exhaust system has been specially tuned to focus on the low frequency “rumble” sounds that are most enjoyed with the windows (or the Convertible`s retractable hard top) lowered. The system is designed to minimize the restriction of exhaust gas flow, which is always important for a turbocharged powerplant.

Unique Exterior and Inteior Design Features.

The new BMW 335is models are based on the latest BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible, which have themselves each been enhanced for the 2011 model year. Of those updates, the 335is models retain the new high-depth LED tail lights, new xenon adaptive headlights with LED-lighted corona rings, and the new hood which integrates with the freshened BMW kidney grille. Above and beyond those changes, the 335is will receive new M Sport upgrades which include comprehensive M aerodynamic enhancements, high-gloss shadowline exterior trim, wing mirror caps in high gloss black, kidney grille surrounds in high gloss black, and standard 18″ light alloy wheels in ferric grey color. 19″ M alloy wheels are optional. Exclusive “335is” badges adorn each side panel and the rear of the trunklid.

The front and rear fascias have been carefully sculpted to provide the best air management benefits, along with a healthy dose of sporting style. Starting at the front, the new air dam of the 335is Coupé is equipped with large openings meant to feed as much air as possible to the upgraded cooling system. Horizontal black planes are placed within each opening to properly guide the air into the ducts. On the 335is Convertible, front foglights are retained in place of the black horizontal guide planes. As with any M aerodynamic component, the air dams accomplish the further mission of reducing or negating lift at high speeds.

bmw 335is coupe and convertible

At rear, the form-follows-function design philosophy continues with a new rear diffuser intended to properly manage the high-velocity air flow exiting from underneath the vehicle. As the most aggressive ever fitted to a BMW 3 Series, the body-color rear diffuser features a black inset portion with vertical strakes that help maintain air velocity, reduce pressure, and therefore help prevent “lift” over the rear axle.

Inside, the M Sport upgrades continue with an M Sport steering wheel, M door sills, M driver`s footrest, M gearshift knob (only with manual transmission), sport seats, anthracite headliner and high-quality stainless steel sport pedals. The instrument cluster features dark grey dials with a “335is” badge on the tachometer face. The aluminum glacier silver dark trim also features an exclusive “335is” badge on the standard aluminum glacier silver dark trim passenger side.

Canadian fuel efficiency figures will be available closer to the on-sale date for each model and are expected to closely follow the figures of the standard 335i Coupé and Convertible, respectively.

[source:autoweek.com,craveonline.com,youtube.com]