Lightweight M3 Concept Prototype Spied Testing

[datbimmerdoe]

jes preez

[AMPowerJ]

BMW should let one of us do these designs. I guarantee it would turn out better.

[henryyxyu]

Probably just me but I think it might have different doors? Or it could just be a cosmetic difference, but the door pillars on this special edition look like theyre matte black. Last time I checked the door pillars on my E90 were gloss...

[3s-a-charm]

Originally Posted by Crazy Bimmer

Now we all have proof that Interlagos is the lightest.

...only with the paint flecks deleted!

[Richbot]

Less front lift paired with the Performance rear spoiler might actually make a difference without slowing the car down, and so far I don't see anything on this prototype that can't be installed on an E92. If the E92 really is lighter than the E90 on a body-in-white basis, it seems kinda dumb to release a limited edition in a sedan body considering the take rate. Either way dropping 120+lbs from this chassis is child's play. Some 20lb seats and the Performance exhaust and you're there...

Still, I'd rock one. Or at least maybe buy the parts that make one. Bet they don't bring it here

[CarForHire]

Originally Posted by PKL

CF roof aside, why would the "Lightweight" model have a moonroof!?!????

+1

[White Shark]

Originally Posted by jonasaurus

i personally like the lip and spoiler and would happily plonk both on my car

+1

[PrimeBMW]

I would like a coupe.
150-250 pounds lighter. (E46 CSL was 240lb. lighter)
15 to 20 hp bump.
Performance exhaust
Light weight or no rear seats.
Slightly lower suspension than the ZCP
I do like the new brakes.
I do like the new light weight seats.
I do like the functional front splitter and rear spoiler
price: not even close to the 911 GT3 and hopefully a bit below the Nissan GTR

The real test of this car will be the Nurburgring time.

???? 2011 M3 LW/CSL
7:48 2010 M3 GTS
7:50 2003 M3 CSL
8:05 2008 M3 (6mt)

Thoughts?

[duk]

dont like that blue

[OverDrive]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The color on the Concept is Interlagos Blue with the metallic flake removed.

In terms of models like this and the 1M Coupe early prototypes would be constructed using old Press-fleet cars to test what needed to be tested in otherwords drivetrain etc and specific parts.

These cars will end up like other BMW's and head for the crusher when it's use has been fulfilled.

You should read (or post) the entire document , BMW showcased regarding it's Lightweight construction applications as it shows how BMW have moved to re-engineer a selection of parts to be more lightweight and practical for mass-volume production.

The E90 M3 is the car that will showcase what is available now, it is a car which is entirely feasible by today's lightweight standards.
Because the Coupe will be available to early 2013, there will be something similar later , both cars are "progress" this is the 1st gen. and then the Coupe will be 2nd Gen. Both of these cars will become available for ltd production.

The Material Technology car will be a showcase of what is feasible in the future although it will not make production.

[jaehshim]

Originally Posted by cuban335i

that m3 has the regular m3 brake calipers though..

i would like a new, different brake system on M3 (especially if this version M3 carries along), but at the same time i ask the quesiton...."why does it need a bigger,improved bbk when this OEM brake system is just superb?"

In fact, didn't all those official tests and numbers prove that M3's OEM brake system is better than bbks on IS-F, RS4, and C63 AMG?

[Tonifyd]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The color on the Concept is Interlagos Blue with the metallic flake removed.

In terms of models like this and the 1M Coupe early prototypes would be constructed using old Press-fleet cars to test what needed to be tested in otherwords drivetrain etc and specific parts.

These cars will end up like other BMW's and head for the crusher when it's use has been fulfilled.

You should read (or post) the entire document , BMW showcased regarding it's Lightweight construction applications as it shows how BMW have moved to re-engineer a selection of parts to be more lightweight and practical for mass-volume production.

The E90 M3 is the car that will showcase what is available now, it is a car which is entirely feasible by today's lightweight standards.
Because the Coupe will be available to early 2013, there will be something similar later , both cars are "progress" this is the 1st gen. and then the Coupe will be 2nd Gen. Both of these cars will become available for ltd production.

