This CAN'T be true... next gen M3

[needspeed]

The real question is, is the horsepower war almost over based on the green movement and government regulations.

The next M3 wont be out for 3-4 years (I think) so what climate will it face at that time.

It has been a heck of a ride when you think about the Z1 or the Viper and for $100K +/- you get 600HP or more. Is the big HP on its way out. Kind of a repeat of the 70s gas shortage.

Check out the artical concerning "EPA to Automakers: The Horsepower War is Over."

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2008/01/epa-to-automake/

[ChrisFastM3]

Originally Posted by ///Metak

Why are people so against the idea of going smaller + lighter?

One word, safety. Don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of the E30 M3. My friend had one & it was a blast!

---

Mark my words, the next M3 will be a turbo 6 banger

[FC]

Originally Posted by niterider

+1 making a car lighter is better then adding power. Cause not only does it accelerate better but it will brake and handle better. I hope BMW starts dropping some weight, that would b awesome.

But as far as I know, they are thinking of switching to a twin turbo V6.

Yup. I much rather keep my 3.4L 987S that weighs in at ~3150lbs. Heck, the E90 M3 felt heavy compared to my old 330i ZHP.

But I still think the E90 is the best sedan in the world, and at one point I'll need a sedan again, so I'll likely get the E90 M3.

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by ///Metak

I am a physicist and I approve this statement. Now imagine the S65 in the Mcoupe. It would be slightly lighter (since the S65 is lighter than than the S54). 3,200 pound car with 414hp!
Plenty of room in that engine bay also.

BOT, I think if the went a little retro with the next M3 it would be hugely popular, just look at the enourmous poprularity of the Mustang, Challenger, Camaro etc. Something the size of the E30 that was putting down ~300+hp. Hell if they just offered a brand new version of the 1986–1992 E30 M3 with an updated interior and BMW designers could keep the basic same design while improving the window molding, mirrors, bumpers etc. Why are people so against the idea of going smaller + lighter?

I'm not against smaller/lighter (as you know)! I like the retro E30 idea as a matter of fact--assuming they kept the weight down of course (it's going to go up some due to DOT requirements of course).

S65 in the M Coupe? Insane! I'm sure someone will do it at some point though! There sure is enough room. I think that would cut 50 pounds too, so it would be a 2,150 car with 414HP. Talk about power/weight ratios....

[SF-M3]

Originally Posted by ChrisFastM3

One word, safety. Don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of the E30 M3. My friend had one & it was a blast!

---

Mark my words, the next M3 will be a turbo 6 banger

Sure you can make it safer and heavier reasonably easily and cheaply. Then offset this with a bigger more powerful motor.

If they tried they could make it lighter and safer, may cost more but would reduce the need for the bigger, more costly motor, may work out cost wise in the end.

The bigger challenge is that less HP in the next M might not sell as well as more HP even if it was a better handling fast car. Perception is must have more HP and torques than the other brand or you do not get bragging rights.

Love my V8 E90 but I am looking forward to what comes next, if it is better...

[spyderco10]

Originally Posted by mexicanmike

This made me laugh, I almost went to bed happy, then I remembered my DD is a prius............4 Banger M3, funny......

hey the prius is nothing to sneeze at. i heard they're really fast, especially under unintended acceleration.

[GewoW]

this is so retarded i can't even put it into words...these people need to know what the hell they're writing - or just don't write...

[Stunnerable]

Originally Posted by GewoW

this is so retarded i can't even put it into words...these people need to know what the hell they're writing - or just don't write...

[iatacs19]

Who knows?

At first no one believed that the E9x M3 would have a V8.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by iatacs19

At first no one believed that the E9x M3 would have a V8.

I know that I believed that from the very beginning, and I'll bet others on this forum did too.

The story is a fabrication and is absolute bunk.

The "HowStuffWorks" folks need to stick to explaining how things work, and leave the how-things-might-work-someday to the people with actual auto industry sources.

[GewoW]

Originally Posted by iatacs19

Who knows?

At first no one believed that the E9x M3 would have a V8.

Sorry but the next M3 will not be a 4 cyl supra....