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BMW Unleashes new M3’s 420Hp 4.0-liter V8 – Soundbites included...

4.0-liter V8 420Hp, 400Nm of torque, maximum engine speed 8,300 rpm, want’ more? Get this; BMW’s new M5 V10 derived 4.0 V8 is not only 77Hp stronger than the straight-six fitted in the current M3 but most importantly weighing in at a mere 202 kg or 445 lb, its 15 kg or 33 lb lighter than the 3.2-liter six-cylinder power unit! Before you continue below to see the full details on the upcoming E92 M3's V8 engine, we’d advise you to check out the video above if you haven't done so yet. It includes a 9min long MP3 soundtrack from the BMW M3 V8 press kit we obtained in Germany dressed with still shots featuring the engine and its components. Sounds quiet promising doesn’t it… -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & an image gallery

BMW M3 V8 ENGINE PRESS RELEASE

The new V8 Power Unit for the BMW M3. Description in Brief.

-First eight-cylinder for the BMW M3 sports car.

-Supreme performance ensured by 309 kW/420 hp from 4.0 litres.

-Maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres (295 lb-ft) at 3, 900 rpm,
85 per cent of maximum torque over a speed range of 6,500 rpm.

-Unique thrust and muscle ensured by consistent implementation of the M high-speed engine concept, maximum engine speed 8,300 rpm.

-Consistent lightweight construction of engine and ancillary units,
new V8 power unit one of the lightest eight-cylinders in the world,
lighter than the straight-six power unit in the former model.

-Variable camshaft control, low-pressure double-VANOS for an
optimum charge cycle, system offering full power and performance even with normal engine oil pressure.

-Eight individual throttle butterflies for spontaneous engine response.

-Consistent and reliable oil supply with longitudinal and lateral acceleration up to 1.4 g ensured by two oil pumps and wet sump oil lubrication optimised for supreme dynamic behaviour.

-Exhaust system optimising cylinder charge, optimised for weight
and function by means of internal high-pressure remoulding,
exhaust emissions fulfil EU4 and LEV 2 standards.

-Upgraded MSS60 engine control unit for optimum coordination of all engine functions with the various control systems in the car.

-Ion flow technology recognising and distinguishing engine knocking phenomena as well as misfiring and miscombustion by measurement of ion flow in the combustion chambers.

-Brake Energy Regeneration with intelligent alternator control.

More in Every Respect: The new V8 Power Unit for the BMW M3.

Its name alone spells out the epitome of ultimate driving pleasure: the BMW M3. And now the new version of BMW M GmbH’s most successful high-performance sports car bears out this claim once again, at the same time providing a thrilling answer to the question asked by so many sports car fans around the world whether a further improvement is still possible at all. And the answer is yes – for the new BMW M3 offers more in every respect.

This applies not only – but particularly – to the power unit: After 15 years and two model generations, the trendsetting six-cylinder has now found its successor. The new BMW M3 is entering the market with an eight-cylinder power unit – more cylinders, larger capacity, more power, higher engine speed. And it is fair to say from the start that this will also mean an even more thrilling experience on the road.

The benchmark the new power unit was required to exceed could hardly have been greater: BMW’s 3.2-litre straight-six has gained fame and admiration the world over, receiving a long list of awards and prizes. Acknowledged several times as the “Engine of the Year” and developing a supreme 252 kW/343 hp in its last version, this power unit made the BMW M3 not only the ultimate performer in the segment of high-performance sports cars, but also a genuine best seller.

The fact still remains, however, that everything has its time. And now the time has come for the six-cylinder to bow out and leave the stage. The time has come for the advent of the new V8 in the new BMW M3.

The specifications of this new high-performance power unit alone clearly confirm the enormous progress this engine has to offer. Engine displacement is 3,999 cc, maximum output is 309 kW/420 hp. Peak torque of 400 Newton-metres or 295 lb-ft is just as impressive as the top engine speed of 8,300 rpm. So clearly, the new BMW M3 is striking out for the top right from the start through its thrilling performance.

Ideal dimensions for performance at its best.

Displacing 500 cc per cylinder, the new V8 power unit meets the ideal concept of the most demanding engine designers right from the start through its engine dimensions alone. And the other design criteria – all the way from the engine’s dimensions and filling capacities through the number of components to the weight of the engine – likewise represent the very best achievable today.

