Quote:
Originally Posted by aerisolphaln
Good data, but I think your initial assumption is off base.
The new M3 will NOT perfectly split the M and the M5. The M3 will be much closer to the M than the M5 unless BMW unveil a COMPLETELY different car than the Concept M3 we've seen so far.
I think to warrant a base price of 66K USD for an M3, BMW would have to have performance characteristics that are WAY out of range for their current line of cars. The 335i does 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and the M5/M6 does that run in 4.2. Who is rightly going to pay 66K base with NO options for an M car that does 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and goes around the Ring in over 8:10?
If BMW does release this car at 66K, meaning reasonably optioned at 74K MINIMUM, I think they will miss about 70-80% of the target audience for the M3. People will buy a 911 that may be a fraction slower but turns heads the way NO BMW can.
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Totally agree with you regarding the 911. Also consider that by the time that the E92 M3 comes out -and very likely much sooner- the facelifted 911 will churn out about 20 addtional HP bringing it to 375 HP and torque numbers likely a tick over 300 for a car that will weigh in at roughly 300+ lbs less. Even with the facelift, a 911S can be had for a few grand discount bringing the HP and price disparity much closer. BMW better be very careful.
A well optioned 911S for roughly $90k minus a $5K discount ($85) v. a $68-$70k M3. Figure roughly 8.53 power to weight for the P car and 8.33 for the M.
I better get to my Porsche dealer!