M3 Goes back to 6 cyl ...

[Road Games]

But it's a Turbo ...

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...cb2345a148b4af

This is the sports car that every driver has been waiting for – the new BMW M3.


Sam Hardy

The model has consistently set the performance coupé benchmark, and this latest version will raise the bar further with its more efficient 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine. Replacing the much-loved 4.0-litre V8, it will be the first turbo to grace the M3. This will help to improve overall fuel consumption and reduce emissions, even on high-performance BMWs.


Even so, the engine will pack a serious punch, delivering around 450bhp. It is likely to be a development of the unit used by the 1-Series M Coupé, but with approximately another 100bhp, it should be able to push the car from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.


The engine is mated to a choice of six-speed manual or twin-clutch paddleshift gearboxes. The car gets the latest M Sport active diff, too, and will be better to drive than the previous M3, as well as faster, lighter – thanks to composite materials – and more efficient. It will also be a real head-turner. As with the current car, the coupé will get sleek bodywork with unique panels. These will give it a longer, sportier profile, complemented by a more rakish windscreen.


Think of the car as a downsized version of the new 6-Series and you’ll get the idea. The M3 will add a muscular bodykit, low front splitter and air intakes. In addition to the Coupé we have illustrated here, there will be a drop-top Convertible.


However, this time there won’t be an M3 saloon option – the four-door has been relatively unpopular, so BMW is likely to drop it from the range. Expect to see the new M3 in 2012.

[BLKPHN]

Interesting, BMW can't seem to make up there mind and Merc just keep out doing them

[TEaaron]

Good! The v8 was silly to have in a 3 series, too big and heavy.

I don't think merc are out doing them though, BMW has always been more of a drivers car.

[5.4 GT]

Originally Posted by TEaaron

Good! The v8 was silly to have in a 3 series, too big and heavy.

I don't think merc are out doing them though, BMW has always been more of a drivers car.

The V8 was 15kg lighter than the straight 6 it replaced in the E46.

My bet is the new engine package (3.0 straight 6 turbo) will be heavier but the car itself will be lighter overall due to the above stated (in post 1) new composite materials being used.

[trippytaka]

Interesting... I loved the E46. That was so much fun. I much prefer the high-revving 6 that had in it compared to the V8. But still, the V8 is a solid drive. Meh... M3 brand has been tainited by a certain type of person in Sydney of late.

[chevypower]

BMW was always again't forced induction, but now with DI, the company seems to have come around. I would prefer a DI turbo 6 over an NA V8 too. Hmmm EcoBoost anyone? Hyundai is doing it too with the new Sonata/i45.

[flappist]

M5 is going twin turbo V8 as well.

The T6 in the M3 will be an interesting event in the M3 V8 vs 335i T6 war that has been running for several years.

Can you imagine if FPV hade made the new GT a T6 instead of SCV8?
BOOM would be an understatement......

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by chevypower

BMW was always again't forced induction, but now with DI, the company seems to have come around. I would prefer a DI turbo 6 over an NA V8 too. Hmmm EcoBoost anyone? Hyundai is doing it too with the new Sonata/i45.

They were against FWD as well but that's changed.

[TEaaron]

Originally Posted by vztrt

They were against FWD as well but that's changed.

Since when?

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by TEaaron

Since when?

They're developing a small car that will be FWD.

[Road Games]

Well there goes the chassis dynamics .. mind you Mazda's MPS has it pretty well sorted

[Ben73]

The m5 is being dropped from v10 to v8 again.

The 1m is a 3l straight 6tt. And now the m3 will be the same? The next 1m will be a 4cylider since they all get smaller.


I am a massive BMW fan. But their fwd is a major dissapointment. Along with the x6. BMW is losing it!

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Ben73

The m5 is being dropped from v10 to v8 again.

The 1m is a 3l straight 6tt. And now the m3 will be the same? The next 1m will be a 4cylider since they all get smaller.


I am a massive BMW fan. But their fwd is a major dissapointment. Along with the x6. BMW is losing it!

I suspect that they are building cars for a market in which they currently have little representation. It does not mean they are dropping RWD.

After all, most Holden and Ford models sold in Australia are FWD and have been so for decades.
Only Falcon and Commodore are RWD, well apart from trucks etc.

[Mr Hardware]

Originally Posted by BLKPHN

Interesting, BMW can't seem to make up there mind and Merc just keep out doing them

Hear, hear!

[jpd80]

Audi seems to be making some great car and they are definitely FWD biased AWDs,
maybe BMW is testing the water to see what can and can't be done with FWD vehicles...

Excellent move with T6 in 3 series, I'm glad to see BMW is keeping the I-6 turbo - it's a good image.
I always felt the V8 was overkill for the American (gotta have a V8) market, only Jag & Merc do V8s right IMO...

