2008 BMW M3: Now In ALMS for 2008 Season

[YSSMAN]

BMW today revealed the M3 Concept at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The car features a high-revving V8 powerplant, tuned suspension, a six-speed manual transmission, a carbon fiber roof, and all the exterior modifications typical of an "M" car.

BMW has not disclosed the final horsepower rating, but the production M3 is expected to have between 425 and 450 horsepower. Its engine is derived directly from the V10 used in the M5 and M6.

Reminiscent of the carbon fiber roof panel used on the M6 coupe, the M3's CFRP roof cuts unnecessary weight, and lowers the car's center of gravity. It also lets the roof edge appear flatter and thus lowers the perceived body height.

Wide wheel arches, together with the forged 19-inch light alloy rims in the classic Y-spoke design, emphasize the vehicle’s wide track.

The production version of the M3 coupe is expected to be very similar to this thinly-veiled "concept." It will arrive in showrooms later this year, and will be followed by a convertible variant in 2008. The new M3 is expected to cost somewhat more than the outgoing E46 model, but should remain competitive with the Lexus IS-F and Audi RS4.

...I'm really not finding this car too terribly interesting, not nearly as exciting as I had anticipated. The looks are alright I guess, but there isn't much to make it look better from the 335i, and compared to other "exotic" sedans and coupes in its class, the only car that looks even more bored is the S5...

I'm eager to hear the performance specs, but even then, I can't expect anything too outrageous. I'm happy they skipped SMG in this "concept" though, hopefully they got the whole idea of a manual transmission right with this one (thanks BMW for the M5!).

...Now we just need a Monaro/GTO, and then it will be a party...

 

[Dave A]

I actually really like that, but then I think the 3 series coupe is quite a nice car overall anyway. The wider stance give it a more agressive look, it's understated sure, but BMW M3's have never been in your face.

 

[Duke]

Actually, I don't think it's understated enough. I think it's trying much too hard. Certainly it looks like Bangle's studio just had their second cup of espresso kick in. The 3-series was just starting to show that they were coming down off the caffeine buzz from their first cup.

 

[F1GTR]

I quite like it.

 

[Dave A]

If anything I'm not that keen on the bonnet bulge, everything else seems okay to me.

 

[ExigeEvan]

The only thing I don't like is the bonnet (hood) bulge, though it could be functional.

 

[kikie]

I don't like the new 3 series but the new M3, is a very nice looking car. Maybe it's the colour, I don't know

I hope this concept will become the final model.

 

[YSSMAN]

After looking at the car for a while, I'm still a bit wishy-washy on the whole thing. I rather liked the 335i coupe, but this just doesn't seem leaps and bounds ahead in terms of looks for me. Certainly the more aggressive front is a welcome addition to the overall look of the car, but I think comparatively speaking to the other more aggressive models in it's class, it really isn't a stand-out model.

Weight will obviously be the car's ally when it finally makes its official debut later this year, and it should make for an interesting run against the competition. With Audi getting fairly stellar marks with the S and RS versions of the A4, and presumably of the A5, the BMW looks to face some tough competition there. Throw in the C63 and AMG's new-found fondness for handling, the big V8 should stir the pot for BMW a bit more. Although, it is questionable how much Merc's "muscle car" would be able to do in a crowd that is tilting further and further to all-out performance. Then you've got the Lexus IS-F, which is indeed a good-looking car, but again may be so overwrought with computer overlords that it may not be able to do anything against the M3...

...And although they may not be directly comparable, don't count the Americans and Aussies out either. Certainly "most people" won't cross-shop the M3 at their local Ford, Dodge, or Holden dealer, but with the GT500 as a viable option (not to mention Roush or Saleen Mustangs), the Camaro and Challenger on the horizon, and the availability of the various high-power Commodores on the doorstep (and GM's easy choice to opt for the 500 BHP LS7), and the next CTS-V right around the corner...

...The M3 has a lot to prove in a growing field of competitors. Lets hope this one is a good one, as its predecessor was quite the sweetheart. I'd hate to see the M3 pull a Ashlee Simpson on us...

 

[Appie]

The car looks good. Good job BMW:tup:

 

[super cirrus]

I dont really like that front fascia makes, it makes the car look like a bulldog. It seems BMW wants to make it look tough...

 

[super cirrus]

more pics too
http://www.houston-imports.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371444

 

[donbenni]

Love that profile shot. Looks like it's got some muscle 👍 Certainly looks different enough to the stock 3 series, but perhaps not quite as nice as the exiting M3.

 

[kikie]

I still prefer the older model.

 

[m7ammed]

I love it , but does anybody know if its got a 6 speed manual or a 7 speed one? no numbering on teh gear knob made me wonder

 

[Duke]

I do like the front fascia. I don't like the hood. I'm not convinced by the rocker flares under the door - looks too Veilside for me. And I'm really not convinced by the way the wheels sit in the fender arches. At all. Particularly at the front wheel.

It's just, well, bad.

