New Porky M3 V8

[aiboart]

It is only mid sized and has only two doors, it has no spare wheel, it has a boot, not a heavy hatchback, it has a carbon fibre roof, it is RWD not AWD, its suspension was designed to cope with asphalt not aussie dirt roads... it is a focused sports coupe ...and,

it still weighs in at 1655 kg!

O.K. Sounds like the state of the art weight reduction here.... or cost cutting or something...

Also note the old sequential joke gearbox is gone... probably too many whiplash claims...

I want to see if it has a sunroof option to go with that carbon roof.

Link to new 2007 M3 V8 article

BMW reveals quickest M3 yet

Jez Spinks, drive.com.au, 05/04/07

Official photos confirm fourth-generation 3-Series flagship is identical to Geneva concept – and BMW says it's the quickest M3 yet. JEZ SPINKS reports.

2007 BMW M3

BMW has released pictures and more details of the fourth-generation M3, confirming it looks identical to the concept car shown at last month's Geneva motor show.

The new 3-Series flagship model is still expected to make its public debut at September's Frankfurt motor show, but the first official images show the production car will, as expected, include the M3 Concept's carbonfibre-reinforced plastic roof and 'power dome' bonnet that includes two air vents.

A carbonfibre-reinforced roof was used by BMW on the CSL version of the outgoing M3, as well as the current M6, and it helps to reduce weight and lower the car's centre of gravity - which can contribute to improved performance and handling.

Quad exhaust pipes, side air vents, flared wheel-arches and deep front spoiler are traditional M-car features that distinguish the M3 from the next most powerful 3-Series, the twin-turbo 335i. The back of the new M3, however, also features an unusual, honeycombe-style rear grille. 18-inch wheels are standard.

Under the aluminium bonnet sits the first V8 to power an M3, delivering 309kW at a sky-high 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3900rpm. The 4.0-litre engine is derived from the V10 used in BMW's M5 and M6, and exactly matches the power output of the rival Audi RS4.

The six-speed manual gearbox is the only transmission confirmed so far, but BMW has reportedly said there will be no SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) option. It would be an unexpected move by Munich considering the popularity of the paddleshift-style system in some markets, but perhaps suggests the car maker is closer than expected to introducing a double-clutch gearbox.

The M3 has again increased in size, gaining 123mm in length (now 4615mm), 37mm in width (1817mm) and 25mm in height (1418). A bigger footprint is also achieved through a 30mm-longer wheelbase (now 2761mm) and wider front and rear tracks – up 30mm and 14mm respectively to 1538mm and 1539mm.

Dimension increases, an enhanced equipment list and crash-protection improvements all combine to bulk-up the new M3 by 130kg (to 1655kg) over its predecessor, but it's still quicker from standstill.

BMW's claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.8 seconds makes it the quickest M3 yet. The time is one-tenth and four-tenths quicker than the current, six-cylinder M3 CSL and M3 respectively. Top speed is an electronically limited 250km/h.

When not accelerating, BMW's new Brake Energy Regeneration system stores engine power under braking or on a trailing throttle to charge the car's battery when required. It means the V8 can be both more efficient and effective when accelerating.

An optional MDrive button allows drivers to change a number of variables, which include selecting between three suspension settings (Normal, Comfort and Sports), three engine-mapping settings to change the V8's response and behaviour, and two power-steering settings (Normal and Sports).

The new M3 is based on the 3-Series Coupe, but BMW says only the two doors, bootlid, windows, headlights and rear lights are carried over.

Unlike the previous M3, the new model will also be available as a four-door sedan, while an M3 Convertible (with folding metal roof) and Touring (wagon) will create an even broader choice for buyers.

The new M3's interior features a sportier, thickly rimmed steering wheel than in other Three models, with 'M' badges placed subtly on the wheel, instrument panel and manual gearlever.

BMW Australia says the fourth-generation M3 will launch locally at the end of the year. Expect it to be priced somewhere between the $164,500 RS4 sedan and the third-generation M3 that started at $140,000.

Edited 06/04/07 05:28 AM by aiboart

[Dagabond]

I'd still give my left AND right nut to own one.

[EZ2CME]

I'm with Dags I would love to be able to afford one too

[plj 59]

I'm with Dags I would love to be able to afford one too

if you could afford it you probably wouldn,t buy it

[nang3]

I'd give up both nuts and a few inches and my 1st born for one !!!!!!!

I love the M series cars, they are just classy muscle the whole way

[Flukey]

I'll take one

[mbjunior99]

I've always liked the M3's, even better now they are V8

[Evil F6]

if you could afford it you probably wouldn,t buy it

Sorry, this is a another poor engine for the road by BMW. Just like the V10 it's derived from in the M5, it's a rev monster with almost no real world torque.

Audi RS4 is better looking, has more torque across the board, 4wd and still weighs less and revs as high.

The BMW that is the real sleeper is the 335i twin-turbo; 100kg lighter, the same torque at a very low boost and the potential for much bigger numbers. the factory will release a higher power version now the new M3 has moved above 300kW. expect 250kW and 450Nm maybe next year.

[aiboart]

Sorry, this is a another poor engine for the road by BMW. Just like the V10 it's derived from in the M5, it's a rev monster with almost no real world torque.

Audi RS4 is better looking, has more torque across the board, 4wd and still weighs less and revs as high.

The BMW that is the real sleeper is the 335i twin-turbo; 100kg lighter, the same torque at a very low boost and the potential for much bigger numbers. the factory will release a higher power version now the new M3 has moved above 300kW. expect 250kW and 450Nm maybe next year.

The 335i is a cool car.

Low boost turbos used to fill in and thence augment what would otherwise be the torque hole in a straight six multivalve vvt engine driving through the rear wheels - usually through an auto box.

As a real passanger road car it will almost certainly outshine the V8 M3.

I think I may have heard a similar story before somewhere...

The rev limit of the 335i is 7500rpm++. Not sure of the capability of the turbos though. If the turbos can keep up the flow at those revs and they decide to let the machine off the software leash this will be an exceedingly potent as well as a very drivable engine some day.

Regards,

aa

[YPURV4]

The bulge looks crap, but apart from that it looks nice