Now that the F80 M3 sedan has been
given the greenlight, our spies have spotted the F80 M3 continuing its public road testing. While the camouflage on the F80 prototype remains the same as before, we've got some more angles to share with you - a slightly higher-down look than before. The F80 M3 continues to show off its attractive proportions and shape, while looking more aggressive and 'beefier' than the standard F30 3 series due to its widened wheel arches, M styled front and rear bumpers and sideskirts, and quad exhaust. It does not yet show the sportier mirrors that the production version F80 will receive.
If you take a close look, we may be looking at a different front end on the F80 M3 than on the regular F30 3-series sedan. The clearest clue is the shape of the kidney grilles - which appear to be shapelier/curvier than those seen on the F30 3-series prototypes (see below for comparison). The entire front end also seems to be a different shape compared to the F30 3-series prototypes. Is it possible that this prototype is wearing the F32 3 series / F82 M4 coupe's front end? Perhaps.
Rumored powerplant configurations have been all over the map - from turbo V6, to modified I6 N54, to modified S63 (engine from X6M/X5M). With the recently discovered
V6 turbo engine patents from BMW however, don't be surprised if the next M3 arrives with a motor which truly represents BMW M's favorite recent slogan of sticking to no dogmas - see turbo V8 in the new M5.
According to a reliable source, the BMW F80 M3 Sedan will likely have its market launch in summer 2013, uncharacteristically before the F82 M4 coupe. As we reported
earlier, the E90 M3 sedan will end production this October while the E92/3 M3 coupe and convertible will be produced through June 2012 at least.
Be sure to follow our F80/F82 M3 coverage @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/
F80/F82 M3 grille and intercooler:
F30 3-series grille:
