Lightweight M3 Concept Prototype Spied Testing

Jason · 04-04-2011, 09:52 AM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Lightweight M3 Concept Prototype Spied Testing

88
COMMENTS

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The exciting lightweight M3 sedan concept which we were given a preview at the special M event in Garching, Munich (photos and info here) last week has now been spotted in testing for the first time!

The lightweight M3 will slot in between the standard M3 and the M3 GTS in terms of weight and power. Some of the weight reduction may come in the form of CFRP hood and seats. If you look carefully at the photos, it appears that the driver seat in the test prototype is a lightweight version, which could very well be the carbon fiber seats mentioned in the directly preceding link. This is unlikely to be the BMW Performance seat as that only comes in alcantara material.

Not much more info has been revealed on the lightweight M3, but its full reveal and details will come at its reveal at the Nurburgring M Festival in June.

For now, enjoy the spy photos and the photos from the M event last week!

Note: The lightweight M3 prototype spotted here appears to be interlagos blue, a different color than the special dark blue paint seen on the concept previewed at the M event, as well as being on a pre-facelift E90 M3 body.

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cuban335i · 04-04-2011, 12:03 PM

that m3 has the regular m3 brake calipers though..

Jason · 04-04-2011, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuban335i

that m3 has the regular m3 brake calipers though..

It's a test prototype afterall so there's no guarantee that it has everything on it intended for the production version.

ddigangi · 04-04-2011, 12:04 PM

hmmm why is the other e90 pre-lci in the thread? was this a previous lightweight edition before the design changes?

Jason · 04-04-2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddigangi

hmmm why is the other e90 pre-lci in the thread? was this a previous lightweight edition before the design changes?

The body shell is rather irrelevant in testing a lightweight model.

southlight · 04-04-2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddigangi

hmmm why is the other e90 pre-lci in the thread? was this a previous lightweight edition before the design changes?

This is a common approach for very early prototypes. BMW takes an early M3 test mule they don't need any longer, apply some of the changes/modifications, and test the car. Later prototypes will reflect the actual car better, but this spotting is huge as we know for sure now how serious BMW is about the lightweight E90 M3.

Best regards,
south

antzcrashing · 04-04-2011, 12:15 PM

what color is that?

jeff@autocouture · 04-04-2011, 12:18 PM

Did anyone body see the seats in it! Same cfrp seats that were just released this morning, I'm kinda excited

Jason · 04-04-2011, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

what color is that?

Looks like interlagos blue on the test prototype. Different color than the concept lightweight M3 shown at the M event.

T89 · 04-04-2011, 12:20 PM

Look at the driver's seat!

T

Sedan_Clan · 04-04-2011, 12:21 PM

IB for sure.....

Jason · 04-04-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Studntloan

Did anyone body see the seats in it! Same cfrp seats that were just released this morning, I'm kinda excited

Good eye!

Or could be BMW Performance seats. Either way, it looks to be a lightweight seat.

DDS2015 · 04-04-2011, 12:28 PM

I don't like the black ZCP wheels with that color. Also doesn't seem too unreasonable to think that this package will make its way over to the E92 in its last year of production.

M3ltdown · 04-04-2011, 12:31 PM

lightweight M3 with the heavier moonroof?

jeff@autocouture · 04-04-2011, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

Good eye!

Or could be BMW Performance seats. Either way, it looks to be a lightweight seat.

Doesnt look like the performance seats, and those are all leather which the performance ones don't come in, can't Wait for more details, we better be getting this car so I can atleast trade in or get all the parts used

Silver3s · 04-04-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darwin316

lightweight M3 with the heavier moonroof?

I agree, wouldn't they carry over the carbon fiber roof too?

Jason · 04-04-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Studntloan

Doesnt look like the performance seats, and those are all leather which the performance ones don't come in, can't Wait for more details, we better be getting this car so I can atleast trade in or get all the parts used

Good point, doesn't look like alcantara.

SCOTT26 · 04-04-2011, 12:54 PM

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.

M3Fool · 04-04-2011, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver3s

I agree, wouldn't they carry over the carbon fiber roof too?

E90 does not come with a CF roof...... Not sure if that is even possible and maintain structural integrity of the 4 door. Anyone???

GOLFFRR · 04-04-2011, 01:03 PM

cool, looking forward to more info as it is released

Dengel · 04-04-2011, 01:05 PM

cant say that im digging the little soul patch on the front bumper

bogdan · 04-04-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Fool

E90 does not come with a CF roof...... Not sure if that is even possible and maintain structural integrity of the 4 door. Anyone???

The roof is just a skin, and does not affect structural intergity greatly.

