F80 M3 arrives at the Nurburgring for testing

[Mark]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

F80 M3 arrives at the Nurburgring for testing

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It is always a special thing when a BMW begins development testing at the Nurburgring. Not only does it reassure us BMW faithful that Munich's finest is being properly developed and tested on the world's most hallowed racetrack, it also marks the next step towards final release of the car.

Looking at the car itself, it seems to be an earlier prototype which still retains the body armor protecting it from revealing eyes and cameras. However, it does appear when looking at our earlier more revealing spyphotos and videos that the design is already complete. However, what many of us speculate is not complete is the development and decision on the power train. I include the word decision because as there is debate among enthusiast circles about what will power the next M3, rumors are floating around that BMW is trialing a few different power train options. Rumors have run the gambit from NA V8 to FI I6 and even FI V6.

At this point, anyone's guess is good, but what we do know is that market launch of the next M3 is expected in 2013. And judging by history, when a new 3er hits the Nurgburgring for testing, it is revealed to the public within 1 year. So set your clocks and start saving those pennies, we are getting nearer.

UPDATE 10/19: We've added new spyshots of two more F80 M3 prototypes which were spotted testing at and nearby the Nurburgring. Both cars seem to be advanced prototypes with full -- albeit camouflaged -- aerodynamics and quad exhaust pipes. If we had to guess, BMW still hasn't decided on the final engine and is testing several options back to back.






























































Previous video of the F80 M3:

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[Louchie]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the previous spy pics have the traditional M3 Quad exhaust? Why would they change it for testing on the ring?

[Mark]

Originally Posted by Louchie

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the previous spy pics have the traditional M3 Quad exhaust? Why would they change it for testing on the ring?

You are correct Visually speaking, this car doesn't have any of the final equipment. This seems to be an earlier prototype, for the way the car will look, this thread shows the car the best: http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=591486

[kardboard]

Originally Posted by Louchie

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the previous spy pics have the traditional M3 Quad exhaust? Why would they change it for testing on the ring?

Maybe to trick photographers into thinking it's a non M...?

[Express]

it just looks like it has some variant of a 6 cyl... look how jacked the front is. not looking like the weight of an 8 cyl.

keeping my hopes up!!!!!

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by express705

it just looks like it has some variant of a 6 cyl... look how jacked the front is. not looking like the weight of an 8 cyl.

keeping my hopes up!!!!!

Given that the S65 was lighter than the S54, and likely lighter than the N54/N55, this is flawed logic. But go ahead keep your hopes up, I'd like to see one last n/a M motor too.

[htoudiee]

From the brakes it looks like an M and the rest of the car really gives a vibe of a Performance oriented 335i sedan. Maybe I'm wrong but the fenders are not wider either. Maybe like kardboard said, they are being careful and want to make it look like a non-M model.

[MDyDinanM]

front looks disappointing

[duk]

that doesn't look like the m3 at all, prob a diesel or enhanced 335

[e92door3]

that definitely have wide fenders compared to the f30

[M-Power111]

Originally Posted by htoudiee

From the brakes it looks like an M and the rest of the car really gives a vibe of a Performance oriented 335i sedan. Maybe I'm wrong but the fenders are not wider either. Maybe like kardboard said, they are being careful and want to make it look like a non-M model.

i agree the fenders look very normal, not much in common with the other prototype we've seen. looks good though. i wish they would release the engine info, the suspence is killing me.

[southlight]

Originally Posted by duk

that doesn't look like the m3 at all, prob a diesel or enhanced 335

Look at the stance and the flared rear fenders, that's most certainly an M3 suspension.


Best regards,
south

[Diver]

So, what kind of an engine does it have, six rubber bands or eight?

[M-Power111]

yeah the camo is really doin its job here but the stance is def. wider.

[M ETT]

Maybe this has something to do with the different engine configurations. If BMW is indeed still undecided on the power train, maybe they are performing some tests with an engine configuration they have available in an earlier prototype.
They ARE NOT ALLOWED to loose the quad exhaust.

[M-Power111]

Originally Posted by M ETT

Maybe this has something to do with the different engine configurations. If BMW is indeed still undecided on the power train, maybe they are performing some tests with an engine configuration they have available in an earlier prototype.
They ARE NOT ALLOWED to loose the quad exhaust.

i dont think i could ever forgive them if they did.

[Mr Gunfun]

The Prince has arrived at the Ring Castle

Seems like they are testing either I6 or V6 turbo engine?
Since OP mentioned about various types of engines being tested, the one with quad pipes were perhaps NA V8 being tested?

[southlight]

Originally Posted by M ETT

They ARE NOT ALLOWED to loose the quad exhaust.

No worries, they won't do that.


Best regards,
south

[M ETT]

Originally Posted by M-Power111

i dont think i could ever forgive them if they did.

That makes two of us

[PAMidge]

Hang on, I have X-ray vision.

It's a tri turbo V6. Questions answered. They also are transporting 2 dead hookers in the trunk. And there's a coke can on the back floor.


Folks, speculate all you want, this picture gives us no information. If anything, it's a step backwards from what we've seen already. There's more camo, the front design looks more like the current lineup, the rear design looks like a 335. The fenders do not appear flared. The window even says 2011, whatever that means.

Speculation is fun, but our guesses are as good as any. We're just going to have to wait for official info.

For all we know this is a 335is sedan, or a 340i, or 335i. But we know nothing. We're just customers aspiring to have the best product possible.

[M ETT]

Originally Posted by southlight

No worries, they won't do that.


Best regards,
south

I'm really not that worried. But you never know. They seem to be loosing the powerdome ...
But I'm a faithful fan, even if they do loose the quads I'll sulk a while and still like 'em

[Red Bread]

As an owner of an I6 with four exhaust tips, I'd be just fine with them going back to two if it's an I6. But BMW seems to love stupid exhaust, the E46 being the worst, so I'm sure it will have four.