Announced: BMW M3 CRT Lightweight Sedan with 450hp @ 3,483 Pounds!

[aajami]

Originally Posted by hlmiii

M personnel. The more even front - back weight distribution, slightly different chassis and less rear overhang are the reasons cited.

FWIW - I've driven otherwise equivalent versions of the sedan vs. coupe. The sedan feels more secure and tighter. It's not huge but it's detectable, even off track.

Sedan vs. coupe arguments aside, I don't see how the CRT can overcome the 175 pound disadvantage it has on the GTS. They both share the same engine, brakes, and most of the suspension components, and yet the GTS is is nearly two bills lighter and has a chassis that compromises less than the CRT. And the one published lap time of both cars by Autobild has the GTS coming in around a second and a half faster than the CRT on the same track.

Just sayin'

[igirl]

Some more...

[SamS]

Great pics thanks for sharing. How does it drive??

[hlmiii]

Looks like the description of the paint from M people in Germany and US is correct - it is quite unique and beautiful. Thanks.

Did you see #67, by any chance?

[SamAW]

man i love that interior!

[mkoesel]

Those seats are simply amazing. I'll take a set in blue.

[aajami]

Looks great, igirl. Do you know if that's the same exhaust used on the GTS?

[hlmiii]

Originally Posted by aajami

Looks great, igirl. Do you know if that's the same exhaust used on the GTS?

Yes, it is the same exhaust.

Same engine, same DCT and same suspension (except for obvious coupe vs. sedan configuration).
Software for drivetrain is slightly updated from GTS.

And similar, if not same, part delay, supposedly.

[the///Mthree]

Originally Posted by aajami

Sedan vs. coupe arguments aside, I don't see how the CRT can overcome the 175 pound disadvantage it has on the GTS. They both share the same engine, brakes, and most of the suspension components, and yet the GTS is is nearly two bills lighter and has a chassis that compromises less than the CRT. And the one published lap time of both cars by Autobild has the GTS coming in around a second and a half faster than the CRT on the same track.

Just sayin'

There is also the difference in structural rigidity(roll cage), different tire sizes (GTS has 255/285), as well as R compounds, The splitter and wing.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by hlmiii

Yes, it is the same exhaust.

Same engine, same DCT and same suspension (except for obvious coupe vs. sedan configuration).
Software for drivetrain is slightly updated from GTS.

And similar, if not same, part delay, supposedly.

Is the DCT any different than the one used on regular E9XMs?

[hlmiii]

Originally Posted by aajami

Is the DCT any different than the one used on regular E9XMs?

The hardware is the same. The software is tuned differently for quicker shifts.

[hlmiii]

Originally Posted by the///Mthree

There is also the difference in structural rigidity(roll cage), different tire sizes (GTS has 255/285), as well as R compounds, The splitter and wing.

I've never heard a definitive answer. Again - it's probably the slightly different chassis/wheelbase and less rear overhang. In high-stress situations everything matters.

There is a longer distance between A pillar and B pillar support in the coupe. The vertical support is more evenly positioned and anchored in the sedan. That should also have some effect.

[the///Mthree]

Originally Posted by hlmiii

I've never heard a definitive answer. Again - it's probably the slightly different chassis/wheelbase and less rear overhang. In high-stress situations everything matters.

There is a longer distance between A pillar and B pillar support in the coupe. The vertical support is more evenly positioned and anchored in the sedan. That should also have some effect.

If your talking about whether the coupe or sedan is more rigid in regular trim...It is the sedan. I visited BMWNA and talked to some very knowledgeable people and although the difference is slight, there is a difference.

[hlmiii]

[FrenchBoy]

Congrats igirl. I hope I get a chance to see it next time I am in Paris!

Enjoy.

[the///Mthree]

Originally Posted by hlmiii

FWIW - I've driven otherwise equivalent versions of the sedan vs. coupe. The sedan feels more secure and tighter. It's not huge but it's detectable, even off track.

Also I would say what your saying is 99.9 percent the difference in seating position.

I had a Sedan for 2 years and currently have a coupe.

[hlmiii]

Interesting thought that hadn't occurred to me.

[igirl]

If someone wants to translate my "french"...


