2008 BMW M3: Now In ALMS for 2008 Season

  • Thread starter Thread starter YSSMAN
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^ I'd be willing to bet that we are seeing 99.8% of the production car there. I doubt BMW will change much, if anything, on the production model.
 
Upon initaial look, I thought the car was absolutely awesome. Mean, quick looking, well done. As I looked at it more, I began to feel like the bottom of the front and the bottom of the rear really don't fit on a German car, Japanese more like. Iron out some of those excessive ridges and make them a little less rediculous and this car would be absolutely stunning. I was a huge fan of the old M3, and it seems that this has the looks to stay very high on the styling scale. It may be lower because they seemed to have tried a little too hard.

From a performance standpoint, it seems amazing. The power is really nice, but still around, or maybe below its competitors, the RS4 and C63. I just hope that BMW have kept this a light car to allow great handling.
 
YSSMAN
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!).
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You do realize that the manual-equipped M5 is a complete joke, right? It's got an undefeatable version of DSC, due to the fact that the manual-transmission driveline (taken from the previous M5) couldn't take the V10's power very well.

Sage
*awesome-looking car*
*whale that escaped from the zoo*

Wheel wells are the easiest things in the world to design, yet both automakers managed to completely screw up.
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Thanks for the direct comparo, it really demonstrates how well-proportioned and attractive the new M3 is. :) 👍

That said, I would like to see someone take an E92 M3 and transplant the V8 with an S54B32, then put on a normal E92 hood. The correct number of cylinders for an M3, and no hood bump... :sly: A bit short on power with today's crowd, but that's what turbochargers are for (if you insist).
 
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13314/BMW/default.aspx :Some more info.
Ill quote it incase anyone cant see it
Source - BMW
The BMW M3 Concept Car

BMW M GmbH has revealed an impression of the next generation M3 Coupe at the 77th Geneva Motor Show in the guise of a stunning Concept Car.

The BMW M3 Concept Car features a high-revving V8 engine that is anticipated for the series car once it goes into production. The M3 Concept Car gives an indication of what to expect when the production version of the E92 generation M3 Coupe is released. Bred on the race track for the road, the M3 Coupe has been an icon for more than 20 years.

The new BMW M3 Concept car is based on the just introduced BMW 3 Series Coupe (which has been critically acclaimed around the world, notably in Twin Turbo 335i guise).

For the M3 Concept car, most body panels have been recreated to suit the high-performance prescription that has invigorated driving enthusiasts for more than 20 years. The secret to any M3 is its successful combination of every day driving machine with race track weapon.

The much anticipated Geneva show car is finished in BMW M's traditional concept paint finish 'Chrome Shadow'. While the new BMW M3 shares the overall silhouette of the 3 Series Coupe, only the doors, boot lid and head and tail lamps are carried over without alteration in the M3 Concept Car's body. All other components were specially engineered for the BMW M3 Concept Car. It features unique exterior aesthetics that accentuate its superior power.

The most notable change to the body is the bulging bonnet now made of weight-saving aluminum, complete with an enhanced and unmistakable powerdome, flanked by large air vents.

The V8 engine featured in the M3 Concept Car devours air at a faster rate than the previous straight six-cylinder engine, so the front apron is dominated by three extra-large air intakes. Along the flanks, the front guards host the now traditional M gills complete with indicator repeaters and M3 badge, while side skirts re-emphasize the M3 Coupe's powerful stance and high-performance purpose.

The muscular front wheel arches of the BMW M3 Concept Car symbolize 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 emphasize 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.

Specially designed exterior mirrors feature a black double foot reminiscent of an aircraft wing. The mirrors contribute positively to enhanced stability at high speed, thanks to detailed wind-tunnel optimization.

From any angle, the rear of the car draws the eye to the large rear wheel and muscular haunches, underlining the fact that power is delivered to the road via the rear wheels. A typically discreet boot lip spoiler is designed to reduce lift at speed, keeping the rear wheels firmly on the ground. The contours of the diffuser, whose design is subdivided by modeled struts, mirror the shape of the air intakes at the front. The diffuser and the now-trademark M GmbH double exhaust tailpipes leave observers in no doubt as to the monstrous performance within.

The M3 Concept Car is fitted as standard with an advanced technology carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof panel, as introduced on the limited edition E46 generation M3 CSL, and also used on the production M6 Coupe. In addition to helping to lower the centre of gravity and thus improve agility and handling control, the Formula 1-developed CFRP saves overall weight and is left unpainted, with the finely structured surface coated only with a layer of clear finish. When viewed side-on, the roof edges appear flatter, so lowering the perceived body height. 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.

