[zzzippers]

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Finally M3 to debut in Geneva

Images: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48045

"The BMW M3 has been on car nuts’ short wish list since the first-generation M3 debuted in 1988. Over the course of three generations, the M3 grew from that four-cylinder glorified go-kart into a stunningly capable GT car. But the formula remained constant: Combine the relatively small, compact 3-series body with a race-derived engine and maintain class-leading handling. The fourth-generation M3, shown here undisguised in advance of its debut in Geneva next month, doesn’t stray from the proven formula. Unlike the second- and third-generation M3s, which had inline-sixes, the 2008 M3 will have a high-revving, naturally aspirated V-8. The 4.0-liter engine is based on the 5.0-liter V-10 from the current M5, but minus two cylinders (and the corresponding liter of displacement). With direct injection and variable valve timing, we expect it to produce approximately 410 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The all-aluminum engine will weigh about the same as the outgoing M3’s aluminum-and-iron inline-six, so the 2008 M3 won’t weigh much more than the outgoing car—about 3500 pounds. To the relief of enthusiasts everywhere, a conventional six-speed manual transmission will be standard. A seven-speed sequential manual likely will be offered later for video-game junkies and other masochists. The M3’s V-8 will produce about as much torque as the turbocharged inline-six in the 335i, but it will be fully a third more powerful. We’ve posted 4.8-to-4.9-second 0-to-60-mph times in the 335i, and we expect the M3 to do that sprint in less than 4.5 seconds. Top speed, as with most performance BMWs, will be limited to 155 mph.

The car debuting at the Geneva auto show is a so-called concept, but the only thing conceptual about it is likely to be the color. The aggressive front and rear styling, the centrally mounted quad exhausts, the 19-inch wheels, the power-domed hood, the flared fenders (vented in front), and the oval mirrors will carry over unchanged to the production 2008 M3. The coupe seen here will be the first M3 to appear in showrooms this fall, and we expect a price of about $55,000. Later, look for a convertible with a carbon-fiber retractable hardtop, a sedan, a wagon, and a lightweight coupe. The latter two likely won’t be sold in the U.S., but we haven’t given up hope yet. Whatever the body style, we’re dying to get our hands on one."


http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...08-bmw-m3.html

[shadowcoder]

Wanna give us a working link?

[Griff330Ci]

Originally Posted by shadowcoder

Wanna give us a working link?

The article is on the website he linked to, as well as a photo gallery.

[teknochild]

i knew that was going to be the spec, but i was hoping for something more

[sflgator]

Originally Posted by zzzippers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally M3 to debut in Geneva

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...08-bmw-m3.html

"The BMW M3 has been on car nuts’ short wish list since the first-generation M3 debuted in 1988. Over the course of three generations, the M3 grew from that four-cylinder glorified go-kart into a stunningly capable GT car. But the formula remained constant: Combine the relatively small, compact 3-series body with a race-derived engine and maintain class-leading handling. The fourth-generation M3, shown here undisguised in advance of its debut in Geneva next month, doesn’t stray from the proven formula. Unlike the second- and third-generation M3s, which had inline-sixes, the 2008 M3 will have a high-revving, naturally aspirated V-8. The 4.0-liter engine is based on the 5.0-liter V-10 from the current M5, but minus two cylinders (and the corresponding liter of displacement). With direct injection and variable valve timing, we expect it to produce approximately 410 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The all-aluminum engine will weigh about the same as the outgoing M3’s aluminum-and-iron inline-six, so the 2008 M3 won’t weigh much more than the outgoing car—about 3500 pounds. To the relief of enthusiasts everywhere, a conventional six-speed manual transmission will be standard. A seven-speed sequential manual likely will be offered later for video-game junkies and other masochists. The M3’s V-8 will produce about as much torque as the turbocharged inline-six in the 335i, but it will be fully a third more powerful. We’ve posted 4.8-to-4.9-second 0-to-60-mph times in the 335i, and we expect the M3 to do that sprint in less than 4.5 seconds. Top speed, as with most performance BMWs, will be limited to 155 mph.

The car debuting at the Geneva auto show is a so-called concept, but the only thing conceptual about it is likely to be the color. The aggressive front and rear styling, the centrally mounted quad exhausts, the 19-inch wheels, the power-domed hood, the flared fenders (vented in front), and the oval mirrors will carry over unchanged to the production 2008 M3. The coupe seen here will be the first M3 to appear in showrooms this fall, and we expect a price of about $55,000. Later, look for a convertible with a carbon-fiber retractable hardtop, a sedan, a wagon, and a lightweight coupe. The latter two likely won’t be sold in the U.S., but we haven’t given up hope yet. Whatever the body style, we’re dying to get our hands on one."

