M3 press release. (UK)

[BHJB]

Here is a summary:
"
• Fourth generation of the BMW M3, absolutely unique high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH with stand-alone design and technology, developed on the basis of the BMW 3 Series Coupé.

• Unique character and dynamic driving characteristics ensuring a leading position in this market segment, unique power-to-weight ratio thanks to intelligent lightweight engineering: 3.8 kg/hp.

• First road-going version of the BMW M3 with an eight-cylinder power unit, brand-new V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp at 8,300 rpm, maximum torque 400 Newton-metres/ 295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm, maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm, optimum torque and thrust throughout the entire speed range.

• Individual throttle butterflies, double-VANOS variable camshaft control, Brake Energy Regeneration, engine 15 kg/33 lb lighter than the six-cylinder on the former model.

• Acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph), average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle 12.4 litres/100 kilometres equal to 22.8 mpg imp.

• Manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-related oil cooling, double-plate clutch optimised for mass inertia.

• MDrive setting and retrieving the driver’s specific configuration of the engine control map, suspension and DSC management, as well as the Servotronic control map as an additional option.

• Brand-new chassis featuring specific, weight-optimised components and axle kinematics typical of BMW M for a highly dynamic driving experience, forged aluminium track control arms, compound high-performance brakes, optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) with three freely selectable control maps.

• First production car in its segment with a carbon-fibre roof, carbon-fibre reducing the weight of the car and enhancing its agility by lowering the car’s centre of gravity, carbon-fibre roof as a clear, highly visual sign of exclusivity and motorsport.

• Lightweight components developed specifically for the new BMW M3: bumper supports front and rear, lightweight through-loading between the luggage compartment and rear seat area.

• Authentic BMW M design highlighting the athletic look and stance of the car, aluminium engine compartment lid with its striking powerdome as a clear sign of supreme power and performance, characteristic front end with extra-large air intakes, powerfully flared wheel arches.

• Intake “gills” in the front side panels, M-specific side sills highlighting the car’s rear-wheel drive, discreet spoiler look reducing lift forces on the rear axle, roof in visible carbon-fibre, dual tailpipes typical of BMW M.

• High-quality, lavishly appointed interior offering a wide range of options for customisation, innovative colour and materials concept, four seats, BMW individual High-End audio system tailored to the car as an option, model-specific paint and equipment variants underlining the exclusivity of the new BMW M3. " According to Autospies.com
http://www.autospies.com/news/The-Full-Scoop-on-The-BMW-M3-17311/
At the bottom of the page, there is link to the 17 pages UK press release.
Cheers.
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[XMN]

Thank you Brudda!!

[BHJB]

After posting, I started my stopwatch to see how long it will take you to respond; 5min not bad....... :rollhappy:

[XMN]

Well for 4min and 50 secs I was just staring and drooling. I had to slap myself back conscious.

Sorry for the delay.

[BHJB]

By the way, here is the new competition: (Still according to autospies.com)

The first official shots of Mercedes’ new high-performance C63 AMG saloon have been released showcasing Stuttgart’s new sledgehammer sedan that’s set to compete with the upcoming BMW M3 and Audi’s RS4.

Sporting the familiar hand-built 6.2L AMG V8 engine, the C63 churns out 450hp, down on the 507hp in the E63 sedan but still a significant leap in performance over its rival’s offerings. Max torque is a very healthy 600Nm, with more than 500Nm from 2,000 all the way up to 6,250rpm. Expect a 0 to 100km/h time of 4.5 seconds and an electronically controlled 250km/h top speed.

Differences over the regular C-class include the 3.5cm wider body, a new bonnet, AMG labeled trim and 18in wheels as standard with optional 19in alloys to house the 360mm front brake discs.

[attachment=4:7bb2e]merc_c63_amg01.jpg[/attachment:7bb2e][attachment=3:7bb2e]merc_c63_amg02.jpg[/attachment:7bb2e][attachment=2:7bb2e]merc_c63_amg03.jpg[/attachment:7bb2e][attachment=1:7bb2e]Picture-1.jpg[/attachment:7bb2e][attachment=0:7bb2e]Picture-2.jpg[/attachment:7bb2e]

I'm personally not a big fan of AMG.

[Richard in NC]

I want one!!

[BHJB]

You're not the only one; my dealer's first year allocation is sold out and the waiting list keeps getting longer and longer.
I decided to wait for the first couple of years since first year production M3s are notorious for being a :headache: ....

Hummph. A C-class fer cryin' out loud! (Mercedes' 3er competitor.)

The last great AMG model was the non-forced induction CL55 (2002 I think). The 2002 CL55 AMG was (and still is) the greatest Mercedes-Benz ever made. After that it was all downhill. If you can get a pristine 2002 CL55 AMG, say in Midnight Blue with with Java leather and chestnut wood, you've got the absoilute best of the best (for MBZ). In my humble, unbiased opinion.

[BHR4CE1]

Hummph. A C-class fer cryin' out loud! (Mercedes' 3er competitor.)

The last great AMG model was the non-forced induction CL55 (2002 I think). The 2002 CL55 AMG was (and still is) the greatest Mercedes-Benz ever made. After that it was all downhill. If you can get a pristine 2002 CL55 AMG, say in Midnight Blue with with Java leather and chestnut wood, you've got the absoilute best of the best (for MBZ). In my humble, unbiased opinion.


That is such great advice, Mister Malibu. And would you know, per chance where one might be able to purchase such a vehicle?

Is BMW loosing the war?

New M3 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 secs, C63 AMG in 4.5 secs.
M3's V8 at 309kW & 400Nm, C63 at 336kW & 600Nm.

In a straight line, the M3 has no chance up against the C63 AMG.

Is BMW loosing the war?

New M3 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 secs, C63 AMG in 4.5 secs.
M3's V8 at 309kW & 400Nm, C63 at 336kW & 600Nm.

In a straight line, the M3 has no chance up against the C63 AMG.
Yes, but except for the Nullabor Plain most places don't have straight lines of traffic lanes.

Is BMW loosing the war?

New M3 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 secs, C63 AMG in 4.5 secs.
M3's V8 at 309kW & 400Nm, C63 at 336kW & 600Nm.

In a straight line, the M3 has no chance up against the C63 AMG.
Yes, but except for the Nullabor Plain most places don't have straight lines of traffic lanes.

Of course, I don't even use anywhere near the 270kW of power in my humble 650i. The fastest I have driven it is not even over 120km/h (~ 75 to 80 miles/h). :old:

One Mercedes-Benz salesman said to me, when I was enquiring about the SL65 AMG monster, he said "Oh, you're actually looking for a car with power reserves ... ". :grin:

[cobradav]

Is BMW loosing the war?

New M3 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 secs, C63 AMG in 4.5 secs.
M3's V8 at 309kW & 400Nm, C63 at 336kW & 600Nm.

In a straight line, the M3 has no chance up against the C63 AMG.
Never have compared MB claims against Mags but I do know BMW is very, VERY conservative and most rags beat them by 0.3 sec on their 0-60 times. They never want even a poor driver not get what they claim.

I am also in the wait camp. Want at least to see one full year out to see how it shakes out.

Has anybody seen a reference to HUD on this car? Never mentioned in any press I've seen.