Spied: 2014 F80 M3 Sedan Gets Power Dome (Hood Bulge)!

Jason · 07-23-2012, 03:46 PM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Spied: 2014 F80 M3 Sedan Gets Power Dome (Hood Bulge)!

136
COMMENTS

Name: IMG_7255.jpg
Views: 47923
Size: 445.6 KB

We've just spied this afternoon this F80 M3 sedan prototype showing a power dome / hood bulge for the first time. The M3 may have now entered the FEP (Final Evaluation Phase) stage of testing. Until now some M enthusiasts have been disappointed to see the lack of a power dome on previous prototypes, but this mule confirms that the F80 M3 and F82 M4 will feature an aggressively shaped hood.

We think that there is a possibility that the hood lip/bulge could feature a heat extractor vent to ventilate the engine compartment as well as enhancing the sounds coming from the engine. See our analysis.

The rest of the camouflage remains as concealing as on prior mules. As seen clearly, the M3 kidney grilles are sportier than the F30 3 Series, yet not as thin nor wide as the recently exposed F82 M4 coupe grilles (pictured below for comparison). The headlights underneath the camo may (unconfirmed) also be a sleeker version of the F30 headlights, although they will join the headlights like the F30.

The sideskirts are also different than on previous mules, now with an upswoop at its end.

The side shots of the prototype show that the headlights will appear to be more recessed as a result of the beefy front bumper extending out further than on the F30 (think of the 1M headlight-bumper compared to the standard 1 Series). The production side view mirrors (which also be sportier in shape) have not yet been installed on any prototypes.

All in all, the appearance of a power dome, together with the super flared wheel arches and still-covered M body styling, is shaping the F80 M3 to be an aggressive looking sports sedan!

The F80 M3 / F82 M4 will be powered by an inline 6 cylinder engine with multiple turbochargers, pushing approximately 450 horsepower. The engine has been rumored to be an extensively reworked and reinforced N55 6-cylinder engine with a strengthened aluminium block with a heavily modified cylinder head. The Induction technology is said to be completely new as will be the latest bi-vanos variable valve timing. But, we also think there may be a possibility that the engine turns out to be a reworked/enhanced version of a successor engine to the N55 (which has not yet been introduced). Both a DCT and manual transmission will be available. The blue brakes resemble the new 3 Series' M Sport brakes, paired with steel cross drilled rotors.

In case you missed last week's exciting video of the M4 coupe, we've posted it below, along with the M3 sedan's last sighting on video.

Follow our ongoing M3/M4 coverage @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/

The following is a summary of the facts we can be certain of regarding the F80 M3 / F82 M4:

Lighter than current M3
Faster than current M3
More powerful than current M3
More efficient than current M3
Powered by an inline 6 cylinder turbo engine
Offered with optional or standard manual transmission
Electric Power Steering (completely reworked for precision for M3/M4)

*Click on images for hi-resolution version*

Name: IMG_7252.jpg
Views: 40742
Size: 372.5 KB

Name: IMG_7256.jpg
Views: 59342
Size: 421.4 KB

Name: IMG_7257.jpg
Views: 44701
Size: 278.2 KB

Name: IMG_7258.jpg
Views: 38623
Size: 261.9 KB

Name: f80m3hood.jpg
Views: 57985
Size: 333.6 KB

Name: f80m3hoodbulge1.jpg
Views: 58883
Size: 220.4 KB

Name: f80m3hoodbulge2.jpg
Views: 55172
Size: 164.5 KB

Name: M3 sedan 1a.jpg
Views: 31067
Size: 412.4 KB

Name: M3 sedan 2a.jpg
Views: 29961
Size: 402.7 KB

Name: M3 sedan 3a.jpg
Views: 28986
Size: 457.6 KB

Name: M3 sedan 4a.jpg
Views: 28886
Size: 373.6 KB

Name: M3 sedan 5a.jpg
Views: 27559
Size: 338.9 KB

Name: M3 sedan 6a.jpg
Views: 28697
Size: 379.0 KB

Name: M3 sedan 7a.jpg
Views: 27998
Size: 230.6 KB

Name: M3 sedan 8a.jpg
Views: 27957
Size: 458.9 KB

Name: M3 sedan 9a.jpg
Views: 31052
Size: 400.9 KB

F80 M3 Sedan Prototype Video

F82 M4 Coupe Prototype Video

Share this story

OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE

We Tour the BMW M Studio at M HQ and Get Up Close to Some F80 M3 Sedans

BMW M CEO Nitschke Discusses Electric Steering for M3/M4, AWD for M, Etc.