The Material Technology car will be a showcase of what is feasible in the future although it will not make production.

Does this mean there will be another lightweight version around 2013?
That would be great. I'll just trade in the one I have on order now around then. That way I can enjoy the current fully loaded e90, then enjoy a CSL type E92

[Uli_HH]

The simple answer, why they take the sedan for their LightWeightConcept, comes from SCOTT ... because the E90 Production Run ends late this year ... the coupe would get the same next year when its Production ends.

But be sure, if they also fits this car with carbon doors, the sedan would be as light as ( if not lighter than ) an same style coupe. And also if both cars only have the same weight the sedan would be faster on track because of his more rigid chassis.

So there is NO reason why the sedan couldn´t be an real CSL - Concept Sport Light

Uli_HH

[Tonifyd]

is there any factual proof that the sedan actually has a more rigid chasis?

[1cleanm6]

So disappointing ...

M3 comes with an aluminum hood which is lite as hell, the seats must cost a shit load, and the wheels are still heavy.

BMW must think us m3 owners are idiots.

[jaehshim]

Originally Posted by Tonifyd

is there any factual proof that the sedan actually has a more rigid chasis?

don't know about rigid chassis, but at lease sedan has better weight distribution (slightly)

51.9/48.1 (coupe) vs 50.7/49.3 (Sedan)
E90 with no sunroof would be the best chassis for an E9x M3 in my opinion

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Tonifyd

is there any factual proof that the sedan actually has a more rigid chasis?

As far as I know, the coupe chassis is more rigid. I've never seen it verified in official BMW press material but it was mentioned by Edmunds in their reviews of the 335i back when it debuted.

Here's a link to some discussion about it, but the link to the edmunds review no longer works, unfortunately:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49240

[aajami]

Originally Posted by PrimeBMW

The real test of this car will be the Nurburgring time.

???? 2011 M3 LW/CSL
7:48 2010 M3 GTS
7:50 2003 M3 CSL
8:05 2008 M3 (6mt)

Thoughts?

Here's the real kicker. If this thing is the basis for the E90 CSL (or SSL in this case) and BMW has stated that it slots in below the GTS, then it has to be faster than the E46 CSL but slower than the E92 GTS in order to please all parties. So the car is going to magically circle the Ring in 7:49?

[JB135MDCT]

Wow, I can't believe how light it looks. Sign me up.

[PrimeBMW]

Originally Posted by aajami

Here's the real kicker. If this thing is the basis for the E90 CSL (or SSL in this case) and BMW has stated that it slots in below the GTS, then it has to be faster than the E46 CSL but slower than the E92 GTS in order to please all parties. So the car is going to magically circle the Ring in 7:49?

They are between a rock and a hard place. In theory this lightweight could, if BMW chooses, weigh less than the GTS (minus roll bar and plus light weight panels). Unfortunately they will be forced to keep reported times slower than the GTS. I think all M3 times are dependent on tire selection. The E46 M3 CSL was on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. I would think all other M3 times would improve with this tire but how much I don't know. Any track guys care to guess how much Cup tires would make on the Ring?

[mkoesel]

E92 M3 6MT Hockingheim time was done with Cup+ which are available OEM in Germany. E90 M3 ZCP DCT Hockinheim was on PS2, and was just a tenth slower than the E92, meaning DCT+ZCP basically offset the tires. Thus, tires are signifcant. I think official M3 Nordschleife time was on Cup+ too, IIRC.

Originally Posted by PrimeBMW

I think all M3 times are dependent on tire selection. The E46 M3 CSL was on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. I would think all other M3 times would improve with this tire but how much I don't know. Any track guys care to guess how much Cup tires would make on the Ring?

[Ken37.73]

There are miles nicer E90s on here. Personally I wouldn't care how much lighter (and face it, if they save 50kg that will be it) it is as long as it looks horrible I'll hate it.

Why oh why oh why can't they just make an E92 CSL with the same mods and style as the E46 CSL. Job would be done. Oh and add to that AP Racing brakes.