It got a controversial write-up on CARtoday, then it narrowly lost to the RS4 in the comparative between the two, now it goes head-to-head with a host of performance vehicles in CAR Magazine’s Scorched Earth Shootout. Where will the infamous BMW M3 place amongst some of the world’s most acclaimed performance models?It got a controversial write-up on CARtoday, then it narrowly lost to the RS4 in the comparative between the two, now it goes head-to-head with a host of performance vehicles in CAR Magazine’s Scorched Earth Shootout. Where will the infamous BMW M3 place amongst some of the world’s most acclaimed performance models?content here
The design of the latest M3 has received mixed reviews. The bulging and ventilated bonnet, bespoilered rear deck and quad exhausts clearly state this car’s intent, but many have described the overall package as being understated because they “expected more” after the in-your-face styling of its predecessors. But it still has to be said that this M3, thanks to all the above mentioned factors, as well as the two additional air intake scoops typical of an M division vehicle and narrow air slits in the front fenders, gets heads turning, which in the end, is what counts – along with performance, of course!
At the heart of this model lies a technical masterpiece; a high-revving 4,0-litre V8 powerplant, derived from the 5,0-litre V10 in the M5 and M6, that delivers 309 kW at 8 300 r/min, and maximum torque of 400 N.m.
Mated with a six-speed manual transmission and BMW’s Variable M limited-slip differential, this engine catapulted the M3 from zero to 100 km/h time of 5,56 seconds and a top speed of 258 km/h at 7 000 r/min in CAR’s recent comparative test.
This all-new 32-valve powerplant utilises lightweight alloys and composite materials that help to keep the weight down to 202 kg – some15 kg lighter than its predecessor’s six-cylinder powerplant. This eagerly-anticipated Beemer comes equipped with low-pressure double-VANOS and an engine management system that apparently performs 200 million operations per second.
For that sporty feel, BMW has equipped its M3 with all-leather upholstery interior, instrumentation and door cutout strips that bear the M logo, an aerodynamically efficient diffuser, a very subtle boot spoiler and, as is the case with all other M cars, a quartet of chromed tailpipes emerge from the rear valance. The powerfully flared wheel arches are filled with 18-inch alloys or, as an optional extra, 19-inch rims.
Even though the M3 was narrowly bested by the RS4 in the CAR comparative test, this iconic model still sits high on the list of a sports car enthusiast. The latest M3 spawns from a history of M-division models – all of which have made their massive mark on the motoring world. Will it have the chance to get even with the RS4 (and maybe even ruffle a few feathers further up the performance car ranks?) in this year’s shootout? You’ll have to read the January issue of CAR Magazine to find out…
Click one of the options below to download a wallpaper of the: BMW M3
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You can also view a stunning video clip of the BMW M3 being put through its paces during CAR Magazine’s performance issue shootout.
Listen to the BMW M3 exhaust note.