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2008 BMW M3 COUPE WHAT BMW HAS TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR: Image/Text Source: BMW USA Entering each new season in motorsport, we feel new and fresh ambition, query formally proven recipes for success, and focus on new records and outstanding achievements. And precisely this also applies to the debut of the new BMW M3: Having completed its test cycle with flying colours, the new high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH is ready and waiting to take over pole position. Indeed, with its superior power, performance and dynamism, the new BMW M3 ensures truly unique sheer driving pleasure of the highest calibre. The new, 309 kW/420 hp V8 power unit offers enormous muscle and performance at all times. And the aesthetic design of the new car typical once again of BMW M spells out supremacy of the highest standard. The new BMW M3 sets the foundation for continuing an exceptional career in motorsport. So every enthusiast sharing the passion for supreme performance may be sure that this model is able to master even the greatest challenge on and off the race track. And last but certainly not least, the new BMW M3 offers the supreme standard of reliability and everyday driving qualities so typical of all high-performance cars from BMW M GmbH. The all-new “heart” of the latest BMW M3 is the eight-cylinder power unit which, through its high-speed engine concept alone, comes with all the DNA of the current Formula 1 engine raced by the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Applying this high-speed concept characteristic of all BMW M power units, the new V8 develops maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp from engine capacity of precisely 3,999 cc. Further equally impressive factors are the engine’s peak torque of 400 Newton-metres or 295 lb-ft as well as maximum engine speed of 8, 400 rpm. Truly unprecedented, however, is the thrust and pulling force generated through this unique potential, conveying the supreme power of the engine through the variable M differential lock to the rear wheels. Precisely this is why the new BMW M3 is not only outstandingly responsive in its acceleration, but also completely shattering in the way it develops its power: Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 4.8 seconds, and the car continues this mind-boggling performance with fascinating consistency all the way to its top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph, where the engine electronics set an artificial limit to the ongoing power and performance of the new BMW M3. Brand-new in technology and design. Within the BMW M GmbH model range, the BMW M3 has always been that very special model living up in full to its motorsport heritage. Indeed, this already applied to the very first BMW M3 launched in 1986 and continued throughout the two subsequent model generations. And now this supremacy comes out once again most clearly in the 2007 version of the BMW M3. Although the latest generation of the BMW M3 was based in its development on the new BMW M3 Coupé, the new high-performance model differs from the “regular” coupé in terms of both looks and technical features. Apart from the car’s unique design as well as its drivetrain and suspension technology conceived from the start for supreme performance, lightweight technology came right at the top in the brief given to the engineers at BMW M. And just how consistently this development target has been translated into reality in terms of intelligent lightweight engineering is borne out by the car’s power-toweight ratio of only 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) per horsepower. One of the reasons for this low weight is that the new BMW M3 is the first production car in its segment to boast a roof made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP). And in all, the new BMW M3, with the exception of just a few components, is indeed completely new in its engineering and design concept, clearly reflecting the successful tradition of BMW M GmbH. Apart from the load-bearing structure of the car, only the two doors, the bootlid, the windows, the headlights and rear lights have been carried over from the 3 Series Coupé. All other body components, by contrast, were specially developed for the new BMW M3. The unique character of the new BMW M3 is obvious at first sight: Over and above the engine compartment lid with its striking powerdome and the two air intake openings, the function-oriented design of the front and rear air dams, the so-called gills in the front side panels, the side-sills also in distinctive design, the roof made of clearly visible carbon fibre, as well as the exterior mirrors and light-alloy wheels in BMW M design clearly characterise the new model from the ground up. The exterior, in turn, through its athletic and aesthetic appearance, powerfully underlines the sporting qualities of the car. The exterior paintwork likewise adds an individual touch, offering the connoisseur not only numerous additional colours, but also four special paintwork options exclusive to BMW M. HISTORY OF THE BMW M3: The BMW M3 is a sporty version of the popular compact BMW 3-Series automobile, made by BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E90 and E46 models. Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series, the first M3 was introduced with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the s38 inline-6 block and the valve train and head architecture from BMWs M1 and later M6 inline-6 cylinder. One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing, as an answer to the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 which was introduced in 1983. A notable characteristic of the E30 M3 is its racing pedigree, campaigned by BMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive and Schnitzer Motorsport. The first version produced 195 hp (143 kW) (catalyzed model). Evolution models (not sold in North America) continued with 2.3 liters but adopted revised cam timing, increased compression along with the lack of a catalyst producing approximately 215 hp. Later the Sport Evolution model increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced, all by hand in BMW's Garching plant, at the time the 215 hp example was the world's fastest four seater convertible. The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The M3 was equipped with a revised stiffer and more aerodynamic body shell as well as "box flared" fenders to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. The only body panels the standard model and the M3 shared were the hood and roof. It also had three times the caster angle of any other E30. The M3 shared larger wheel bearings and front brake calipers with the E28 5-Series. To keep the car competitive in racing following homologation rules, homologation specials were produced. Homologation rules roughly stated that the race version must reflect the street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement; therefore, improved models were periodically released for the public. Special editions and homologation specials include: the Evo 1, Evo 2 and Sport Evolution some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, taller front fender arches (Sport Evolution; to further facilitate 18 inch wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and more power. Production of the original E30 M3 (E30 coupe) ended in 1991.The replacement for the original M3 first appeared at the 1992 Paris Auto Show. This E36 coupe model got the 3.0 L S50B30 straight-6 engine, which produced 286 hp (210 kW). For the 1996 model year the M3 was upgraded to a new 3.2 L, 321 hp (236 kW) engine (S50B32), a six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option. These models are often described as the "Euro" models to differentiate them from the models sold in North America, which were quite different. The 3.2 Euro is also known as the M3 "Evolution" or "Evo". The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which received a 3.0 L engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 305 N•m (225 ft·lbf) (S50B30US) and a different suspension. The reasoning behind the less powerful motor was largely due to both the projected excessive costs in producing the original engine for the U.S. market and the possible difficulty in getting the European engine to pass more strict U.S. emission laws. An M3 that was sold in the United States in 1995 was one of 2953 '94 models shipped from Europe. This coupe has a 3.0L 24-valve DOHC straight six-cylinder engine. This engine produces 240bhp at 6000rpm and 225lbs-foot of torque at 4250. BMW also produced somewhere between 120 and 125 M3 Lightweights (only 85 made it to the US), often called the CSL (for coupe sports lightweight). These were reduced weight versions of the model intended to be used on the street or on the track. It was about 200 to 300 pounds lighter than a stock M3 with many of the car's features removed, such as air conditioning, leather seats, and the sunroof. The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, with 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 N•m (236 ft·lbf) which is the same engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. The 1996+ model is known for being more difficult to tune for performance, due to slightly smaller intake manifold runners and more complicated electronics (OBDII). It was also available as a sedan starting in model year 1997, and as convertible in 1998. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999. The 2001 E46 M3 appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54B32 engine. At the time of the car's introduction, this engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW, producing 343 PS (333 SAE net hp (252 kW) in North America) and 365 N•m (262 ft·lbf) of torque. The first batch of E46 M3s delivered were Laguna Seca Blue. The available SMG Drivelogic (also known as SMG II) transmission, a Formula 1-style electrohydraulic manual gearbox with no clutch pedal and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, is also a highlight. The model also came with a new 6-speed transmission and red-line RPM of 8000, a first for any BMW. The engine also consisted of 6 independent throttle bodies and electronically driven throttles (without a cable).The M3's S54 naturally aspirated engine produces more than 100 horsepower per litre (340 bhp/3.2 litre), a notable feat. Photo
Historical time line of BMW M3 OUR TAKE ON THE 2008 BMW M3: After a long wait, the BMW M3 is finally here. After three long years since the debut of the 2005 BMW 3 Series E90 class, the systematic wait is over and the best is saved for the last. BMW first released the sedan in the E90 series, followed by the coupe, the convertible and lastly the M3. The styling of the all new M3 takes cues from its upperclassed M5 and M6. Most notably, the BMW M3 borrows from the M6 the lightweight carbon fiber roof with the carbon displayed instead of hidden as in the case of its predecessor. The front bumper offers maximum air efficiency while keeping a low profile and aggressive look. Several years ago, we found that the main competition to the M3 was the 8 Cylinder S4 which at the time seemed bulky and sluggish due to the size of the engine. During that time, BMW has had the time and experience to refine the 8 cylinder into the M3. This new work of art provides a thrilling escape from the conventional and is sure to dominate this arena. OTHER BMW MODELS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Coupe, 3 Series Sedan, BMW M3, BMW M5, BMW M6, BMW M3 Convertible THE BMW M3 COMPETES WITH: Audi RS4, Audi R4, Lexus IS 350, Lexus IS-F, Mercedes Benz C-Class, 2008 Mercedes Benz C63, 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe, Cadillac CTS, 2009 Nissan GTR RELATED ARTICLES, REVIEWS AND SITES:
AUTO WALLPAPERS - BODY KITZ - CARBON FIBER HOODS - VERTICAL DOOR KITS - TRANCE FORM - MYSPACE LAYOUT - LEXUS IS 350 - MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3 |
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