We Imagine the BMW F82 M4 Laying Down Some Rubber

Teemo Panda · 07-23-2012, 03:57 PM

looks awesome, and more revealing now

Merq · 07-23-2012, 03:57 PM

Loving the aggressive rear profile!

Wolf · 07-23-2012, 04:02 PM

NICE!!! I want the M4 now!

宝马.e90 · 07-23-2012, 04:05 PM

I think the sedan is going to be the looker this generation.

positiveions · 07-23-2012, 04:05 PM

looks so awesome

m3 guy · 07-23-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merq

Loving the aggressive rear profile!

+ 1

The car looks to be coming along nicely.

Daft · 07-23-2012, 04:11 PM

My M4 fundraising starts now.

E92LNGCGY · 07-23-2012, 04:14 PM

Can't wait to see the real thing.

Jblack4083 · 07-23-2012, 04:15 PM

This vehicle is shaping up nice. It does seem to look more aggressive than the coupe.

M3 Piotr · 07-23-2012, 04:18 PM

Nice

However, the exhaust seems to be looking very small, meaning the can between the pipes.

malter2.0 · 07-23-2012, 04:25 PM

I'd take more weight for shorter wheel base...

pokerface · 07-23-2012, 04:35 PM

They went back to yellow halos?

Jason · 07-23-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pokerface

They went back to yellow halos?

Photos are often deceiving when it comes to color of halos (how white or yellow). It's hard to get a true-to-life image sometimes. Incorrect white balance given the conditions can always play a factor.

Just look at some of the different photos within this newest set. There's even variations among them - looks yellowish in the head on shot, but whitish in the profile close up photo.

bimmer · 07-23-2012, 04:48 PM

BMW, GIVE US THE F80. Enough with a tease. LOL

Malek@MRF · 07-23-2012, 04:53 PM

Based on rear shots, the car has the E9x suspension components.

aajami · 07-23-2012, 04:54 PM

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I think the hood bulge fits the car's sporty character, makes it look more aggressive than without, and offers some additional sheet metal differences from its F30 sibling. On the other, I'm a firm believer in form following function wherever possible, and unless BMW shoved a new engine under that bonnet over the weekend, it looks like the hood bulge is purely aesthetic, which is a bit... sad.

sameh · 07-23-2012, 04:57 PM

I'm one of the guys who love the power Dom (I know not all of you agree) wether on the E46 or E9x and I was very disappointed not to see it on the coming M3 & M4. Now that I see it, I don't know how to react. I still love the look but knowing that it has no function or serves no purpose is leaving an after-taste, bitter one!

DrivenByE30 · 07-23-2012, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aajami

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I think the hood bulge fits the car's sporty character, makes it look more aggressive than without, and offers some additional sheet metal differences from its F30 sibling. On the other, I'm a firm believer in form following function wherever possible, and unless BMW shoved a new engine under that bonnet over the weekend, it looks like the hood bulge is purely aesthetic, which is a bit... sad.

+1

In the race for more power... i am currently satisfied with me 335i...

I love M3 4-door in the past, but this time around, I am not pursuing anymore.

maybe i have gotten old... but that's it for me

jayparry · 07-23-2012, 05:04 PM

Is that a bulge, or are you just happy to see it!

Prince_of_Persia · 07-23-2012, 05:04 PM

Love the power dome!! Still not sure about the front lights.

Diver · 07-23-2012, 05:05 PM

I like the look of the power dome, and suspect if it is there it is because it is needed. I wonder if there is any possibility that the bonnet on this car is meant to deceive as to what the final design is.