The structures under the roof skin are the load-bearing/dispersing components that give the body strength. Should you be so driven, there is a company(es) that make a carbon roof for the E90.

04-04-2011, 09:52 AM	#1
Jason Administrator 36402 Rep 21,096 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Lightweight M3 Concept Prototype Spied Testing BIMMERPOST NEWS Lightweight M3 Concept Prototype Spied Testing 88 COMMENTS Tweet The exciting lightweight M3 sedan concept which we were given a preview at the special M event in Garching, Munich (photos and info here) last week has now been spotted in testing for the first time! The lightweight M3 will slot in between the standard M3 and the M3 GTS in terms of weight and power. Some of the weight reduction may come in the form of CFRP hood and seats. If you look carefully at the photos, it appears that the driver seat in the test prototype is a lightweight version, which could very well be the carbon fiber seats mentioned in the directly preceding link. This is unlikely to be the BMW Performance seat as that only comes in alcantara material. Not much more info has been revealed on the lightweight M3, but its full reveal and details will come at its reveal at the Nurburgring M Festival in June. For now, enjoy the spy photos and the photos from the M event last week! Note: The lightweight M3 prototype spotted here appears to be interlagos blue, a different color than the special dark blue paint seen on the concept previewed at the M event, as well as being on a pre-facelift E90 M3 body. __________________ Check on the Latest BMW News Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
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04-04-2011, 12:03 PM	#2
cuban335i Brigadier General 215 Rep 3,550 Posts Drives: 535i xdrive Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: central NJ iTrader: (18)	that m3 has the regular m3 brake calipers though.. __________________ Current: '13 F10 535i xDrive - lightly modded for now Previous: '12 e92 M3 Melbourne Red/Bamboo - ADV.1 ADV10, Volk TE37SL, OSS, Innotech F1, Arkym, iND '09 e92 335i Alpine White/Saddle Brown - fully modded
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04-04-2011, 12:04 PM	#4
ddigangi 'Murica 45 Rep 596 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 E90 330i [0.00]	hmmm why is the other e90 pre-lci in the thread? was this a previous lightweight edition before the design changes? __________________ Web developer at @ Apartments.com, digital media director, budding entrepreneur, technology guru and marketing nut with an affliction for the finer things in life. I blog at http://ddigangi.com
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04-04-2011, 12:15 PM	#7
antzcrashing Colonel 1549 Rep 2,965 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW 440i GC Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Eastern MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW 440i GC xD ... [0.00]	what color is that?
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04-04-2011, 12:18 PM	#8
jeff@autocouture BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 919 Rep 13,775 Posts Drives: 81 VW Caddy - 06 E53 X5 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Did anyone body see the seats in it! Same cfrp seats that were just released this morning, I'm kinda excited
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04-04-2011, 12:20 PM	#10
T89 Lieutenant Colonel 37 Rep 1,531 Posts Drives: Z4 35i & Mini Cooper S Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Geneva & Joburg iTrader: (0)	Look at the driver's seat! T
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04-04-2011, 12:21 PM	#11
Sedan_Clan Law Enforcer 22788 Rep 21,710 Posts Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ..in your rearview!!! iTrader: (26)	IB for sure.....
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04-04-2011, 12:28 PM	#13
DDS2015 Major 214 Rep 1,368 Posts Drives: 2018 M3CS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Winnipeg iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW E90 328 xd ... [0.00]	I don't like the black ZCP wheels with that color. Also doesn't seem too unreasonable to think that this package will make its way over to the E92 in its last year of production.
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04-04-2011, 12:31 PM	#14
M3ltdown Master Chief 18 Rep 641 Posts Drives: 09 e90 M3 JzB Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	lightweight M3 with the heavier moonroof?
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04-04-2011, 12:54 PM	#18
SCOTT26 Major General 5243 Rep 5,829 Posts Drives: A big F-off German Truck. Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: WORLDWIDE iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ The M850i is evidence that BMW have got their mojo back when it comes to dynamic sports cars...
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04-04-2011, 01:03 PM	#20
GOLFFRR 9509 Rep 26,590 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	cool, looking forward to more info as it is released __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, PM ME FIRST WE CAN HOOK YOU UP! Jimmy Miller:jmiller@stevethomasbmw.com Cell:805-509-2048 If you have any issues getting a hold of Jimmy M PLEASE PM me, I'm available everyday till 545pm!
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04-04-2011, 01:05 PM	#21
Dengel Non-Guido Jersey Resident 31 Rep 676 Posts Drives: Slow Jeep Rubicon Join Date: May 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (3)	cant say that im digging the little soul patch on the front bumper
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