Very few cars are as anticipated as the next M3 and now, it has arrived. The M3 concept seen in Geneva is virtually identical to the production model. Under that buldging hood, the M3 features an all-new 4.0L V8 that develops 420hp at 8,400 rpm and 295 lb/ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. It can be mated to an available new dual-clutch DSG-style transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Weight is always the enemy of any sports car, so BMW created a V8 powerplant that weighs 15 kg (33 lb) less that the outgoing inline-6. This engine, like the previous one, features individual throttle butterflies and double-VANOS variable valve timing.
BMW calculates that the new M3 will accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. This basically puts it in a dead heat with the Audi RS4. The all-new suspension is made entirely of aluminum.
Competition for the M3 has never been fiercer. With the arrival of the RS4, Lexus IS-F and the soon-to-be-released C63 AMG, the M3 has to be fast. The trick to the M3's performance is its lightweight RWD setup and a number of carbon-fibre body panels.
photo:BMW
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Weight is always the enemy of any sports car, so BMW created a V8 powerplant that weighs 15 kg (33 lb) less that the outgoing inline-6. This engine, like the previous one, features individual throttle butterflies and double-VANOS variable valve timing.
BMW calculates that the new M3 will accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. This basically puts it in a dead heat with the Audi RS4. The all-new suspension is made entirely of aluminum.
Competition for the M3 has never been fiercer. With the arrival of the RS4, Lexus IS-F and the soon-to-be-released C63 AMG, the M3 has to be fast. The trick to the M3's performance is its lightweight RWD setup and a number of carbon-fibre body panels.
photo:BMW
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