2014 BMW M3 (F80) Advances to Testing BMW M Carbon Ceramic Brakes

[Jason]

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2014 BMW M3 (F80) Advances to Testing BMW M Carbon Ceramic Brakes

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It's been weeks since the last F80 M3 sightings, but we've now spotted the 2014 M3 prototype undergoing winter/cold climate testing and it looks like the testing has advanced to another stage.

M Carbon Ceramic Brakes

For the first time, we see the F80 M3 in a color other than black (Alpine White), which sometimes signals a more advanced stage of testing. Beyond that however, this is the first F80 prototype to sport BMW M Carbon Ceramic Brakes. One can tell that they are ceramic brakes by the brake rotor material and gold brake calipers (a signature color for M Carbon Ceramic Brakes beginning with the current M5 and M6 - more details). To give you an idea of what kind of performance increase may be expected, on the M5/M6, the ceramic brakes reduce the brakes' unsprung weight by 42.8 lb (19.4 kg) total and also obviously increases fade resistance.

Also, the M Carbon Ceramic Brakes feature six-piston calipers at the front axle as opposed to four-piston calipers seen on all previous F80 M3 prototypes.

Carbon Fiber Roof?

With the new prototype color, are we also getting a look at something which could possibly signal a carbon fiber roof? The black roof ledge on a prototype (with the rest of the roof being covered in camouflage) has sometimes been a sign of a carbon fiber roof. Hopefully future prototypes will soon reveal the presence (or lack of) a carbon fiber roof.

For more M3/M4 coverage see: http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/

And as we often do when posting F80 spy photos, here is the latest list of what we know about the F80/F82 so far:

• Lighter than current M3
  • targeting E46 M3 weight (source)
• More powerful than current M3
  • approximately same HP, but around 100 lb-ft more torque (in range of 395 lb-ft) (source)
• Faster than current M3 (source)
• More efficient than current M3 (source)
• Powered by an inline 6 cylinder multi-turbo engine (source, source)
• Offered with optional or standard manual transmission
• Rumored Electric Power Steering (completely reworked for precision for M3/M4)
• Tires (from prototype) - Michelin Pilot Super Sport: 255/35/19 (front), 275/35/19 (rear)
• Front styling to feature elements from the M6 and 1M coupe, with Air Curtain technology (our render set 1 and render set 2)
• Hood to feature power dome (as seen in photos below)
• M3 Introduced late 2013 - early 2014 (concept debuts earlier)
• M3 European Delivery begins July 2014, at earliest
• M4 Introduced no earlier than late 2014

BMW M3 F80 Prototype with M Carbon Ceramic Brakes

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[k2e15]

I cannot wait to see the finished product!!!

[StevenY.]

It looks awesome! Can't wait.

[klammer]

Originally Posted by k2e15

I cannot wait to see the finished product!!!

+1

[nbennettksu]

ohhh yea

[CSanto]

Do I spot a fixed caliper rear!?

This makes me so happy....the M5 has this nice big 6 piston front caliper but it still has floating rears. I'd love for this brake upgrade to upgrade both front and rear calipers.

[CanAutM3]

Carbo-ceramic brakes .

This should be a great option for track use .

I just hope they will make it affordable (relatively that is).

[Ka razy]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Carbo-ceramic brakes .

This should be a great option for track use .

I just hope they will make it affordable (relatively that is).

Agreed!

[PSTM3]

oh man. this is so good

[Auto]

Fuk the M5! This is going to be the shieet!

[theriz]

Originally Posted by klammer

+1

+2

[Jblack4083]

The stance is aggressive.

[Russkey]

Am I the only one who lost interest in M3 because of M4?

[ShaneV78]

What annoys me here is that in the 4th picture it's pretty obvious that they have 4 piston callipers at the back but the M5/6 still have the horrible looking (although technically sufficient) single piston jobs... time for BMW to get their sh*t together!

[signes]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Carbo-ceramic brakes .

This should be a great option for track use .

I just hope they will make it affordable (relatively that is).

Guessing $5k+. Also based on the experiences of the P-car guys not sure I'll want them (though the gold calipers look great.)

[Jonjt]

Originally Posted by Russkey

Am I the only one who lost interest in M3 because of M4?

You shouldn't have. The brakes will be the same.

[TK-421]

Real brakes on an M3? I must be seeing things

[Jonjt]

Originally Posted by ShaneV78

What annoys me here is that in the 4th picture it's pretty obvious that they have 4 piston callipers at the back but the M5/6 still have the horrible looking (although technically sufficient) single piston jobs... time for BMW to get their sh*t together!

Don't they use the floating caliper for the standard iron brakes? I think it's silly to compare an OEM carbon-ceramic BBK to the standard "money saving" iron-disc brake system.

[Jonjt]

Originally Posted by signes

Guessing $5k+. Also based on the experiences of the P-car guys not sure I'll want them (though the gold calipers look great.)

I donno man, isn't the ZR1 carbon brake option like 12k? GM tends to charge less for their options, when compared to European manufacturers. I would imagine that BMW would charge a higher premium for their optional brake parts.

[SamS]

I want this.

[GOLFFRR]

awesome!

[08LMB135i]

Originally Posted by Jonjt

I donno man, isn't the ZR1 carbon brake option like 12k? GM tends to charge less for their options, when compared to European manufacturers. I would imagine that BMW would charge a higher premium for their optional brake parts.

ZR-1s come standard from GM with Carbon Ceramics, there is a brake upgrade available on basic Corvettes (non Z06 and Grand Sport) for $1500ish.