The BMW M3 Concept Car is a vision that shows where striving for the ultimate driving experience will take us in the future.

'The BMW M3 represents the cutting edge of BMW driving superiority, and the Concept revealed at the Geneva Motor Show is more than a hint of what we can expect to be driving very soon,' said Guenther Seemann, BMW Group Australia Managing Director.

'The new high-revving V8 engine, extra-sleek body styling and the high-technology CFRP roof are the highlights of what will be a scintillating driver's package.

'The M3 Coupe has driven its way into the hearts of all hard-core driving enthusiasts around the world and in Australia the previous generation sold in excess of 1,500 examples, underlining its broad appeal in a market segment it created.'
2007 BMW M3 Concept
Year 2007
Make BMW
Model M3 Concept
Engine Location Front
Drive Type Rear Wheel
Body Material Aluminium
Introduced At 2007 Geneva Motor Show

Engine
Engine Configuration V
Cylinders 8
Aspiration/Induction Normal
Fuel Type Gasoline - Petrol

Standard Transmission
Gears 6
Transmission Sequential

Dimensions
Seating Capacity 4
Doors 2
Exterior
Length 176.901 in | 4493.3 mm.
Width 70.101 in | 1780.6 mm.
Wheelbase 107.501 in | 2730.5 mm.
Front Track 59.401 in | 1508.8 mm.
Rear Track 60.001 in | 1524 mm.
Vehicles with similar dimensions

Steering
Rack and Pinion with Speed Sensitive Power Assist

Tires / Wheels
Wheels 19-inch light alloy
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The new M3 dosent seem like a 2-door, i think its doors are too short and weird.




Just a comparison IMO
 
Wolfe
You do realize that the manual-equipped M5 is a complete joke, right? It's got an undefeatable version of DSC, due to the fact that the manual-transmission driveline (taken from the previous M5) couldn't take the V10's power very well.
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Yes, it was a bit of a joke. The "awesomeness" and the "importance" of SMG was certainly displayed by the dropping of the ball on BMW's behalf with the manual M5, as they pretty much didn't want to be proven wrong with the whole setup... Or that is the way I've chosen to look at it. Therefore I'm hoping that BMW did something right with the M3, equipped it with a proper manual transmission that works just as well, if not better, than the unit found in the current model. IMO, I can see the reasoning behind an SMG transmission particularly in racing, but when it comes to my own performance-oriented models, I'd prefer to do the work myself.

Yes, that would mean that I'm not a tech-crazy German or Japanese man looking for the easiest way to go fast while also decreasing the level of involvement within the car, and certainly that may make me an out-lier in the performance driving community. But when you've got the SMG, which has really only worked part of the time, against vastly better units from VAG and Ferrari, you do have to question how they plan to make it a viable option against what we have been driving for decades...

...But this is truly a thing to discuss in a different thread...

Heres to hoping BMW did it right this time!
 
Yeah, M3 looks better to me, too. But to me, where Lexus outdoes BMW here are the number of doors. :D Bring the 4dr M3 back!

I like this concept. Taillights looks way better than the ones on the regular 3-Series to me, but still just average at best. I think it looks great from every angle, except for the rear(Thank you, Super Cirrus for the link).
 
a6m5
ut to me, where Lexus outdoes BMW here are the number of doors. :D Bring the 4dr M3 back!
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I'm all for that (except for the part where a Lexus is better). We've been without the four-door M3 in America since what, '98? What a drastic disappointment, as I fondly remember the sedans of that era. They looked great, performed well, and did a great job balancing sport and comfort for the whole family. I would suppose that they were replaced by the 330i M-Sport in later versions, and at least today we have the option of the 335i, but it is by no means a true M-model.

With the competition almost exclusively sedans, you'd think BMW would go for a change. But then again, Audi has already shown us their coupe, Lexus has said that they want to do a coupe version of the IS, and so too has GM with the CTS-V.
 
YSSMAN
I'm all for that (except for the part where a Lexus is better). We've been without the four-door M3 in America since what, '98? What a drastic disappointment, as I fondly remember the sedans of that era. They looked great, performed well, and did a great job balancing sport and comfort for the whole family. I would suppose that they were replaced by the 330i M-Sport in later versions, and at least today we have the option of the 335i, but it is by no means a true M-model.

With the competition almost exclusively sedans, you'd think BMW would go for a change. But then again, Audi has already shown us their coupe, Lexus has said that they want to do a coupe version of the IS, and so too has GM with the CTS-V.
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I LOVE Lexus, but that car doesn't even come with manual transmission, right? Typical.
 
