new M3 Concept Coupe -- Large PICS and Observations

[ase2dais]

Un freakingbelievable! no amount of Xede can top this!

[Woms]

Originally Posted by Steved

But that's my point. It does sound different because of the CF. I realise you may never have actually driven one, but the characteristic sound was clear. And such a sound would be too uncivilised for a regular daily driver.

The spec of the car driven on stage showed a mixture of elements from both CSL and M3, but for those of us who have CSL orders in play it showed that the CSL may not be as far away as we thought.

I know exactly what you mean Steve, there are certain characteristics that sound very similar to the CSL's CF box. As to whether it is or not, I'm unsure.

I'm also not convinced it's the CSL concept as opposed to the standard M3. Obviously it has the CF roof, alcantara steering wheel, and CSL wheels with Cup rubber, but it also has what look likely to be the standard M3 seats and general interior minus the CF bits. I very much hope the new CSL comes with seats which will take a harness. Who knows, maybe a cage too.

In any case,it looks to me like a bit of a mix, hence the concept stage. Some details will stay, like the Powerdome and side gills and some will not. The wheels will not stay and no doubt a few new wheel designs will make it into production. I'm guessing they are undecided at present, hence the use of old wheels.

As a note, and for those of you unfamiliar with the CSL, don't forget it too had a stereo and aircon.

[monsta]

I am completely speechless I'm in love forget about all the negative stuff right now its just perfect & I'll take it as is...

[Olek]

She is cool. Interesting, are her headlights will be looking same? I've changed lights three times already.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...highlight=Olek

[Romo]

IMO;

1 Outside mirrors

2 Powerdome, way too big

3 Vent holes in the hood, overdone

Conclusion; The M3 definatly left its previous lowe profile, that was what I liked best off it in the past, this car has to much a profile 2 fast 2 furious.................I `m verry sorry too say so............

Now this is a concept, so lets keep hope a live........................

ps; I miss the M3 logo at the back................................

[lyndon_h]

Originally Posted by nickthaskater

Especially considering this is more than likely a different style than the E46's, and not to mention he'd have to pick up on it over the V8's revving as well. I know that different materials will resonate differently, but in this case, I think the overall design of the thing will play a larger factor in the sound difference. There are carbon intakes out there on the market that advertise sounds 'only a minimal change in engine sound', so once again, I think it's design over materials here.

It's reportedly around 3,500 lbs.

If they are able to shave 75lbs from the coupe and add a v8, I'll be impressed.

[phrozen06]

I like everything except the wheels. But it's just a concept. But I'll looking forward to driving that V8.

[Evan@Creative]

I think I'm in love. With the exception of a few details here and there, I love the overall concept. These pics just changed my mind about my next car. I'm going to forget getting a 996 now.

[herbz]

I'm in love with that car. Some people just need to get with the times. Also, I don't believe this will be any heavier than a 335i. In fact, possibly even lighter depending on what kind of materials they use. If Chevrolet can engineer the Z06, I think BMW can engineer something just as impressive. We know no details yet so worrying about weight is not an issue yet, but I think BMW knows that the M3 is going to have to be significantly faster than a 335i at all speeds, even with PROcede. Weight will be the deciding factor, though. I'm more optimistic than alot of people, however.

I'm also an E30 owner, so I know where the heart and sole of this car have come from. Bangle was initially shocking, but it's really not as bad as many make it out to be. I think the new M3 is just pure sex, lookswise. Just my opinion. Rims and a drop and that thing will be untouchable.

[Woms]

Interestingly the CF weave looks quite different to that on the CSL. Just an observation.

[Barat]

Am I the only one that thinks it looks ricey? with the bonnet and the hood air dams? Plus both bumpers lack agressivness...I can surely say i'm dispointed, and don't tell me u have to get used to it cause I NEVER had to get used to the e46 M3. let's hope the powertrain won't disapoint, btw the sound of that engine seemed sick during the presentation (and that's through the internet on the other side of the planet.

just my .02

[M3_Defector]

Not impressed at all! Someone already stated it..E46 for life. Whats up with steering wheel? Looks like something from MTV's "Pimp my Ride" No Recaro racing seats? How about some racing pedals? Is the interior completed? Looks to subdued.

I am glad that I made the decision not to wait!

Disappointed M3 Driver

[devo]

Originally Posted by spacedogg

Actually, I don't mean to step on any toes here, but I do believe different materials will resonate sound differently.

For example, if you talk to any accoustics person, they will tell you wood resonates differently from metal or ceramic. If you look at Grado headphones for example, they use wood on their top of the line product, aluminum on the mid-level and plastic on their entry level products. Some audio companies, such as Sennheiser, use CF because of the lightness and strength as well as the accoustical properties.

For another basic example from home-theatre design you can not deny that a carpeted room will sound differently from a same size and shaped room that has ceramic tile. Music played in a room with ceramic tile will generally sound harsher, whereas the carpeted room will sound softer. You cannot deny that materials do affect the accoustic properties of sound.

Of course, how much of a difference CF makes compared to a airbox made of plastic? I do not know. I doubt BMW selected CF because of its acoustic properties. But it may be a side benefit. And it might be marginal for all we know.

However, since we have not all owned a CF airbox, maybe we should just respect steved's own opinion.

However in short: It is possible that get different sounds from different materials.

In short...no kidding; different materials can make different sounds. I, too, don't mean to be offensive, but we're talking about air being sucked through an intake, not some musical symphony. (Although, that engine will be symphony to my ears, but that's another story.) Sorry, but you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between air being sucked through CF or some other form of cheap plastic and/or composite.

Again, no offense, but I guess your statement-whether voiced through CF or any other material- just plain sounds "hokey".

[Pourky]

I have to agree with the front bumper. The ends of the front look like wtf??? It looks like the car went too fast over a speed bump and ripped some of the front bumper off.

Well if they don't change it can someone please get a hold of some companies to make a M5/M6 Front Bumper Replica (The one P-shopped M3 which has the similar M5/M6 look...when I get home from work I'll post that picture up for you)

Does anybody agree with changing the front more closer to the other M's?

[ase2dais]

i think everything about it is perfect!

[ase2dais]

com'on e46 guys, lets live with it... this is our future. and for me a very long future


Kaching!!!!!!!!

[BMW3R]

Very nice!

[ILC32]

Originally Posted by M3_Defector

Someone already stated it..E46 for life.

I have an E46 M3 and it is a fantastic car. But the Concept looks great, and it brings the M3 look up to date.

The E46 M3 is a classic, no question, but I think the only M3 so far that looks as good now as it did when it was on sale is the E30.

[JustAMirage]

I was all hyped up for this debut, because like every other member of the male species the M3 is one of my dream cars. The photoshops got me all excited.

And then...this. I am pretty disappointed. Everything about the car looks great, except for the bulge in the hood and those damn side mirrors. What the hell were they thinking?

They could have done the bulge by sloping it more gently, the way it looks right now they might as well have put a WRX hood scoop there. As for the mirrors, there isn't really anything they can do to fix that. The mirrors are the real deal breaker for me. Which is a shame because I think the rest of the car looks great--spoilers, black window trim, side and hood vents, even the wheels.

Time to save up for that 997. Or maybe someone will come out with some aftermarket mirrors.

[enigma]

I would be completly shocked if those end up being the standard tires on the M3. For street driving they last 4-6k miles max. They are hella fun when warmed up and on a race track though.

[ILC32]

It is me or is the cf weave on the dash different than on the shifter bezel? The shifter bezel looks much "richer" than the dash cf.

[Snowkone]

O M G!

That is going to be the new hotness when it comes out...

Time to make my E92 to look like that!