 

[Keef]

What the heck is the deal with that front bumper? That's is the ugliest thing I've ever seen. I will say that I'll probably get used to it in a month or so, but I need something to complain about right now. It looks like it should be blowing fishy bubbles like bloop, bloop, bloop. And the hood buldge. I do not care if it's necessary, it's disgushing and extremely not-BMW. I figured this V8 would be lower than the I6, but I guess it isn't, or I guess the new Euro-save-the-idiot-pedestrians laws are crappy.

But whatever, I despise new BMWs anyway.

EDIT: Sage, I like the way you think...

 

[Sage]

That’s not a BMW M3 – this is:

That gray blob in the first post is just a 3-series coupe that got cast in a faulty mold.

 

[inferno]

well they fuglied up the front bumper. the main grill opening gets bigger at the bottom? what the heck is that? The rest of the front is ok, but that side profile shot looks awsome.

 

[bennyrrr]

Its got OK looks, but Im willing to say that it will be damn fast.

 

[McLaren]

I love it , but does anybody know if its got a 6 speed manual or a 7 speed one? no numbering on teh gear knob made me wonder

It'll probably be a 7-speed Steptronic, and offer a 6-speed manual like the M5 and M6.

It's certainly different from what I was expecting, and it looks like a love it/hate it car.

I'm still just a bit shocked, but it's got a mean stance on it.

 

[Dougboy]

This thing is beautiful. Personally, i dont think the new 3 series coupe is very photogenic and even Bangle himself states that his designs dont look good on film. I was quite skeptical when i first saw concepts and internet pictures of the e92, but i was in awe when i saw the real thing. I cant wait until i see this thing in real life.

 

[Onikaze]

Dunno, thinking about how it will look powersliding all over hell and gone and trying to imagine the horrendous sounds it's going to make...

I like it, but I prefer my BMW's funny looking and not "same sausage, three lengths".

 

[harrytuttle]

...I'm really not finding this car too terribly interesting, not nearly as exciting as I had anticipated. The looks are alright I guess, but there isn't much to make it look better from the 335i, and compared to other "exotic" sedans and coupes in its class, the only car that looks even more bored is the S5...

I would give it time, and an in-person viewing. Photographs didn't really do either the E36 or E46 justice when trying to portray the differences between those cars and their respective lesser siblings. Neither of those look like much more than slightly modified, until you get right up next to it.

Having said that, the choice of body kit looks a bit...guppy-ish. I fear for my shoes. Odd choice of wheels, straight off the old CS/CSL. I was expecting a newer wheel, as with all other 3-Series. The "power bulge" is pretty much as before, if more severe than last time, and the vents add some...um, drama? But from the front windscreen back, the works very well for me.

I'm eager to hear the performance specs, but even then, I can't expect anything too outrageous. I'm happy they skipped SMG in this "concept" though, hopefully they got the whole idea of a manual transmission right with this one (thanks BMW for the M5!).

I still think BMW should have stuck to their guns with SMG. It's higher tech, faster (a little), safer, cooler. Sure, there's a slight lack of involvment, but ABS has the same effect. How "involved" do you really want to be in a car that's trying to be cutting edge?

Very large photos here.

 

[Sage]

Wheel wells are the easiest things in the world to design, yet both automakers managed to completely screw up.

 

[Danoff]

It'll be one of the best looking cars in the current BMW lineup - which isn't saying a whole lot. It still doesn't look good, definitely not as good as the previous model, but it isn't quite as ugly as many of the other models.

 

[JCE]

That’s not a BMW M3 – this is:

That gray blob in the first post is just a 3-series coupe that got cast in a faulty mold.

+1 That is definately what I picture in my head when someone says "M3". This new one is too "busy" and has too many different styles--per panel. Too many useless buldges and sharp edges. I dare say this new M3 is ugly.

My (un)approval rating = 40%

 

[Keef]

Wheel wells are the easiest things in the world to design, yet both automakers managed to completely screw up.

Well, the arches look alright when the car isn't lowered and doesn't ahve bigass wheels and tires filling u pthe whole. The IS is lowered what seems to be about 6 inches, which is very suprising for a manufacturer. It looks aftermarket. But I see what you mean about the arch not following the tire all the way around. That's just because they lowered the normal body.

 

[ND4SPD]

Took them long enough......But wow, this new M3 is beautiful(aside from the hood bulge). I just want to know why are they calling this a "concept"? It's quite obvious that the production version will nearly be exact to this.

 

[YSSMAN]

...I'd almost rather have the beat-up prototype car we've been seeing for more than a year. At least in that form it looked "normal," and didn't seem to be trying too hard to impress...

 

[inferno]

Took them long enough......But wow, this new M3 is beautiful(aside from the hood bulge). I just want to know why are they calling this a "concept"? It's quite obvious that the production version will nearly be exact to this.

The word "concept", i am hanging, quite dearly on to. invert the lower central grill for the "production" version and i'll go as far as to say bangle finaly did something awsome. After a second look, i quite like the rest of it.