Info on the new M3 from Autoexpress. Not much to fear
02-23-2000, 06:25 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Info on the new M3 from Autoexpress. Not much to fear
I dont think we will have too much to fear, as long as we can chip and get the M3 on a wet road.
BMW Unleashes New M3
23/2/2000 - This is it... the most powerful 3-Series
ever to emerge from BMW's factory, with a
Porsche-bashing 343bhp! The production version
of the M3 is finally being unveiled at next week's
Geneva Motor Show, and is little changed from the
wild concept that wowed crowds at Frankfurt last
September.
Although BMW is offering few details on the new
car, Auto Express revealed last week that
eventually two versions would be offered for the
first time. For those who want the ultimate
performance and driving experience, there will be
a stripped-out model with less equipment, race
seats and a faster steering rack. Comfort lovers
will prefer the standard version, which will be the
best-equipped M3 ever. It will boast a similar
specification to its M5 big brother, with electric
leather seats, satellite navigation and even a TV.
Inevitably the increases in performance and
equipment will lead to a price rise; expect to pay
around £47,000 when it arrives in autumn. Initially
available only as a Coupé, there's likely to be an
M3 Convertible by 2002 and maybe a saloon, too.
Compared to rivals such as the Mercedes CLK55
AMG, the M3 should have a per-formance edge. A
155mph restricted top speed is on the cards,
while 0-60mph should take around 5.2 seconds.
The straight-six engine is a development of the
great 3.2-litre M-Power unit. It measures in at 3.4
litres and delivers an impressive 343bhp, retaining
the benchmark 100bhp-per-litre standing. Double
VANOS variable valve timing gives superb
low-down torque, while the six-speed close-ratio
manual gearbox is carried over from before.
To ensure owners respect the specialist nature of
the powerful motor, the M3 now has LED lights
set behind the rev counter which illuminate when
the car is started from cold and gradually turn off
as the engine and gearbox oil temperatures rise.
Once you can up the ante, unique suspension
settings, wider front and rear tracks and huge
rubber should ensure superb handling.
Of particular note is the firm's decision to include
DSC+T stability control, which can be switched
off. But anyone thinking BMW has gone soft
should take note of one particularly exciting
development; the rear-drive chassis features an
innovative variable M-Sport differential lock, which
enables the driver to fine-tune on-the-limit
handling. Locking the axle to prevent the inside
wheel spinning in corners will ensure entertaining
cornering behaviour...<ul><li><a href="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/fa442fa/indexwelcome.html">http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/fa442fa/indexwelcome.html</a</li></ul>
BMW Unleashes New M3
23/2/2000 - This is it... the most powerful 3-Series
ever to emerge from BMW's factory, with a
Porsche-bashing 343bhp! The production version
of the M3 is finally being unveiled at next week's
Geneva Motor Show, and is little changed from the
wild concept that wowed crowds at Frankfurt last
September.
Although BMW is offering few details on the new
car, Auto Express revealed last week that
eventually two versions would be offered for the
first time. For those who want the ultimate
performance and driving experience, there will be
a stripped-out model with less equipment, race
seats and a faster steering rack. Comfort lovers
will prefer the standard version, which will be the
best-equipped M3 ever. It will boast a similar
specification to its M5 big brother, with electric
leather seats, satellite navigation and even a TV.
Inevitably the increases in performance and
equipment will lead to a price rise; expect to pay
around £47,000 when it arrives in autumn. Initially
available only as a Coupé, there's likely to be an
M3 Convertible by 2002 and maybe a saloon, too.
Compared to rivals such as the Mercedes CLK55
AMG, the M3 should have a per-formance edge. A
155mph restricted top speed is on the cards,
while 0-60mph should take around 5.2 seconds.
The straight-six engine is a development of the
great 3.2-litre M-Power unit. It measures in at 3.4
litres and delivers an impressive 343bhp, retaining
the benchmark 100bhp-per-litre standing. Double
VANOS variable valve timing gives superb
low-down torque, while the six-speed close-ratio
manual gearbox is carried over from before.
To ensure owners respect the specialist nature of
the powerful motor, the M3 now has LED lights
set behind the rev counter which illuminate when
the car is started from cold and gradually turn off
as the engine and gearbox oil temperatures rise.
Once you can up the ante, unique suspension
settings, wider front and rear tracks and huge
rubber should ensure superb handling.
Of particular note is the firm's decision to include
DSC+T stability control, which can be switched
off. But anyone thinking BMW has gone soft
should take note of one particularly exciting
development; the rear-drive chassis features an
innovative variable M-Sport differential lock, which
enables the driver to fine-tune on-the-limit
handling. Locking the axle to prevent the inside
wheel spinning in corners will ensure entertaining
cornering behaviour...<ul><li><a href="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/fa442fa/indexwelcome.html">http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/fa442fa/indexwelcome.html</a</li></ul>
02-23-2000, 07:04 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 0-60 in 5.2? That seems slow for 343HP, doesn't it?
Bmw is very conservative with their numbers. When I bought my 97 M3 they quoted 5.9 0-60, when the car did 5.5. So my guess is that their 5.2 will be 4.9 or less. Now that my S4 is modified I will not worry about the new M3 beating up the S4. Mike
02-23-2000, 07:04 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 0-60 in 5.2? That seems slow for 343HP, doesn't it?
S4 time of 5.5 seconds to 60 requires a lot more abuse than I will ever subject mine to. I suspect that with rwd the stress on the clutch and drivetrain is less, and the bmw will do a lot more 5.2 second all out runs b4 failure or premature wear. the key to S4 0 to 60 is a really fine hole shot. As R&T says, not for the faint of heart!
02-23-2000, 07:18 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
But it probably has a redline of like 7.5 or 8k rpm, making it a real joy on the track and hit 60
well below shifting to get that kind of horsies from a small NA motor. Awesome car, but then again, I love the turbo = torque pump whether sea level or in the Himalayas
Good job bimmer though.
Good job bimmer though.