Over and above these qualities, the new eight-cylinder offers all the typical M-tuned features of BMW’s regular production cars such as double-VANOS, individual throttle butterflies, and high-performance engine electronics. At the same time the number of cylinders, the M high-speed engine concept, and the low weight of the engine clearly prove that the responsible engineers, in creating this power unit, were inspired and guided by the eight-cylinder featured in the BMW Sauber F1. For the new engine has many features in common with the latest power unit highlighted by BMW in Formula 1, with various technological concepts and principles, production processes and materials carried over from the Formula 1 engine to the drivetrain of the new BMW M3.

In terms of specific output, the new V8 significantly exceeds the benchmark of 100 hp per litre acknowledged as a convincing sign of sporting power and performance. But even so, power is not everything. Rather, the dynamic driving experience provided by a car depends to a great extent on its acceleration and handling, resulting, not least, from the weight of the car and the actual thrust of the engine. The thrust or traction acting on the drive wheels, in turn, results from engine torque and the overall transmission ratio.

The M high-speed engine concept allows optimum transmission and final drive ratios further enhancing the impressive thrust and power of the engine. Indeed, BMW M’s engineers have found a new dimension in developing the engine of the new BMW M3, with the eight-cylinder achieving maximum engine speed of 8,300 rpm.

The second factor crucial to thrust and performance on the road, engine torque, amounts to a mighty 400 Newton-metres or 295 lb-ft at 3, 900 rpm on the new V8 power unit. And about 85 per cent of the engine’s maximum torque is available throughout the enormous engine speed range of 6,500 rpm, with 340 Newton-metres or 251 lb-ft available from just 2,000 rpm.

High engine speed, low weight.

Mass (which, ultimately, means weight) is bad for acceleration – it makes any physical body seeking to accelerate slower and more sluggish. Precisely this is why BMW’s new V8, weighing a mere 202 kg or 445 lb, is a genuine lightweight, saving some 15 kg or 33 lb versus the six-cylinder power unit in the previous model. In other words, the new engine easily sets off the
weight of two extra cylinders. And a further point is that the high-speed engine concept allows a light drivetrain and very short transmission ratios.

Even so, the limits to physics inevitably approach step-by-step with increasing engine power: At 8,300 rpm, each of the eight pistons is moving at a speed of 20 metres or almost 66 feet per second, obviously exposing all materials to enormous loads. Precisely this is why BMW M’s designers and engineers have focused on the minimisation of masses on the new eight-cylinder.

Engine block straight from BMW’s Formula 1 foundry.

The engine block of the new eight-cylinder comes straight from BMW’s light-alloy foundry in Landshut near Munich, where BMW also builds the engine blocks for the Company’s Formula 1 racing cars. The cylinder crankcase, in turn, is made of a special aluminium silicon alloy, conventional cylinder liners being replaced by hard silicon crystals. The iron-coated pistons, finally, run directly in the uncoated, honed cylinder bore.

High engine speeds, compression forces and temperatures cause extreme loads acting on the crankcase. Hence, the crankcase is compact in its dimensions and comes in torsionally resistant bedplate design ensuring very precise crankshaft bearing and running conditions. The relatively short, forged crankshaft is likewise very stiff in terms of its flexural and torsional qualities, but weighs only 20 kg or 44 lb.

Double-VANOS with low-pressure operation.

With its extremely short control times, variable double-VANOS camshaft management perfects the cylinder charge cycle, reducing charge losses and improving engine output torque and response, as well as fuel economy and emission management.

Developed especially for the new eight-cylinder, the M double-VANOS now featured on the new engine requires no more than normal engine oil pressure in order to operate at maximum speed. As a function of load and engine speed, this sophisticated unit consistently sets the optimum valve angle synchronised to the ignition timing and injection volume.

Consistent and reliable oil supply even under extremely dynamic driving conditions.

Two volume-flow controlled pendulum slide cell pumps supply the eight-cylinder efficiently with lubricant, consistently delivering exactly the right amount for the engine. Wet sump lubrication optimised for engine dynamics, in turn, ensures appropriate lubrication also in extreme braking manoeuvres.

The entire system features two oil sumps – a small one in front of the front axle subframe and a larger sump further back. A separate reflow pump, in turn, extracts oil from the front oil sump and pumps it to the sump at the rear.

