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02-20-2007, 09:54 PM | #1 |
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M3 photoshops, debut in Geneva!
Finally M3 to debut in Geneva
images: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48045 "The BMW M3 has been on car nuts’ short wish list since the first-generation M3 debuted in 1988. Over the course of three generations, the M3 grew from that four-cylinder glorified go-kart into a stunningly capable GT car. But the formula remained constant: Combine the relatively small, compact 3-series body with a race-derived engine and maintain class-leading handling. The fourth-generation M3, shown here undisguised in advance of its debut in Geneva next month, doesn’t stray from the proven formula. Unlike the second- and third-generation M3s, which had inline-sixes, the 2008 M3 will have a high-revving, naturally aspirated V-8. The 4.0-liter engine is based on the 5.0-liter V-10 from the current M5, but minus two cylinders (and the corresponding liter of displacement). With direct injection and variable valve timing, we expect it to produce approximately 410 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The all-aluminum engine will weigh about the same as the outgoing M3’s aluminum-and-iron inline-six, so the 2008 M3 won’t weigh much more than the outgoing car—about 3500 pounds. To the relief of enthusiasts everywhere, a conventional six-speed manual transmission will be standard. A seven-speed sequential manual likely will be offered later for video-game junkies and other masochists. The M3’s V-8 will produce about as much torque as the turbocharged inline-six in the 335i, but it will be fully a third more powerful. We’ve posted 4.8-to-4.9-second 0-to-60-mph times in the 335i, and we expect the M3 to do that sprint in less than 4.5 seconds. Top speed, as with most performance BMWs, will be limited to 155 mph. The car debuting at the Geneva auto show is a so-called concept, but the only thing conceptual about it is likely to be the color. The aggressive front and rear styling, the centrally mounted quad exhausts, the 19-inch wheels, the power-domed hood, the flared fenders (vented in front), and the oval mirrors will carry over unchanged to the production 2008 M3. The coupe seen here will be the first M3 to appear in showrooms this fall, and we expect a price of about $55,000. Later, look for a convertible with a carbon-fiber retractable hardtop, a sedan, a wagon, and a lightweight coupe. The latter two likely won’t be sold in the U.S., but we haven’t given up hope yet. Whatever the body style, we’re dying to get our hands on one." http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...08-bmw-m3.html |
02-20-2007, 10:32 PM | #4 |
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Sweet excellent find!
-Direct injection - YES!! This also means almost for sure more hp/l than M5 which means this sucker will put out at least 430 actual (not the typically under rated brochure number)
-License plate on the trunk (not bumper) - YES!! -Well under $60k base - YES!! -Available in the FALL - YES!! -No SMG immediately - A GIANT NO/BAD!! (I'll have to pass up my allocation until I can get SMG. I simply won't buy one with a 6M) |
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02-21-2007, 12:44 AM | #6 |
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02-21-2007, 01:56 AM | #7 | |
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02-21-2007, 02:46 AM | #9 |
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02-21-2007, 05:12 AM | #11 |
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auto < manual < smg
i dont give a crap about the "manliness" or "cool factor" of stick/manual. most important to most i would assume is the best performance, smg in this case.
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02-21-2007, 06:16 AM | #12 |
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I would actually consider the SMG option if I was buying one with the sole purpose of lap times/track events, but I'm not. A true manual gearbox is just too fun to me, and anything less would take away from that. And I would never let traffic conditions determine the type of transmission I get in my car.
I hope that is true about the addition of direct injection - that is a great technology. If so, we may be looking at 375-385 rwhp despite the rating in the brochures. The weight of near 3500 might be too good to be true, but that would be nice. I read some information on another forum about a moonroof delete option as well (which was one of my main concerns), although it won't shave any of the price off (which doesn't matter to me). Things look to be falling into place! |
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02-21-2007, 07:35 AM | #14 |
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...Said the guy from Texas Your "traffic" is like New Yorks dead hours.
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'06 bsm e90 330xi : 18" VMR CSL : KW V3 : GruppeM Rep Intake : UUC/Corsa Catback : Hartge Lip : ACS Roof Spoiler
OEM CF Trunk Spoiler : CF Emblems. Pillars. Mirror. Grille : LUXER12 led plate : V1 Hardwired : OG.longtran e90post sticker! circa 2005 |
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02-21-2007, 07:51 AM | #15 | |
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I would just miss this too much without it. --> |
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02-21-2007, 10:11 AM | #16 | |
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I'd rather have the time of my life in the car than squeeze out that extra tenth of a second of performance... just my two cents. I don't see the point of the SMG unless you are racing. |
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02-21-2007, 10:34 AM | #17 |
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02-21-2007, 10:37 AM | #18 |
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02-21-2007, 10:38 AM | #19 | |
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Don't know about you, but as I review the list above ... there is nothing new. Whatever they mention, we knew all of it for over a months now. |
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02-21-2007, 10:41 AM | #20 | ||
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02-21-2007, 12:16 PM | #21 |
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I am gonna shut every1 and say I had SMG and I loved it more than anything But I also love 6 speed manual
I am getting 6 speed manual this time just becaue I want to have a different driving experience this time Auto<SMG=Manual
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