The wait is over. Ever since BMW replaced the E46 3 Series, fans of the M3 have been pestering us, trying to find out when a suitable replacement would hit the market. Only last month BMW displayed the M3 'Concept' at the
Geneva Motor Show and now we can bring you the official photographs and full details of the final showroom model.
Thanks to the
concept, the styling of the new M3 is no surprise, but it's no disappointment either. In reality, the new M3 is a subtle evolution of the current
3 Series Coupé, but having seen the concept version in the metal, I can confirm that it's a highly effective transformation.
At the front, the most obvious change (even from the M Sport versions of the 3 Series) is the addition of a "powerdome" in the aluminium bonnet, flanked by a pair of hot air extractor vents. The bonnet bulge was necessary to fit in the new 4-litre V8 engine. More on this rather special powerplant later, but its need for a large flow rate of air required even more venting of the front of the car, so BMW's designers set about to give the M3 a suitably aggressive visage.
Trademark M-car gills nestle on the front wings that have been increased in size to contain the gorgeous new 18-inch alloys, which sit on a wider track than the regular Coupé. The initial photographs released to the media show the car on the standard 18-inch double-spoke wheels, though a design similar to those on the M3 Concept will be available in 19-inch.
As with the other current M-cars, the flanks of the new M3 are relatively flat and smooth, save for the addition of more aerodynamic mirrors and a chunky side sill, which leads into the enlarged rear wings. From behind, the new M3's quad tailpipes look relatively restrained, but they nestle under a working diffuser, which is said to operate in conjunction with the tiny bootlid spoiler to produce a small amount of positive downforce, enhancing high-speed stability.
More noticeable from the rear shots is the carbon-fibre roof, a feature borrowed from the
M6 and the
E46 M3 CSL. The fact that the lightweight roof is standard may rule out the likelihood of an expensive, CSL-like version, though a look at the luxurious specification of the M3 suggests that there is certainly room in the range for a stripped out, track-oriented special.
The leather-lined interior will be fitted as standard with BMW's Professional navigation system and of course the latest iDrive interface. Like the
M5 and M6 before it, there will be a huge amount of customisation available to the driver in terms of the M3's dynamics. Electronic dampers will be used for the first time on an M3, with settings of Comfort, Normal or Sport. The traction control and stability system (DSC+ in BMW-speak) will have three settings too, one of which we presume will be completely off. On top of that, there are three different engine maps and even the response rate of the power steering can be altered via a button on the steering wheel. All of these can be tied together under one setting, which the driver can switch on or off via the 'MDrive' button.
With the outgoing M3 being so highly rated (especially the final
M3 CS), the new car has a lot to live up to. We'll be keen to see if BMW has managed to make the new M3 as much fun to drive. You can't deny that the claimed figures are impressive, with 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph, but there's always the possibility that the new V8 engine will dominate the experience.
But what an experience it promises to be! The new 4-litre V8 shares its 90-degree angle and several other components with the 5-litre V10 fitted to the larger M-cars. Inevitably, the M3's new unit will be compared to that in the
Audi RS4 and despite a lower swept volume, the BMW unit matches the RS4's 414bhp. Admittedly, the peak power is produced at a heady 8300rpm vs. the Audi's 7800rpm, but who ever complained about revving an M-Division engine? The M3's unit also produces 295lb.ft of torque, which is a little down on the RS4's, although the M3 is the lighter car so there should be little between them in terms in acceleration.
Indeed, given the current enhanced focus on the environment, it's worth noting that BMW has admirably managed to keep the weight of the new M3 down to just 8kg more than the outgoing car, despite the fitment of a lot more technology, safety and a larger engine (itself somehow lighter than the outgoing six-cylinder). Obviously this will enhance the driving experience, but it also contributes to improved fuel consumption. The addition of Brake Energy Regeneration to the M3 also assists with this.
Buyers have seemingly a long wait until the autumn, when the first M3s will hit showrooms. No prices have been announced as yet, but we'd be surprised if the price is any less than the four-door Audi RS4, at about £50,000. We hope to get our eager paws on the new M3 this summer and you'll be the first to know how good it is.
Shane O' Donoghue - 7 Apr 2007