Petit CR rapide car l'auto est encore en rodage (1 900 km de rodage, 170 km/h max, 5 500 tr/mn max).
Apparemment, le moteur est "bridé" pendant cette période de rodage (dixit le vendeur).

J'ai parcouru 600 km à ce jour.

Positif :
- entre le V8 porté à 450 ch et les échappements spécifiques, le son est juste hallucinant ! J'ai l'impression que le ressenti est décuplé à l'intérieur de l'auto par rapport à l'extérieur (on sent même des vibrations sous le siège !). S'élancer en 1ère puis en 2nd suffisent à comprendre que l'on n'est pas dans une M3 ordinaire...
- la couleur (peinture grise mate) est magnifique. J'avais peur du rendu, et je n'étais pas le seul... Mais tout le monde est unanime !
- le châssis a l'air d'avoir été réglé aux petits oignons... L'auto est impressionnante de stabilité et d'efficacité en courbe rapide ! A confirmer sur circuit (mi mars)
- les sièges sont top, tant au niveau du design que de l'assise... Et les passagers arrières se régalent tout autant !!

Négatif :
- les amortisseurs sont réglables en compression et détente... Il faut que je teste différents réglages car, actuellement, la moindre irrégularité sur la route se fait fortement ressentir !
- impossible d'être discret avec cette auto : non pas au niveau esthétique extérieur (quoi que...), mais on vous entend arriver de loin, et les freins se font parfois également entendre (plaquettes de compétition ?).

Bilan :
pour le moment, plutôt positif !
La magie de la M3 E90 est préservée, voire décuplée. On a vraiment l'impression de conduire / piloter une auto d'exception (mention spéciale au volant en alcantara et au feeling de direction : jouissif !).
Je ne regrette rien mais j'attends la fin du rodage et une sortie circuit pour vous faire un CR complet.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by igirl

If someone wants to translate my "french"...


Petit CR rapide car l'auto est encore en rodage (1 900 km de rodage, 170 km/h max, 5 500 tr/mn max).
Apparemment, le moteur est "bridé" pendant cette période de rodage (dixit le vendeur).

J'ai parcouru 600 km Ã* ce jour.

Positif :
- entre le V8 porté Ã* 450 ch et les échappements spécifiques, le son est juste hallucinant ! J'ai l'impression que le ressenti est décuplé Ã* l'intérieur de l'auto par rapport Ã* l'extérieur (on sent même des vibrations sous le siège !). S'élancer en 1ère puis en 2nd suffisent Ã* comprendre que l'on n'est pas dans une M3 ordinaire...
- la couleur (peinture grise mate) est magnifique. J'avais peur du rendu, et je n'étais pas le seul... Mais tout le monde est unanime !
- le châssis a l'air d'avoir été réglé aux petits oignons... L'auto est impressionnante de stabilité et d'efficacité en courbe rapide ! A confirmer sur circuit (mi mars)
- les sièges sont top, tant au niveau du design que de l'assise... Et les passagers arrières se régalent tout autant !!

Négatif :
- les amortisseurs sont réglables en compression et détente... Il faut que je teste différents réglages car, actuellement, la moindre irrégularité sur la route se fait fortement ressentir !
- impossible d'être discret avec cette auto : non pas au niveau esthétique extérieur (quoi que...), mais on vous entend arriver de loin, et les freins se font parfois également entendre (plaquettes de compétition ?).

Bilan :
pour le moment, plutôt positif !
La magie de la M3 E90 est préservée, voire décuplée. On a vraiment l'impression de conduire / piloter une auto d'exception (mention spéciale au volant en alcantara et au feeling de direction : jouissif !).
Je ne regrette rien mais j'attends la fin du rodage et une sortie circuit pour vous faire un CR complet.

The gist of it is that you're a lucky SOB that we're all jealous of. Now send your lip to Nate@IND so the rest of us can pretend we're half as lucky as you are.

[33CV]

Love it fantastic! As if the e90m weren't rare enough in France already...I will listen for the sound echoing through the streets!


Quick translation of igirl's review:



Quick review since the car is still under break in period (1,900km break in, 170km/h max speed, 5,500 revs max). Apparently the engine is limited during this period, according to the sales guy.

I have driven 600km up to now.