Eight individual throttle butterflies with electronic control.

Individual throttle butterflies for each cylinder, a technology commonly used in motorsport, are the ideal solution to give the engine an immediate, direct response at all times. The new power unit in the BMW M3 therefore comes with eight individual throttle butterflies, four on each row of cylinders operated by separate actuators. This high-tech throttle butterfly management is
fully electronic and extremely fast, giving the engine a smooth and sensitive response at low engine speeds and an immediate reaction to the driver’s commands whenever he wishes to use the full power of the engine.

Flow-optimised air intake.

To ensure an immediate response and superior dynamics of the engine at all times, the throttle butterflies in the intake manifolds are positioned very close to the intake valves. The specific length and diameter of the intake funnels also benefit the oscillating pipe charge principle. To minimise weight, finally, both the intake funnels and air collector are made of a light composite material with a 30 per cent share of glass-fibre.

Innovative exhaust system.

Through its design and configuration, the exhaust system for the new V8 power unit optimises the cylinder charge cycle, ensuring an optimum surge of power and torque at all times. And again, this component has been designed and built from the start for consistent lightweight qualities.

The exhaust manifolds are made in an internal high-pressure remoulding process, the desired contours of the stainless-steel pipes being shaped from inside under pressure of up to 800 bar. The result is extremely thin walls measuring just 0.65–1.00 millimetres (0.0256–0.0394´´ ) in thickness, optimising flow conditions with minimum resistance, light weight, and optimum response of the catalytic converters.

Exhaust emissions are cleaned by no less than four catalysts and the engine naturally complies both with the European EU4 standard and the US LEV 2 requirements.

Even better performance than before: the engine control unit.

The engine control unit featured on the V8 has also been upgraded to an even higher standard than before, ensuring optimum coordination of all engine functions. Taking more than 50 input signals, for example, the control unit determines the optimum ignition timing individually for each cylinder and operating stroke, the ideal flow conditions, exactly the right amount of fuel injection, and the optimum injection timing. At the same time the system calculates and sets exactly the right camshaft angles (angle spread), as well as the respective position of the eight individual throttle butterflies.

And last but not least, the control unit enhances and masterminds specific BMW M functions such as the clutch, transmission, steering, and brakes. Yet a further function of the engine control unit is to perform a wide range of on-board diagnostic functions with various diagnostic routines for servicing at the workshop as well as other functions and the efficient management of peripheral units and systems.

An outstanding highlight in engine management: ion flow technology.

A particular highlight in engine management is ion flow technology detecting any knocking in the engine as well as the risk of misfiring or miscombustion. Contrary to conventional processes and technologies, this function is now performed directly where it counts, that is right there in the combustion chamber itself. To provide this highly efficient control, each cylinder is monitored and controlled via the spark plug to determine any knocking tendency. At the same time the system checks the ignition for smooth and correct operation, and recognises any misfiring.

The spark plug therefore serves as an actuator for the ignition and as a sensor observing the combustion process, distinguishing in this way between miscombustion and misfiring. And through this double function performed by the spark plug, diagnostic requirements in maintaining and servicing the engine are also facilitated.

Greater efficiency and dynamics provided by Brake Energy Regeneration.

To further enhance the efficiency of the new V8 power unit, Brake Energy Regeneration ensures intelligent engine current management concentrating the generation of electric power for the on-board network on the overrun phases and the application of the brakes. This serves to charge the car’s battery without tapping on engine power and, accordingly on the energy contained in the fuel burnt. As long as the engine is running under power, on the other hand, accelerating and pulling the car, the alternator generally remains disconnected.

Apart from particularly efficient generation of electric current, this also helps to provide more drive power when accelerating, making the car even more dynamic and agile on the road.