07-23-2012, 03:46 PM	#1
Jason Administrator Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: IoT Posts: 13,940 iTrader: (0)	Spied: 2014 F80 M3 Sedan Gets Power Dome (Hood Bulge)! BIMMERPOST NEWS Spied: 2014 F80 M3 Sedan Gets Power Dome (Hood Bulge)! 136 COMMENTS Tweet We've just spied this afternoon this F80 M3 sedan prototype showing a power dome / hood bulge for the first time. The M3 may have now entered the FEP (Final Evaluation Phase) stage of testing. Until now some M enthusiasts have been disappointed to see the lack of a power dome on previous prototypes, but this mule confirms that the F80 M3 and F82 M4 will feature an aggressively shaped hood. We think that there is a possibility that the hood lip/bulge could feature a heat extractor vent to ventilate the engine compartment as well as enhancing the sounds coming from the engine. See our analysis. The rest of the camouflage remains as concealing as on prior mules. As seen clearly, the M3 kidney grilles are sportier than the F30 3 Series, yet not as thin nor wide as the recently exposed F82 M4 coupe grilles (pictured below for comparison). The headlights underneath the camo may (unconfirmed) also be a sleeker version of the F30 headlights, although they will join the headlights like the F30. The sideskirts are also different than on previous mules, now with an upswoop at its end. The side shots of the prototype show that the headlights will appear to be more recessed as a result of the beefy front bumper extending out further than on the F30 (think of the 1M headlight-bumper compared to the standard 1 Series). The production side view mirrors (which also be sportier in shape) have not yet been installed on any prototypes. All in all, the appearance of a power dome, together with the super flared wheel arches and still-covered M body styling, is shaping the F80 M3 to be an aggressive looking sports sedan! The F80 M3 / F82 M4 will be powered by an inline 6 cylinder engine with multiple turbochargers, pushing approximately 450 horsepower. The engine has been rumored to be an extensively reworked and reinforced N55 6-cylinder engine with a strengthened aluminium block with a heavily modified cylinder head. The Induction technology is said to be completely new as will be the latest bi-vanos variable valve timing. But, we also think there may be a possibility that the engine turns out to be a reworked/enhanced version of a successor engine to the N55 (which has not yet been introduced). Both a DCT and manual transmission will be available. The blue brakes resemble the new 3 Series' M Sport brakes, paired with steel cross drilled rotors. In case you missed last week's exciting video of the M4 coupe, we've posted it below, along with the M3 sedan's last sighting on video. Follow our ongoing M3/M4 coverage @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/ The following is a summary of the facts we can be certain of regarding the F80 M3 / F82 M4: Lighter than current M3 Faster than current M3 More powerful than current M3 More efficient than current M3 Powered by an inline 6 cylinder turbo engine Offered with optional or standard manual transmission Electric Power Steering (completely reworked for precision for M3/M4) *Click on images for hi-resolution version* F80 M3 Sedan Prototype Video F82 M4 Coupe Prototype Video Share this story OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE We Tour the BMW M Studio at M HQ and Get Up Close to Some F80 M3 Sedans BMW M CEO Nitschke Discusses Electric Steering for M3/M4, AWD for M, Etc. We Imagine the BMW F82 M4 Laying Down Some Rubber
	Tweet

07-23-2012, 04:05 PM	#6
positiveions Major General Drives: 09 MKV JETTA 2.5 & E90 M3 :) Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 8,838 iTrader: (1)	looks so awesome __________________

07-23-2012, 04:11 PM	#8
Daft Captain Drives: 2011 ZCP E92 M3 & 2003 E46 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 819 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [4.82] 2003 BMW M3 [5.00]	My M4 fundraising starts now. __________________ 2011 M3 ZCP \| ESS SUPERCHARGED \| AKRAPOVIC EVOLUTION \| 20" HRE P40 \| BREMBO BBK \| B&G SPRINGS

07-23-2012, 04:14 PM	#9
E92LNGCGY Captain Drives: E92/F25 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 676 iTrader: (0)	Can't wait to see the real thing. __________________ Looking to buy or sell property in Alberta? Drop me a line to see what I can do for you. Urban Realty - Leslie Ng - 403-807-6248 or leslieng168@gmail.com

07-23-2012, 04:18 PM	#11
M3 Piotr Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 11' E90 M3, 11' E70 X5 35i SA Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Monterey, CA - K-Town, Germany Posts: 1,669 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW E90 M3 (We ... [0.00]	Nice However, the exhaust seems to be looking very small, meaning the can between the pipes. __________________ 2011 E90 M3 Frozen Black ///M Flight

07-23-2012, 03:57 PM	#2
Teemo Panda * A BLUE PANDIAN SMURF * ♠ Drives: BMW X3, X5 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New Jersey (NJ) Posts: 642 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW X3 [5.00]	looks awesome, and more revealing now

07-23-2012, 03:57 PM	#3
Merq Enlisted Member Drives: 2012 Space Gray 135i DCT Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 38 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 135i [0.50]	Loving the aggressive rear profile!

07-23-2012, 04:05 PM	#5
宝马.e90 Major Drives: E90 325i, R56 MINI Cooper Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 1,247 iTrader: (0)	I think the sedan is going to be the looker this generation.