[wrongwaynorris]

" Interesting, BMW can't seem to make up there mind and Merc just keep out doing them ."

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

Hear, hear!

I'm with you two on this one .

[Danny]

I for one am happy Bimmer are going back to a 6cyl M3. With such a rich history of M3 sixes that were forever seen as the benchmark in I6 technology (and therefore giving affirmation to Ford's decision to stick with I6's), it didn't seem right that BMW went the V8 In what essentially is or was their medium sized sports offering. I felt that in the transition from E46 to E90 that the M3 lost it's character, even if the V8 sounded lovely, I missed that metallic raspy, loose muffler zing of the E36/E46.

That said, I totally agree with Trippytaka, I was partial to the 135i coupe, however living in Melbounres east we are bombarded with every second roided up, solarium/gym junkie gold chain wearing, oversized Dolce Gabbana sunnie wearing heroes who buy Beemers just to show the world that they have money. Not a look I was after, hence the purchase of the Golf R.

He who said merc have it all ove BMW I disagree though. At least Beemer still develop individual engines for their M cars, unlike AMG. Who seem to fit the 6.3 V8 into anything it will fit into nowadays. What ever happened to having wonderful cars like the E55, the C32, C43, or the SL65?

[WMD351]

Am I the only one here thinking about the potential of a 130 i6T?

[Danny]

Originally Posted by WMD351

Am I the only one here thinking about the potential of a 130 i6T?

Hang on though do you mean a hatch version of the 3.0l six with a turbo? (which they never did)? Or a 1 series with a turbo six? Otherwise the 135i coupe is the 1 series with a I6T. The 130i was the now discontinued top of the range 1 series hatch and it was NA.

[Rev28K]

I hope that the next 1 series is a turbo 4 cylinder. At least that way the looks/packaging could be better balanced.

Turbo 6 cylinder M3 I can understand (noise & ehaust emissions). It may kill packaging, balance a bit. Here is hoping that the new model is lighter. 1800kg C class cars from BMW/Merc is not clever. Audi seem to flip flop a lot with what they put in their RS4. The future of a lot of Euro cars looks to be turbo (& auto).

Future small BMWs to be FWD? Makes sense with the Mini rather than teaming up with Peugeot & Chrysler (née Mercedes) as they have done in the past. Mercedes are fwd for their A & C class, anything else is rwd/awd.

[JC807]

everyone knows the best m3 was the 4 cylinder sport evo III!

i think BMWs market has changed in the last 20 years to USA and China, and is producing different cars to its heyday in the 1980s/early 90s.

[WMD351]

Originally Posted by Danny

The 130i was the now discontinued top of the range 1 series hatch and it was NA.

Awww, didn't know they dropped them.
A mate had one, very very nice little thing.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by vztrt

They're developing a small car that will be FWD.

They have been making a FWD since 2002, its called Mini.

The reason for their shift to FWD in small cars, and small cars only is because of interior space. The trans tunnel required in a small car takes up too much space and limits clever space usage. Not silly at all as most buyers of small cars could not care if it is FWD or RWD. BMW buyers that want a small car often have a 3 or 5 series parked next to it. They have to cater to the bulk of the European market and that market does not demand large RWD cars, that market desires smaller cars with clever space usage.

[Ben73]

The 1 series hatch RWD is cool because it's different to all other small hatches.

I think BMW will be alright if they keep the 1 series available in RWD, but have a FWD for people who don't care about driving.

I'd love a 1 series couple I6 Twin turbo.

[TEaaron]

Originally Posted by Ben73

The 1 series hatch RWD is cool because it's different to all other small hatches.

I think BMW will be alright if they keep the 1 series available in RWD, but have a FWD for people who don't care about driving.

I'd love a 1 series couple I6 Twin turbo.

To be honest I don't like how the 135i can outpace an M3, I would kind of like to see the 1 series be a FWD model whilst the rest remained RWD

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by BLKPHN

Interesting, BMW can't seem to make up there mind and Merc just keep out doing them

Agreed +1

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by chevypower

BMW was always again't forced induction.

Actually, BMW have used turbos in the past

'73 BMW 2002 Turbo




M12 1500 cc 4-cylinder turbocharged Formula One motor, capable of
1,300 hp

[smoo]

Originally Posted by BLKPHN

Interesting, BMW can't seem to make up there mind and Merc just keep out doing them

When it comes to 6s and V8s BMW have always had it over MB, and most other manufacturers out there. Dunno about this AMG 6.3 myself but if it is as good as people say, then I'd hardly call it 'out doing' BMW simply for one engine.

[Rev28K]

Remember that AMG's 6.3 N/A V8 is being replaced with a 5.5 TT V8.

[Stefan]

The N/A performance engines will be a thing of the past very soon. Big displacement needed to keep up with the current crop of forced induction engines will simply not be able to meet emission laws.