 BMW M3 concept |
BMW unveiled the new M3 at the Geneva show -- and details about Munich's new bahn-stormer are starting to emerge.
It's powered by a V8 engine, based on the V10 from the BMW M5 / M6, with about 400 hp -- or maybe more. That much we know.
Autocar this week adds more information, including the fact that the motor will drive through an optional seven-speed sequential manual gearbox -- to the rear wheels of course -- and that weight will be shed via the deployment of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic panels and aluminium suspension components.
Despite that, it's likely to weigh more than its predecessor at around 1,600Kg. However, the extra beef makes up for it, so performance is expected to remain pretty much on par at 4.9 seconds for the dash to 62mph and an electronically limited 155mph Vmax.
In terms of design, there are three large air intakes below the cooling grille that supply the engine with additional intake and cooling air while the aluminium bonnet sports a power bulge and air vents.
A new front spoiler and bumper design mean the vehicle is longer than the standard 3 Series and the flared front wheel arches just contain the forged 19-inch Y-spoke design light alloy rims pushed out to a wider track.
The gills behind the wheel arch act as outlets for hot air from the engine, and accompany the deeper side skirts, and the new mirrors are designed to minimise drag. The rear includes a spoiler lip on the boot lid that adds downforce while a diffuser helps keep things on the ground. It's flanked by the classic quad tailpipes.
Eventually the model line-up will include a tin-top, a hardtop cabriolet and a Touring.
The price of the base model's likely to be around £46,000 -- before you start ticking boxes on that long, long options list.
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