07-23-2012, 04:15 PM	#10
Jblack4083 Captain Drives: E46 ///M3 JB/CB Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Queens, NYC Posts: 670 iTrader: (0)	This vehicle is shaping up nice. It does seem to look more aggressive than the coupe.

07-23-2012, 04:25 PM	#12
malter2.0 BMW Aficionado Drives: '00 E39 M5 -150k and counting Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 869 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2000 E39 M5 - current [0.00] 2007 E92 335i - SOLD [0.00] 1996 E36 M3-SOLD [0.00] 2000 E39 M5-SOLD [0.00] 2001 E46 M3-SOLD [0.00] 1995 E36 M3-SOLD [0.00]	I'd take more weight for shorter wheel base... __________________ '00 M5, 151k

07-23-2012, 04:35 PM	#13
pokerface Major Drives: B8 A4 2.0T Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,413 iTrader: (1)	They went back to yellow halos? __________________ F25 X3 N20: 2010 B8 A4 2.0T quattro (current)/ 2013 F25 X3 x28 N20 (babymobile)

07-23-2012, 04:48 PM	#15
bimmer BMW FOREVER Drives: BMW 335is Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: east Posts: 446 iTrader: (0)	BMW, GIVE US THE F80. Enough with a tease. LOL __________________ Bimmer __________________________________________________ 335is - AW, Loaded, 19" 313M, 6MT ...already thinking of F80

07-23-2012, 04:53 PM	#16
Malek@MRF Colonel Drives: E92 ZCP Melbourne 6MT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Irvine, California Posts: 2,828 iTrader: (5)	Based on rear shots, the car has the E9x suspension components. __________________ MRF on Facebook Southern California's largest & most reputable E9x M3 forced induction & suspension facility. *"Performance; Uncompromised."*

07-23-2012, 04:54 PM	#17
aajami Brigadier General Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Manhattan Beach, CA Posts: 3,330 iTrader: (4)	I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I think the hood bulge fits the car's sporty character, makes it look more aggressive than without, and offers some additional sheet metal differences from its F30 sibling. On the other, I'm a firm believer in form following function wherever possible, and unless BMW shoved a new engine under that bonnet over the weekend, it looks like the hood bulge is purely aesthetic, which is a bit... sad. __________________ Current: '09 E92 M3 \| Space Gray, Black Novillo, Carbon Leather \| ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL \| link 1 / link 2 Mods: M Performance exhaust \| ZCP suspension retrofit \| Euro airbox \| LCI Euro taillights \| Style 359M wheels \| CRT lip \| BMW Performance CF Mk. II spoiler \| BMW Performance CF mirror caps \| BMW Performance front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem \| Factory alarm retrofit \| Space Gray bumper plugs Gone: '01 "AP2" Honda S2000, '97 Ford Probe GT

07-23-2012, 04:57 PM	#18
sameh Major Drives: 2011 E92 M3 DCT JetBlk Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NC Posts: 1,423 iTrader: (0)	I'm one of the guys who love the power Dom (I know not all of you agree) wether on the E46 or E9x and I was very disappointed not to see it on the coming M3 & M4. Now that I see it, I don't know how to react. I still love the look but knowing that it has no function or serves no purpose is leaving an after-taste, bitter one! __________________ 2011 E92 BatMobile JtBlk/Blk/Blk CF

07-23-2012, 05:04 PM	#20
jayparry BMW Performanceer Drives: BSM '09 135i 'tii' Dinan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 366 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i 'Tii' [3.50]	is that a hood bulge... Is that a bulge, or are you just happy to see it! __________________ 2009 BMW 135i - Premium, Sport, Cold, Comfort, Nav, Active Steering, Premium Sound, iPod/Smartphone BMW Performance - Carbon Fiber trim, Suspension, Front Rotors, Rear Valence, Spoiler, Steering Wheel, Gearshift, Handbrake, Dead Pedal Dinan - stage 2 Engine Program, Intake, Exhaust, Short Shifter and Pedals.

07-23-2012, 05:04 PM	#21
Prince_of_Persia Colonel Drives: 6MT E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 2,152 iTrader: (1)	Love the power dome!! Still not sure about the front lights. __________________ AW\|FR 6MT E92 ///M3

07-23-2012, 05:05 PM	#22
Diver Colonel Drives: Black '12 135i DCT PPK Msport Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 2,030 iTrader: (0)	I like the look of the power dome, and suspect if it is there it is because it is needed. I wonder if there is any possibility that the bonnet on this car is meant to deceive as to what the final design is. __________________ See my photography at http://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search