[bryan@mwerks]

No surprises here. V8, wide fenders, carbon roof. Sounded great! Here are some pics.

[spudw]

Reaction on other fora is pretty negative. IMO the 3 coupe in general has become a used bar of soap. The lines are to soft and the rear-end in particular is uninspired - especially the taillights.

The E90 M3 is far from hideous, but it tries to make aggressive a design that has started off soft. People will buy it and love it, but the E46 CSL M3 is the car that people will talk about in 20 years, not this one.

[BForbes]

I agree with spudwest. I mean i like it, but the E46 will remain the real legend. I hope this baby puts down some serious magic. But really, we never know. Maybe this will REALLY grow on us.

[bryan@mwerks]

Originally Posted by onehots2k

I agree with spudwest. I mean i like it, but the E46 will remain the real legend. I hope this baby puts down some serious magic. But really, we never know. Maybe this will REALLY grow on us.

I would just suggest you wait until you've seen it in person. The pictures weren't doing it for me either, but standing next to it (especially when it's running) you gain a different perspective. Yeah, the E46 CSL will definitely be a clasic in 20 years, but I think the E92 M3 will be earn a lot of respect.

[spudw]

You're probably right, Bryan. The design evolution BMW has undertaken over last few years, I think has tended to settle in better than would have been expected, even with 5-series and 7-series facelifts. I guess BMW fanatics are particularly sensitive about the 3-series because it so embodies what we have come to love about BMW. But the 3-series is about to be replaced in that respect by the 1-series. The 1er will become the quintessential BMW driving experience (for 4-seat models, anyway) and the 3-series will continue to increase in prestige, price and luxury at the expense of an intimate and invigorating driving experience. Also, as it stands, a new 3-series is barely in reach for me, and I would assume the majority of enthusiasts.