That Lexus looks like tripe. The M3, on the other hand, is absolutely gorgeous. They fixed EVERYTHING I thought should be fixed on the 335i. They lowered and squared the rear bumper profile. Perfect. They got rid of that stupid side-reflector and came up with this GORGEOUS and genius side vent with an incorporated reflector/light:


The bonnet buldge is kind of odd, but I don't mind it. In fact, I wonder what it would've looked like with some edging and stuff around it.

The interior is also gorgeous. They allowed us to ditch the wood and aluminum (only the burlwood looked decent; the rest stuck out like michael jackson at a MLK parade.) by putting in a fantastic carbon fiber scheme.


I love it; it's a huge improvement over the regular 3 and is probably the best looking thing to come out of Bangle Motor Works.
 
YSSMAN
But when you've got the SMG, which has really only worked part of the time, against vastly better units from VAG and Ferrari, you do have to question how they plan to make it a viable option against what we have been driving for decades...
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Last I heard, BMW were planning to introduce a dual-clutch sequential manual gearbox before the end of the decade. And Ferrari's gearbox isn't all that much better than BMW's (in fact, the E46 M3's SMG II shifts faster than the Enzo).

YSSMAN
...But this is truly a thing to discuss in a different thread...
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I disagree. Not only is it BMW-related, it impacts the M3 and calls to attention the future transmission choices with the car.

a6m5
Yeah, M3 looks better to me, too. But to me, where Lexus outdoes BMW here are the number of doors. :D Bring the 4dr M3 back!
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YSSMAN
I'm all for that (except for the part where a Lexus is better). We've been without the four-door M3 in America since what, '98? What a drastic disappointment, as I fondly remember the sedans of that era. They looked great, performed well, and did a great job balancing sport and comfort for the whole family.
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Bah. 2-door sedans FTW!! :D
 
Wolfe
I disagree. Not only is it BMW-related, it impacts the M3 and calls to attention the future transmission choices with the car.
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Well, if it is fair game, then I'm game...

Last I heard, BMW were planning to introduce a dual-clutch sequential manual gearbox before the end of the decade. And Ferrari's gearbox isn't all that much better than BMW's (in fact, the E46 M3's SMG II shifts faster than the Enzo).
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I think the big hurdle there is the absolute abysmal performance of SMG in every iteration in regular driving. Nearly every road test that I have read has stated over, and over, and over again that there is just too much slipping being allowed by the computer, and at that, it never seems to be in the right gear when left in automatic mode.

...Certainly, as most people with a few brain cells would point out that putting the car into a manual mode would fix it, and they would be for the most part right, however complaints have been voiced over the harshness of the shifts in the SMG, particularly in the Z4.

This would be in a fairly dramatic contrast to the Ferrari and VAG setups, which have for the most part been critically lauded for their ease of use, and their relative intelligence in automatic mode (although, why would you want it there?). We may be splitting hairs in some circumstances, and often times taste dictates the reviews of the given product, but views of the SMG have generally not been positive.

...I'm happy to hear they are working on a replacement ala DSG. Although that formula has generally worked well, there have been flaws, and as the Eos has shown, they can come through rather easily in some models versus that of others (GTI, GLI, Jetta TDI, etc).

I'm still in the all-manual or nothing camp for the most part, but as the technology for these transmissions get better, I would presumably adapt at some point. My short experiences with DSG have been for the most part positive, although I have yet to be in a car with SMG. But, I'd still chose to row my own gears... Saves me money, and gives me more personal satisfaction...
 
Oh believe me, SMG is worthless, and SMG II only tolerable. What I disagree with is that Ferrari's box can be put on the same level as DSG. Not only is DSG the fastest-shifting sequential gearbox out there (10 times faster than SMG II), it's as smooth as can be, has a smart automatic mode, and can be made strong enough to withstand the Veyron's torque.

What's wrong with the Eos' DSG? I've heard nothing but good things apart from the lack of steering-wheel paddles (which I don't really care about).
 
Wolfe
What's wrong with the Eos' DSG? I've heard nothing but good things apart from the lack of steering-wheel paddles (which I don't really care about).
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Complaints have said that it is too sluggish to shift, and seems to be searching too much in automatic mode. I believe the complaints were slanted at the fact that DSG in that form had been shifted (ha ha) far too much for comfort settings, and in doing so, had lost some of the "goodness" (can anyone spot the Vee-Dub reference... Die-hard fans will know!) from other iterations. Not everyone has complained per-se, but they have noted that it doesn't seem like the same transmission in most cases. It isn't horrible, but something is "different," and it isn't good.

My Grandmother has been looking into replacing her 2002 Cabrio with an Eos when she gets back from Florida in a few weeks, so if I'm lucky I'll give one a shot.
 
