Following the success of the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), BMW decided to expanded its X-family with the launch of the dynamic and versatile BMW X3 SAV at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September of 2003.
The new BMW X3 combines the outstanding agility of a BMW road car with the wide range of practical features offered by a Sports Activity Vehicle. The X3 is BMW’s first mid-sized SAV.
The X3 utilizes both classic and innovative BMW X design features with balanced characteristic proportions. Shoreline Motoring looked to Hamann Motorsport to add a more youthful look to the SAV. The Hamann Motorsport Aero Package for the X3 SAV includes a Front Bumper, Side Steps, Rear Bumper, Roof Spoiler and Widebody Fenders.
The Front Bumper features an enlarged center opening, and Twin Ellipsoid Lighting. The Side steps which have been color matched to the body of the car allow for a flowing line between the Hamann Wide Fenders and Front and Rear bumpers. To assist in the down force generation of this SAV Hamann has also created a Roof Spoiler extension that adds on to the OEM spoiler.
Included with the X3 is BMW’s patented xDrive intelligent four-wheel-drive system. xDrive has set a new benchmark in agility for all-wheel-drive systems. xDrive works by instantly changing torque distribution – nominally 35% front, 65% rear – from front to rear axles for substantial improvements in stability, driving pleasure and safety.
To counter act the body roll that plagues any SUV Shoreline installed the H&R Sport Springs. H&R’s sport springs offer the handling characteristics and aggressive appearance that Shoreline was looking for and provide more control than that of the OEM springs. They also have been engineered for the street making them comfortable enough for daily use.
As a result, the X3 is able to feed optimum torque to the respective axle at any time during dynamic cornering, significantly minimizing both under- and over steer in the process, adding a major safety factor to the performance of the car.
To get more contact to the ground Shoreline decided to go with a set of 20×9.0 and 20 x 10.5 inch Hamann Anniversary wheels. The Anniversary wheel is an 18 spoke 1peice wheel with a multi piece look. The center is finished in a sterling silver with an Ultra High Polished Lip. Rolling stock is provided by Michelin’s Pilot Sport 2 in a 245/35/20 and 285/30/20.
It was decided that an exhaust system was required to better compliment the X3’s 3.0 Liter 225 Horse Power motor. Shoreline chose Hamann Motorsport’s Duel Exhaust system was chosen for superior fit and appearance. It is constructed of Stainless Steel and has a duel 76mm Tip.
If its one thing that this X3 proves is that even with all the technological marvels that BMW has incorporated into their designs-there is plenty more room to grow.
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