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By
JOHN CRAWFORD
22 October 2007
To those ‘in the know’ BMW M3 coupe is a set of words
that mean a lot. Just knowing about the car brings a lot of
expectations. When we’re talking ‘new’ BMW M3 coupe, that pushes
expectations to an even higher level.
For a new model you’re looking for real
improvements, quantum leap stuff. In this instance BMW has not
disappointed. The new M3 coupe is in a new dimension and the
changes are more than improvements. The engineers have looked at
the concept through a new and different prism, and the end result
(on paper, as we haven’t yet driven it) is stupendous.
First they replaced the in-line six engine with a
V8, which weighs 15 kg less! They’ve changed the brakes, the
steering, the suspension and added carbon fibre reinforcing to the
roof!
The differential is specific to the M3; there’s
regenerative braking which powers on-board systems and, revving to
over 8000 rpm, it squirts from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds!
Yes, the new M3 promises a lot, and appears to
deliver. It’s a thoughtful exercise in bringing new technology,
and very refined development to a much-loved, and much-desired
model in the BMW line-up.
Of course there are downsides; it costs more than
the old model and fuel economy should not top your priority list,
when you’re shopping the local BMW dealer. A test drive may
reveal other trade-offs, but for now let’s look at the car in
more detail.
This is the fourth generation of the M3 coupe (it’s
been around for more than 20 years), but although the M3 is based
on the regular 3-Series coupe, around 80 per cent of the
components have been specifically designed and developed for the
M3.
BMW is keen to stress that a lot of what has gone
into this new M3 comes from its motor sport activities, and
especially its Formula One experience. The engine crankcase is
cast in BMW’s foundry at Landshut which creates components for
its Sauber-F1 race car engine. It features an aluminium-silicon
alloy, bringing new levels of torsional rigidity to the block.
The 4.0-litre V8 develops 309kW, with maximum
torque of 400Nm at 3900 rpm. In a bid to further improve response
the engine has eight individual throttle butterflies, and has a
wet sump lubrication system to ensure adequate oil supply during
extreme braking and high centrifugal situations.
Moving from the ‘heart’ of the M3 to other
significant hardware; there’s lightweight aluminium front and
rear suspension components; lightweight brake discs all round;
Servotronic steering, and Electronic Damper Control (EDC).
One really interesting aspect is the carbon-fibre
in the roof, which not only makes the car lighter and stronger,
but also lowers the centre of gravity, which improves the
handling. Neat!
At this point it’s enough to read the specs to
understand how new and different this latest M3 coupe is, but as
with all of BMW’s models it’s on the road where the real
differences become apparent. We will bring you those tests after
carrying out track and on-road testing next month.
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Marque Publishing Company
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