Ah. Be sure to let us know. Anyway, now that we are getting away from the topic, let's reel back in a bit.

Doing a bit of searching, I'm finding confirmation in my memory of that BMW dual-clutch rumor, particularly this, although it's a bit dated (August of last year):

Just_Me of M5Board.com
ZF Sachs AG (a very involved BMW development partner: DynamicDrive, ActiveSteering, 6-speed automatic gearbox, etc) has recently developed (prototype was presented at IAA 2005) a 7-speed wet dual clutch transmission named 7 DCT 50 - a BorgWarner's DualTronic fighter.

7 DCT 50 specs:
7 speeds, up to 520Nm, up to 9000rpm, dual-mass flywheel, 3 driving modes (comfort, sport, manual) etc.

http://www.sachs.de/direkt.php?link=owx_7_80525_2_5_0_00000000000000.html

---------------------------------------------------------¨

XXX could get a 7-speed dual clutch transmission by Getrag "DCT 436":
hydraulic actuation
2 contrentic wet clutches
7-speeds
up to 600Nm

--------------------------------------------------------------

Latest info:

Not only DCT is to be featured in 335si (coming to German market in 2007), but BMW are also testing new DCT gearbox in the new M3. And SMG III as well.

Tests results will determine which gearbox will be featured in the new M3: DCT or SMG III. First tests shows very impressive DCT performance. But that's only the begining.

PS: DCT is of course a superior solution to SMG, so BMW want to use it in M cars as well. Therefore they are testing it. The first indications are M3 will get the DCT, and then also new M's will get it when they come out.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Source: e90post.com
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Apparently, the BMW dual-clutch gearbox is tentatively named ZSG.
 
Ugh. Another Ugly Bimmer. Although I will admit that it is at least an agressive ugly Bimmer.

I maintain that this is the only true, and very best M3:
bmwe30m3side2tr1.jpg


156500iz6.jpg
 
YSSMAN
...Certainly, as most people with a few brain cells would point out that putting the car into a manual mode would fix it, and they would be for the most part right, however complaints have been voiced over the harshness of the shifts in the SMG, particularly in the Z4
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The SMG in the Z4 and E46 330 has the same software as an Alfa which is a really bad software with allot of problems . As for SMG II found in the E46 M3 people who have used say that with time you learn how to use the SMG , there is this site with a guy pretty much like you who loves manuals and he thought he would never get an SMG he flew all the way to the UK (he is from the US) to try it , once he tried he thought it was harsh and jerky...ect , but he was suprised when the salesman started driving it that it was very smooth . I will try to find that review as gives pretty much a detailed review of the SMG cons and pros.

ohh and he ended up buying an SMG version ;)
 
Can everyone at least agree that this is the best Bangle job?
 
Omnis
Can everyone at least agree that this is the best Bangle job?
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Sorry Omnis but you know, English isn't my native language and I don't know what you mean by "bangle job".

:)
 
Matthew Keller
That really is great looking! Too bad it wont beat a G8. :sly: [/troll]
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Lmao. Yeah, we'll have to see how BMW can stack up to a Pontiac. This class is going to have a very interesting year.
 
Sage
That’s not a BMW M3 – this is:

2001.bmw.m3.24473-E.jpg


That gray blob in the first post is just a 3-series coupe that got cast in a faulty mold.
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I agree. While this new M3 looks like a decent car, it's definitely not as good looking as the current M3 we all love.
 
a6m5
Yeah, M3 looks better to me, too. But to me, where Lexus outdoes BMW here are the number of doors. :D Bring the 4dr M3 back!
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Then you'll be in for a treat in the upcoming months following this M3. ;)
 
Matthew Keller
That really is great looking! Too bad it wont beat a G8. :sly: [/troll]
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You mean a retooled Holden Commodore?

Although I got more exited about the 335i than this new M3, it's well kinda bland. I miss the old E30 and E36 designs, although I suppose we can't all just live in the past I guess.
 
M3...the mane still sends shivers down my spine...

but, like everyone else, the car doesn't. It looks like a 335i with a bodykit. kinda bland.
 
Matthew Keller
That really is great looking! Too bad it wont beat a G8. :sly: [/troll]
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You know, I was thinking exactly the same thing, but when I say it, problems usually arise, so I stayed away from it. Considering that the 414 BHP model will be available in AUS and the UK by the time the M3 shows up, and we Americans will probably have one by the end of the year (New York may see the debut of the the G8 GTP or GXP), I'm already banking money over at GM to make an impressive showing.

Does that mean the car will be better? Probably not. But when you're paying $35K for a car that can run with the big kids that cost $50K or more, well, thats just how we do it in Australia and America...
 

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