Technorati: BMW+M3, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

2009 BMW M3 Sedan & M3 Cabriolet Renderings

While BMW is getting ready to put the finishing touches on the M3 Coupe version that’ll debut in Frankfurt this autumn, Bimmer fans are already sharpening their “pencils” to give us a preview of the M3 Sedan & Cabriolet (coupe-cabrio) versions that are expected to be introduced in late 2008 – early 2009. Both renderings are the work of BMW fanatic, Gerald Alvarez (aka Alpine325ci) from NJ U.S.A. For those of you who don’t remember, Gerald is the same guy who gave us the excellent M3 Coupe renderings a couple of months ago. As with the M3 Coupe, the sedan and cabriolet versions will be fitted with a BMW M5 V10 derived, 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering more than 400Hp. Via:M3post Renderings: Gerald Alvarez

Technorati: BMW+M3, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Video: 15year-old with a BMW E30 M3 nearly outwits cop in car chase

This kid might be 15 but he definitely knows his driving as he totally “pwned” the pursuing cop in the Chevy Camaro V8. However, despite the fact that no one was hurt in the end, you’ll agree with us that this was one hell of a stupid move on behalf of the 15year-old. He risked not only his own life, but also the lives of the cops and more importantly, the lives of innocent and totally unaware by-passers who could have been seriously hurt for no reason at all.

Technorati: BMW+M3, E30, Youtube, Video, police, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

BMW M3 Concept Interior!

Without doubt, BMW’s M3 Concept was THE star car of the show. We’ve already showed you official pics along with the press release and the presentation Video where we get to see and hear the E92 M3. So, since BMW won’t let any more information out until the production version comes out in mid summer, we’ll wrap things up with two shots of the interior that our Jalopnik friends managed to photograph at the show.

The most notable changes include the alcantara steering wheel with the red & blue stitching reminiscent of the one in the classic E30 M3 EVO, the bucket seats, the carbofibre trim and the aluminium pedals. Before you get excited or disappointed, let us state that this isn’t the final production version and that BMW hasn’t officially released any photos of the concept’s interior. Pics via: Jalopnik -Continued: Click "Read More.." below to see one more pic

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BMW M3 Concept Video – Geneva Live Presentation & Static Shots

I know you can’t get enough of the new BMW M3 Concept. I also recognize that the teaser press release & exterior shots were, well just that, a teaser so here’s the next best thing we could do for all you that won’t have the chance to see it live in Geneva. PS: Get a load of that Bavarian V8 snarl like a pissed mountain-lion when BMW 's BTCC driver Andy Priaulx comes out with the M3 Concept…

Technorati: BMW+M3, Concept, Youtube, Video, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Blast from the past: BMW M3 E30 & Lancia Delta Integrale

As interesting as all these new models and concepts from the Geneva Show can be, at some point, I’m sure you’d all appreciate a small break from all that “Swiss-fuss”. And what a better break than watching a video with two legendary sports cars of the late 80’s - early 90’s.

Technorati: BMW+M3, Lancia+Delta+Integrale, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

GENEVA: BMW M3 Concept

Finally, after months and months of anticipation BMW unveiled the E92 M3 at the Geneva Show today. Forget about the characterization concept, as what you see is what we’ll get (maybe with the exception of the carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof) at September's Frankfurt Motor Show. Like the “stock” E92 Coupe, the M3’s design is more of an evolution over the previous generation rather than a revolution. Of course, that’s something that’ll probably please most M3 byers, personally though, I’ll be honest and say that I'd have liked something a tad more dynamic but I guess cars like the E30 M3 come only once in a lifetime…-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & a high-res image gallery

BMW hasn't released any pictures of the interior but anyone who’s watched the evolution of the M3 over the years knows what to expect. Likewise, BMW avoided giving us any specific technical specifications on the E92 M3 apart from the fact that it’ll get a V8 engine. We’ve heard that the new V8 powerplant is a derivative of the M5’s 507Hp 5.0-litre V10 with a 4.0-litre capacity and an output of around 420Hp. That’ll be good enough for a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) time well under 5,0 sec with top speed electronically limited to 250km/h – 155 mph.

PRESS RELEASE - BMW M3 CONCEPT

The BMW M3 Concept Car -Description in Brief

• Concept study of a BMW M3 by BMW M GmbH, dimensions and fundamental form based on BMW 3 Series Coupé, exclusive new engineering of almost every body element, purpose-built for individualistic form and maximum sporting potential.

• At the core of this concept study is an M3-typical V8 engine tuned
to the high revving M concept.

• Front design conveying a high performance sports car, functional execution of the front apron and engine compartment lid, a robust Powerdome and large air intakes that express the vehicle’s superior drive power, particularly voluminous air intakes for ample air supply to the engine compartment through the elimination of fog lamps, typical of M, and a front apron in a pronounced forward position that symbolises the car’s motoring spirit.

