F80 M3 Spotted Cold weather testing

[HotIce]

http://www.caranddriver.com/photos-1...o-photo-439384

[aajami]

No power dome

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by aajami

No power dome

Half of the previous M3's didn't have one, kinda glad to see it go. No fake intake vent on the right side either. Let's all hope the inevitable side vents don't look like they came off a Taurus like the poor M5's and there's no soundtrack of the engine piped into the interior.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Half of the previous M3's didn't have one, kinda glad to see it go. No fake intake vent on the right side either. Let's all hope the inevitable side vents don't look like they came off a Taurus like the poor M5's and there's no soundtrack of the engine piped into the interior.

I'm with you on the fake soundtrack. I'm also with you on the ugly side gills. I am also/as well/too with you on the fake hood vent -- I would have been perfectly happy with an asymmetrical hood.

But we are sworn enemies for life over the power dome issue. I want a dome, and I shall smite anyone who disagrees with me. The fewer pieces of sheet metal (or CF) that are shared between the F30 and F80, the better.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by aajami

But we are sworn enemies for life over the power dome issue.

Ha! Fair enough. This is probably the wrong time to mention that I hate the quad exhaust on non-V M cars too. I just sold my M Coupe and always debated replacing that stupid setup with a single sided exhaust.

Don't get me wrong, I love it on the E9x and E6x cars, as well as the F10 M5, but just find it silly on straight sixes and absolutely hate the double fruit shooters on 335i's.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Ha! Fair enough. This is probably the wrong time to mention that I hate the quad exhaust on non-V M cars too. I just sold my M Coupe and always debated replacing that stupid setup with a single sided exhaust.

Don't get me wrong, I love it on the E9x and E6x cars, as well as the F10 M5, but just find it silly on straight sixes and absolutely hate the double fruit shooters on 335i's.

Yes, form should always follow function*.

*Except for power domes -- they're exempt.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by aajami

Yes, form should always follow function*.

*Except for power domes -- they're exempt.

Keep an eye out for the F80 test cars. I used to live in Laguna Beach, and frequently saw BMW test mules coming down PCH. I imagine the timing is about right to start seeing them out there about now.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Keep an eye out for the F80 test cars. I used to live in Laguna Beach, and frequently saw BMW test mules coming down PCH. I imagine the timing is about right to start seeing them out there about now.

Yup, they always refuel at the Shell station on Sepulveda and Fiji in Marina del Rey. I saw the E9X M3, E6X M5/M6, and F10 M5 all around this area during their testing phases. Probably won't see them for another 6 months or so, but should be soon.

[Voltigeur]

Originally Posted by aajami

No power dome

+ 1000

I appreciate the form follows function argument but at some stage heritage of design does also play it's part (even a slight rise as a nod to the dome). Porsche w/ the 911 do this so well.

991 CS2 then.

[adrianglock]

I'm with you on the fake soundtrack. I'm also with you on the ugly side gills. I am also/as well/too with you on the fake hood vent -- I would have been perfectly happy with an asymmetrical hood.

Regarding the hood! I think it is just a way to conceal anything about the front end of the car. It's still just a prototype anyway the final design of the car will be shown on it's launch. This is just a way to distract other upcoming cars.