Autoblog reviews the 2011 BMW 335is
Chris Paukert over at Autoblog spent some time behind the wheel of the 2011 BMW 335is, the latest high-performance 3 Series coming out of the Munich factory and only available exclusively for the U.S. market.
Since most of the technical information are well known by now, we will take a moment to focus on the driving experience, as reported by Autoblog:
“More important than raw numbers is the way the 335is feels and behaves, and in this regard, we’ve only whetted our appetites with a limited amount of laps at Estoril with both the DCT and manual (these prototypes were sadly not plated for street use). Even given our limited time and closed course conditions, we can tell you that we like what we see so far.
The 3 Series has always had exemplary balance, and the 335is is no exception, only now it has significantly more power to lunge from the apexes. Out on the circuit, the surplus torque offered by the temporary overboost function allows one to gloss over most track virgin mistakes – braking too early (or too late), or taking a bad line through a corner, and even if you get it spot-on, you’ll get there that much more rapidly thanks to the extra power.
We’re pleased to report that the DCT seems particularly well-suited to the 3 Series’ character, and it’s similarly fine work on the track, being quicker than the (still excellent) tripedalist setup, especially as it allows for both hands on the wheel at all times.
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/01/31/autob ... bmw-335is/