• Sharply defined wheel arches, gill-shaped openings in the front side walls with an elaborate three-dimensional design typical of M cars, and chrome brackets with integrated direction indicators.Characteristic M-brand side skirts providing the side view with an energy-laden accent, visual emphasis of the rear-wheel drive and car’s wide track, 19-inch light alloy rims with the characteristic Y-spoke design, exclusive exterior mirrors with an aerodynamically optimised design.

• Rear design with horizontal lines accentuating the car’s wide track, pronounced wheel orientation as a symbol of its powerful stance, rear diffuser that mirrors design elements of the front apron, balanced proportions underlining the BMW M3’s supremacy, M-typical double tailpipes arranged toward the centre of the vehicle.

• Intelligent lightweight construction that directly influences the vehicle’s agility and dynamic performance, aluminium engine compartment lid. Side walls made of synthetic material and CFRP roof that optimise weight distribution and centre of gravity, visible CFRP roof construction as an additional design element, emphasis of flat silhouette and high tech character of the vehicle.

The Vision of Ultimate Driving Pleasure:The BMW M3 Concept Car.

Its very name is a symbol for unique performance on the racetrack and in everyday traffic. For two decades, BMW M3 has embodied the athletic heart of the brand in its most fundamental and succinct form. Its dominating role in motor sports and the ultimate driving experience it affords the driver on the road are inseparably intertwined. The qualities on which this synthesis is founded have given the BMW M3 the exceptional status it enjoys the world over. At BMW M GmbH, engineers have persisted in continuing this success story with the presentation of the new BMW M3 Concept Car. The concept study being presented to the public for the first time at the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva (8th to 18th of March, 2007) gives a first impression of what a future BMW M3 might look like.

The basic form for the BMW M3 Concept Car is a derivative of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé. The few components adopted directly from the series model are the headlamps and taillamps and, as the only body elements, the two doors and the luggage compartment lid. In all other respects, the BMW M3 Concept Car, which is being presented in the Chrome Shadow finish characteristic of BMW M GmbH concept studies, is obviously an individualistic and athletic vehicle with technology at the focus of its engineering.

Individualistic body concept with emotional aesthetics.

In keeping with tradition, the engineers at BMW M GmbH developed the BMW M3 Concept Car as a fundamentally individualistic vehicle. The level of commitment to this approach is clearly demonstrated by its body. While it is based on the dimensions and the underlying form of the BMW 3 Series Coupé, virtually all body elements have been newly developed and designed from the ground up. Apart from the supporting vehicle structure, only the doors and the luggage compartment lid were taken over from the series model.

All other components were specially engineered for the BMW M3 Concept Car, lending the vehicle exterior unique aesthetics that accentuate its superior power. Unmistakable features that make the BMW M3 Concept Car instantly recognisable are the special trim at the front and rear, the engine compartment lid with its bulging Powerdome and two air intakes, the lateral air slots in the front side walls, the side skirts and the exterior mirrors in a BMW M typical design.

Front with additional air intakes, engine compartment lid with Powerdome.

Faithful to the principle of “form follows function” in designing the body for the concept study, designers at BMW M GmbH used elements that not only visually emphasise the increased sportiness of the vehicle, but also serve a technical purpose. Conspicuous at the front are three large air intakes below the cooling grille that supply the engine with additional intake and cooling air. Strong, vertical struts delineate the air intakes and enhance their characteristic form.

The aluminium engine compartment lid exhibits a wide bulging curvature known as the Powerdome. Like the air intakes beside it, the Powerdome suggests the great potential that can be expected of a powerplant in the engine bay of a BMW M3. The M3 Concept Car features a high revving V8 engine that is anticipated for the series car once it goes into production.

The contours of the Powerdome and air intakes are in line with the forward-pointing sweep of the engine compartment lid and harmoniously blend into the overall design of the front, which is longer than that of the BMW 3 Series Coupé. Together with the double kidney grille typical of BMW and the flat headlamp units, they lend the BMW M3 Concept Car a highly dynamic character.

Wheel arches and side skirts communicate agility and stability.

The muscular front wheel arches of the BMW M3 Concept Car symbolise the high level of agility and driving stability achieved by this vehicle. Together with the forged 19-inch light alloy rims in the classic Y-spoke design, they emphasise the vehicle’s wide track, while a glance through the spokes of the rims reveals the compound high performance brakes developed exclusively for M vehicles.

The opening behind the wheel arch on the front side wall, which the designers refer to as gills, has an elaborate three-dimensional form that is split by a discreet chrome bracket containing the direction indicator and the M3 logo.

Two arched surfaces form the pronounced side skirt, creating a purposefully designed contrast between light and shadow. By giving the side wall a lower appearance, the side skirt lends the car a lighter, sportier look from this angle. The incidence of light on the likewise sharply defined rear wing and wheel stresses the dynamic character of this vehicle and visually highlights its rear-wheel drive.

The design of the side skirt corresponds with the shape of the strongly pronounced contour line. The play of light and shadow between the parallel contours of the skirt and contour line brings about a tightness in design that emphasises the individual character of the BMW M3 Concept Car even more strongly.

Exclusive exterior mirrors developed for the BMW M3 Concept Car feature the characteristic black double foot that reminds the viewer of the wings of an aircraft. Even this small detail is in keeping with the principle of “form follows function”. With their horizontal contour line and tapered shape toward the outside, the exterior mirrors not only contribute to the overall impression of the vehicle, but their aerodynamic shape, optimised in a wind tunnel, is advantageous to air resistance values.

Wide track, muscular stance – rear design emphasises dynamic performance.

The rear of the BMW M3 Concept Car picks up on the design of the car’s front. The side lines gradually sink toward the rear and the wings end in a modelled hollow flute, emphasising the rear-wheel drive and visualising the superior dynamics of this vehicle. From any angle, the rear creates the impression of a pronounced wheel orientation and a muscular stance. Its proportions lend it confidence and a calm yet powerful impression. A visually discreet spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid, also called a Gurney flap, optimally channels the air at the rear and additionally reduces lift on the rear axle.

The contours of the diffuser, whose design is subdivided by modelled struts, mirror the shape of the air intakes at the front. The diffuser and the double exhaust tailpipes positioned close to the vehicle’s longitudinal axis appear to pull the rear together at the centre and build up a tension in conjunction with the horizontal lines of the bumper. The tailpipes have a round cross section and are cut off vertically, as is typical for BMW M GmbH engineering.

Exclusive roof with visible carbon fibre structure.

There is hardly a body element in the BMW M3 Concept Car that exhibits the level of advanced technology as clearly as the roof. It is constructed of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Specialists at the BMW Plant in Landshut,Germany, rely on an exclusive production method in which the structure of the Formula 1 material remains visible and the finely structured surface is only coated with a layer of clear finish.

As a highly visible advanced technology component, the CFRP roof dominates the technically innovative appearance of the BMW M3 Concept Car. Seen from the side, it lets the roof edge appear flatter and thus lowers the perceived body height. Apart from the exclusive appearance, the CFRP roof also offers a real technical advantage: It is considerably lighter than a steel roof. This not only reduces the overall vehicle weight, but by reducing the weight of the highest element in the body, the centre of gravity is lowered as well. Thus, the reduction in weight at this location is particularly beneficial to the agility and dynamic performance of the vehicle.

The CFRP roof is a perfect example of how interlinking technical innovation with an individual design strategy was central to the development of the BMW M3 Concept Car. Following the tradition of the previous three generations of the BMW M3, this concept study represents a high performance sports car interpreted for use in everyday diving, with its every detail being yet another example of the objective pursued by the engineers. The BMW M3 Concept Car is a vision that shows where striving for the ultimate driving experience will take us in the future.

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Waste of the Day: BMW M3 CSL total loss at Nurburgring

We’re fully aware that no words can take the pain off a loss like this but we’ll agree with the folks over at "bimmerforums" who noted that at least the BMW M3 CSL died doing what is was made for at the best place in the world it could do it. Interestingly enough in the same forum we discovered a link pointing out to the German eBay revealing that the totaled BMW M3 CSL is up for sale for 29.900 EUR or 39.400 USD. New rims apart, looks like it’s the same car but we can’t vouch for it. Via: Diariomotor Source: Bimmerforums

Technorati: BMW+M3+CSL, Nurburgring, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

BMW officially announces that it’ll present a "spectacular" concept at Geneva

A couple of days we shared a tip with you concerning BMW’s Geneva Show line-up. To be exact, we had two tips, one from a BMW PR who informed us about a worldwide debut of a concept and another one from a friend who works for the Bavarian company saying that BMW will present the new M3 at Geneva, without giving any specific details whether it’ll be a concept or a production version.

