BMW has announced that their new M3 sports coupe will be powered by the first-ever V8 for the model.
Performance reigns supreme for the new four-litre mill which starts life in the same plant that builds the German automakers F1 engines. It revs to 8300 RPM while delivering 420 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque. The new powerplant employs variable cam phasing, cylinder-specific throttle butterflys, and dual oil-pumps to ensure proper lubrication even while exceeding a full lateral G in cornering. It's also ighter than the inline 6 it replaces by some 33 pounds (15 kg).
Many cutting edge features are used, including a clever alternator that disengages itself as needed to preserve power and fuel. The spark plugs have the double duty of acting as in-cylinder ion sensors to more accurately diagnose knock or misfire, and even the exhaust manifold is unique- molded both inside and out for optimal flow.
Listen closely, and you can hear Audi's temper boiling. With the new 420 horsepower engine, the M3 will move from an Audi S4 fighter to a serious problem for the RS4- Audi's more extreme performance model.
photo:BMW
Performance reigns supreme for the new four-litre mill which starts life in the same plant that builds the German automakers F1 engines. It revs to 8300 RPM while delivering 420 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque. The new powerplant employs variable cam phasing, cylinder-specific throttle butterflys, and dual oil-pumps to ensure proper lubrication even while exceeding a full lateral G in cornering. It's also ighter than the inline 6 it replaces by some 33 pounds (15 kg).
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Many cutting edge features are used, including a clever alternator that disengages itself as needed to preserve power and fuel. The spark plugs have the double duty of acting as in-cylinder ion sensors to more accurately diagnose knock or misfire, and even the exhaust manifold is unique- molded both inside and out for optimal flow.
Listen closely, and you can hear Audi's temper boiling. With the new 420 horsepower engine, the M3 will move from an Audi S4 fighter to a serious problem for the RS4- Audi's more extreme performance model.
photo:BMW