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...08-bmw-m3.html

Referring to the statement in bold...NOT if you're comparing it to a PROCede-equipped 335i!!! In this case, the PROcede-equipped 335i will have almost as much HP and way, way more TQ than the '08 M3...I for one would be very interested in seeing these 2 cars go head-to-head. :rocks: In any event, the '08 M3 will certainly be a BEAST (an expensive beast, but a real beast nonetheless)!

[shadowcoder]

I'm getting my blank cheque ready for the sedan. Just waiting for news that
it will make it to the US

[chubbs979]

Yeah, I don't think it is going to worth it to buy the new M3 from those photos. It doesn't look that impressive at all.

[Zeiss]

Something tells me we all wont be disappointed. I cant wait.

[findtom]

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...08-bmw-m3.html

[Zeiss]

price of about $55,000

You're kidding me right?

[Norsk]

It's almost laughable how useless or misleading car magazines have become when it comes to previews or actually having any info from manufacturers.

Those photos are CGIs; nothing new in the specs + they are probably off on the torque claim.

[Jaws]

The article says that it's coming in wagon form as well....

[zzzippers]

In two weeks.....Lets hope it will really debuts in Geneva. Cant wait for the official specs and pixs.

Hum.... If the m3 debuts in Geneva... I wonder how long it will take until we could see those m3 on the streets.... October? November?

[Jaws]

Originally Posted by BNR32

You're kidding me right?

Why? Figure about $80k CAD.

[STE92VE]

I'll probably get by the sedan lovers, but I think the coupe-like grill and headlights on those M3 sedan pics are a big improvement over the current sedan.

[Zeiss]

Originally Posted by Jaws

Why? Figure about $80k CAD.

55,000USD is around 65,000CND. If its going to start at 80k, thats a complete rippoff Might as well purchase it in usa.

[mkoesel]

The all-aluminum engine will weigh about the same as the outgoing M3’s aluminum-and-iron inline-six, so the 2008 M3 won’t weigh much more than the outgoing car—about 3500 pounds.

Kind of meaningless comparison though, since the outgoing M3 was obviously based on a completely different platform. The real question is how will the weight of the V8 will compare to the weight of the N54.

Later, look for a convertible with a carbon-fiber retractable hardtop...

I wonder if this is real or just a fabrication based on someone's fantasy? This would easily sell me on a E93 M3 vs. E93 335i if it were true. Well, if it really did translate into significant weight savings, that is.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by chubbs979

Yeah, I don't think it is going to worth it to buy the new M3 from those photos. It doesn't look that impressive at all.

I felt the same way about the spy-pics for the outgoing-gen M3... completely unimpressed... that there wasn't much distinguishing it from its 3 series coupe counterpart. Once i saw it on the road though, my mind was changed.

From what i've seen so far of the spy pics, i'm more impressed, relatively speaking, with the spy pics for the e91 M3 than i was with those of the outgoing gen M3.

i think when you see it on the road is you'll wish you had put yourself on the waitlist for one.

and if it does end up doing 0-60 in 4.5......... wow.

[scottwww]

Maybe I just expected too much.

• The kidney grills look too narrow.
• The quad exhaust pipes look too close together.
• The vents in the front fenders don't look good. (I hope there is a performance benefit for their being there, like reduced drag.)
• The sharks mouth in front sucks.
• The flared fenders are good.
• The side-skirts are alright. (From what I have seen of kits for the 335i and photo-shops that have been out there I didn't expect to like them.)
• The side mirrors are a lot better than a recent spy photo had shown.
• In silver and in red I don't care for the look of the hump on the hood. (Yes, you have to make room for the V8. Maybe they could have done better styling than that. If it were functional, then a scoop would look better.)
• I don't really care for the rear spoiler. It's alright if it is purely for function.
• The interior looked good.There must be better pictures than this for a first look.
• The wheels in the picture below look great!

The true story will be how it drives.

Of the pictures in the article, this is the only one that I really liked:
http://www.caranddriver.com/gallery....toshows&cnt=13

[Jonmartin]

it really doesn't impress me to be honest.. sad to say oh well at least i'll have waaaaaaaaaay more power in my 335 by then lol...

[BMW F22]

looks nice. Elegant yet powerful.
It's insane that a 335 has the almost the same amount of torque. Put Procede in it and whoa!!!

[teknochild]

Originally Posted by sflgator

Referring to the statement in bold...NOT if you're comparing it to a PROCede-equipped 335i!!! In this case, the PROcede-equipped 335i will have almost as much HP and way, way more TQ than the '08 M3...I for one would be very interested in seeing these 2 cars go head-to-head. :rocks: In any event, the '08 M3 will certainly be a BEAST (an expensive beast, but a real beast nonetheless)!

thats exactly what i was thinking, the only thing it has going for it is its high revving