Positives:
-Between the engine with 450hp and the custom exhaust, the sound is incredible. I have the impression that it's more noticeable inside than outside (you can feel vibrations under the seat!).
Getting going in 1st or 2nd gear you can already tell that it's not a normal M3.
-The color (matte grey paint) is magnificent. I was afraid of how it might come out, and I wasn't the only one, but everybody thinks it's great.
-The chassis seems to have been custom tuned...the car has impressive stability even on fast curves. To be confirmed on the track in mid March.
-The seats are great, both in design and seating position. And the rear passengers love them too.

Negatives:
-The shocks can be adjusted for shock and rebound, I have to try out different settings since right now the smallest imperfection in the road is felt.
-it's impossible to be discreet in this car. Even if the exterior mostly is, you can hear it coming from far away and the brakes are even sometimes audible
(competition pads?)

Overall:
-For the time being, mostly positive.
-The magic of the e90 m3 is preserved, even augmented. You really have the impression that it's a special car (especially the alcantara steering wheel and the steering feel!)
-I don't regret anything but I'll wait for the break in period to be over before giving you a full review.

Originally Posted by igirl

If someone wants to translate my "french"...


Petit CR rapide car l'auto est encore en rodage (1 900 km de rodage, 170 km/h max, 5 500 tr/mn max).
Apparemment, le moteur est "bridé" pendant cette période de rodage (dixit le vendeur).

J'ai parcouru 600 km à ce jour.

Positif :
- entre le V8 porté à 450 ch et les échappements spécifiques, le son est juste hallucinant ! J'ai l'impression que le ressenti est décuplé à l'intérieur de l'auto par rapport à l'extérieur (on sent même des vibrations sous le siège !). S'élancer en 1ère puis en 2nd suffisent à comprendre que l'on n'est pas dans une M3 ordinaire...
- la couleur (peinture grise mate) est magnifique. J'avais peur du rendu, et je n'étais pas le seul... Mais tout le monde est unanime !
- le châssis a l'air d'avoir été réglé aux petits oignons... L'auto est impressionnante de stabilité et d'efficacité en courbe rapide ! A confirmer sur circuit (mi mars)
- les sièges sont top, tant au niveau du design que de l'assise... Et les passagers arrières se régalent tout autant !!

Négatif :
- les amortisseurs sont réglables en compression et détente... Il faut que je teste différents réglages car, actuellement, la moindre irrégularité sur la route se fait fortement ressentir !
- impossible d'être discret avec cette auto : non pas au niveau esthétique extérieur (quoi que...), mais on vous entend arriver de loin, et les freins se font parfois également entendre (plaquettes de compétition ?).

Bilan :
pour le moment, plutôt positif !
La magie de la M3 E90 est préservée, voire décuplée. On a vraiment l'impression de conduire / piloter une auto d'exception (mention spéciale au volant en alcantara et au feeling de direction : jouissif !).
Je ne regrette rien mais j'attends la fin du rodage et une sortie circuit pour vous faire un CR complet.

[hlmiii]

I have driven 600km up to now.

"Between the engine with 450hp and the custom exhaust ... mostly positive."
Even this moderate initial reaction confirms M's enthusiasm for this project.

"Getting going in 1st or 2nd gear you can already tell that it's not a normal M3."
This is something I'm most interested in. Personnel comments describe a huge difference in low/bottom torque, much better than stock. Hard to believe the seemingly small engine upgrade has such a significant effect. Nice.

"The color (matte grey paint) is magnificent."
Again - this tracks comments exactly. Evidently in person the car is stunning, and not like the other frozen colors.

"The chassis seems to have been custom tuned"
It definitely is. Both hardware and software were specifically reviewed and reworked/upgraded for this specific package.

"To be confirmed on the track in mid March."
Very envious of this. It will be a longer wait for others, I am sure ...

"The seats are great, both in design and seating position. And the rear passengers love them too."
They look even better in person? That is the reaction.

"it's impossible to be discreet in this car."
I can't see this as a negative in any way!

"The magic of the e90 m3 is preserved, even augmented. You really have the impression that it's a special car (especially the alcantara steering wheel and the steering feel!)"
Confirms M's position that this car is their best effort. Something unique.

"I have driven 600km up to now."
You've got some work to do. Hurry!!!

Congratulations.

[the infamous...]

Originally Posted by igirl

Some more...

congrats!