BMW has issued the following press release:
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 Coup’, the new high-performance model differs from the “regular” coup’ 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-to-weight 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 Coup’. All other body components, by contrast, were specially developed for the new BMW M3. — Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
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.
Description in brief
’ Fourth-generation of the BMW M3, all-new, unique high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH with unprecedented design and technology, developed on the basis of the BMW 3 Series Coup’.
’ Unique character and supreme driving dynamics secure leading position in the market segment, unique combination of engine power and low weight ensured by intelligent lightweight technology, power-to-weight ratio 3.8 kg/hp. — Vanquish S V12.
’ First-ever BMW M3 with an eight-cylinder power unit, all-new V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp plus peak torque of 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm, maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm, optimum power and torque throughout the entire engine speed range.
’ Individual throttle butterflies, variable double-VANOS camshaft control, Brake Energy Regeneration, engine weight 15 kg/33 lb less than the six-cylinder in the former model.
’ Acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph), average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle 12.4 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 22.8 mpg Imp). — 2005 Geneva International Motor Show.
’ Manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-related oil cooling, mass inertia-optimised double-plate clutch.
’ MDrive for setting and retrieving the driver’s specific configuration of the engine control map, suspension and DSC set-up, as well as the Servotronic control map as an additional option.
’ All-new suspension with special, weight-optimised components as well as axle kinematics characteristic of BMW M for a highly dynamic driving experience, forged aluminium track control arms, compound high-performance brake system, optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) with three freely available control maps.