Now I just got my hands on BMW’s Geneva Show English press-release. Here’s the part we’re all interested in: “BMW is taking advantage of the most important annual motor show on the European continent to launch a variety of world premieres and to present a spectacular concept study”. As I noted in our previous post, I’m more than certain that the concept BMW is talking about is the pre-production version of the upcoming 2008 M3 which will probably premiere at the Frankfurt Show in October. -Continued: Click "Read More…" below to check out the official press release

PS:The image above is a rendering made by Gerald Alvarez

PRESS RELEASE: The BMW Group at the 77th International Geneva Show 2007

BMW is continuing its model offensive. With attractive new features and fascinating technical innovations BMW will be attracting attention on the global car markets in 2007, too. At the 77th International Auto-Salon in Geneva from the 8th to the 18th March 2007, visitors will have the opportunity to closely examine a whole range of innovations before the start of production – and in addition – will have a chance to take a look into the future. BMW is taking advantage of the most important annual motor show on the European continent to launch a variety of world premieres and to present a spectacular concept study.

Furthermore, the latest innovations in the drive and chassis sector as well as advanced driver assistance systems will be exhibited. The current engine range highlights once again the great progress achieved in the area of efficient dynamics which has been BMW’s development focus for a long time. The consistent application of this principle leads to the fact that the new models presented at the international Auto-Salon not only offer the highest level of driving dynamics in their respective competitive class, but also the best fuel consumption and emissions ratings.

The new BMW 5 Series and new BMW 1 Series will be presented to the public for the first time at the International Auto-Salon 2007. With a sophisticated design, an extensively upgraded interior, the innovative advanced driver assistance systems, lane departure warning and active cruise control with a Stop & Go function as well as a thoroughly renewed engine range, the new BMW 5 Series sedan and the BMW 5 Series Touring are also raising the standards once again in their segments. In the case of the new 6-cylinder engines with 2nd-generation direct fuel injection, the effects of applying the efficient dynamics principle become especially apparent. The BMW 523i and BMW 530i models have both increased output by 10kW combined with considerably lower fuel consumption and 15 percent lower CO² emissions compared to the respective predecessor model.

The new BMW 1 Series, still the only compact model with rear wheel drive, will also be presented in a three-door body variant for the first time. The new version of the BMW 1 Series combines fascinating driving fun with further improved efficiency and exemplary emissions ratings. Under the hood there are the newly developed 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines which herald a new dimension of efficient dynamics. In the new, 130 kW BMW 120d, CO² emissions have been reduced to 129 g/km and in the new 105 kW BMW 118d they have been lowered to only 123 g/km.

In addition, the Auto-Salon in Geneva is also a showplace for the world premiere of the new BMW M5 Touring, which combines superior driving dynamics and the highest level of variability in a unique way.

Besides the new models, a variety of innovations are also in the limelight in Geneva, which give Sheer Driving Pleasure a new character that is quite distinctive. The newly developed 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are heralding a new dimension of efficient dynamics. With the active cruise control that includes a Stop & Go function for the new BMW 5 Series, the Rear Vision camera system presented for the first time with the new BMW X5 as well as the chassis systems DynamicDrive and active steering, the BMW Group is also documenting its outstanding innovativeness in Geneva

Technorati: BMW+M3, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

BMW M3 Concept coming to Geneva

Busy day today as I took upon the task of calling and e-mailing all my contacts in order to make a list of the Geneva Show premieres. When it came to BMW, I received your typical Bavarian cold-hearted “telegraphic” style PR e-mail: "Geneva Debuts: BMW 1-Series 3d & facelift, 5-Series facelift, X5 & Concept".

Not much of a help but when there’s a will there’s a way, so I contacted a pal of mine who works for BMW. He informed me that we’re going to see the brand new M3 at Geneva, without giving me any more details. Since both sources are trustworthy and haven’t proven me wrong until now, I think they’re both right: BMW will unveil a near-to-production concept version of the V8 powered M3 prior to its production debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in October. PS:The image above is a rendering made by Gerald Alvarez

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