BMW F80 M3 Continues Public Testing After Approval

Jason · 09-28-2011, 09:49 AM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

74
COMMENTS

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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/

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F80/F82 M3 grille and intercooler:

F30 3-series grille:

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Jason · 09-28-2011, 10:02 AM

Here's a previous set of F80 M3 sedan spy photos, which show off some other details nicely, such as the drilled rotors and 4 piston brake calipers.

* Click on images for larger resolution versions

MusclezMarinara · 09-28-2011, 10:04 AM

This guy hates the photographer so much he gave them the birdie

-=Hot|Ice=- · 09-28-2011, 10:07 AM

Not bad. Can't really tell yet but it's looks like it's coming along well. Those exhausts look big as well. Just what I like to see.

Jake C · 09-28-2011, 10:07 AM

Nice shots! Can't wait to see the final product.

I will also say the driver was not to happy to have the pictures taken, but come on man show a little class.

- J

E92LNGCGY · 09-28-2011, 10:14 AM

I'm glad the sedan is coming back. Those wheels look like BBS FI.

positiveions · 09-28-2011, 10:18 AM

yeah, this front end is going to look awesome and aggressive.

bimmerJP · 09-28-2011, 10:18 AM

please tell me it is inline-6, please tell me it is inline-6, please tell me it is inline-6, please tell me it is inline-6... 60 degree V6 is great, but I6 is amazing! so please BMW!!

TheBingoBalls · 09-28-2011, 10:24 AM

2013 is so far away

. And the end of the E90 is just about here, so sad.

phrozen06 · 09-28-2011, 10:35 AM

i curious to see how this turns out. BMW never dissapoints when it comes to the ///M3

M-Power111 · 09-28-2011, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake C

Nice shots! Can't wait to see the final product.

I will also say the driver was not to happy to have the pictures taken, but come on man show a little class.

- J

LOL i didnt see that till you mentioned it.

ramyar · 09-28-2011, 10:39 AM

We don't know all the details between this driver and the photographer, but a test driver should understand they're representing a brand when they're doing their job. And spy shots further fuel the public's passion for the brand... especially by enthusiasts. So in the end, they're beneficial for his employer and therefore him (corp espionage and all). Very classless indeed.

Back on topic, the f80 has the promise of being one of the best looking m3 at this stage. I don't remember thinking the e90 looked this good with camo.

Mako · 09-28-2011, 10:50 AM

I thought BMW did the every 7 year thing, so wouldn't this be coming out in 2014 as a 2015 model? last M3 started as a 2008 model...

I hope it comes out in 2013 as my C63 will have right around 50,000 miles in fall 2013 perfect time for trade in!

being so far away I don't think these shots give us any idea of what the final product will look like, they will probably change so much before then, we are basically looking at a new 3 series with new exhaust and engine, maybe old M3 suspension and other parts in there as well.

robotrenegade · 09-28-2011, 10:54 AM

I'm not a fan... so far. I love the aggressive look of the E90

Sedan_Clan · 09-28-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerrypon83

please tell me it is inline-6, please tell me it is inline-6, please tell me it is inline-6, please tell me it is inline-6... 60 degree V6 is great, but I6 is amazing! so please BMW!!

I doubt that it will be an inline 6. If the new M5 is any indication, the new M3 will be a beast.

PAMidge · 09-28-2011, 11:07 AM

Funny, that's the first thing I noticed, the guy flipping the bird.

Wonder what BMW will think of that when they see these pics.

bimmerJP · 09-28-2011, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I doubt that it will be an inline 6. If the new M5 is any indication, the new M3 will be a beast.

well, if it is gonna be V8, then that will be the best, but most likely they are going to put a 6-cylinder. And some people say that the new M3 might be tri-turbo V6... I hope if BMW is going to put a 6 inside this guy, make an I6, not V6.

Gymkhana · 09-28-2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAMidge

Funny, that's the first thing I noticed, the guy flipping the bird.

Wonder what BMW will think of that when they see these pics.

Have a laugh ? come on,"why so serious" (c) ;D

doc19 · 09-28-2011, 11:12 AM

Is it just me or do the overall shape and dimensions of this car look very similar to the current e90? Granted, the front and the rear will look different, but in some of those shots I could make myself believe it is an e90 in camo.

red-sauerkraut · 09-28-2011, 11:16 AM

To funny... I'm sure BMW understands why he maybe feels the way he does...

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAMidge

Funny, that's the first thing I noticed, the guy flipping the bird.

Wonder what BMW will think of that when they see these pics.

JZBDCT · 09-28-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAMidge

Funny, that's the first thing I noticed, the guy flipping the bird.

Wonder what BMW will think of that when they see these pics.

I thought the exact same thing. Can you say, "FIRED"

Jason · 09-28-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doc19

Is it just me or do the overall shape and dimensions of this car look very similar to the current e90? Granted, the front and the rear will look different, but in some of those shots I could make myself believe it is an e90 in camo.

You wouldn't be the first to think that they have some similar lines. I would say that from the B-pillar back is the most similar. B-pillar forward is where the F30 departs most from the E90.

See following pic as case in point:

09-28-2011, 09:49 AM	#1
Jason Administrator Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Posts: 15,966 iTrader: (0)	BMW F80 M3 Continues Public Testing After Approval BIMMERPOST NEWS BMW F80 M3 Continues Public Testing After Approval 74 COMMENTS Tweet 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: OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE BMW M3 and M4 Virtual Showrooms on BMW.com More Pics: BMW M4 Clear Construction Exhibt Model at Geneva 2014 BMW M4, i8, 3.0 CSL, McLaren F1 GTR Coming to 2014 Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance
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09-28-2011, 10:02 AM	#2
Jason Administrator Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Posts: 15,966 iTrader: (0)	Here's a previous set of F80 M3 sedan spy photos, which show off some other details nicely, such as the drilled rotors and 4 piston brake calipers. * Click on images for larger resolution versions __________________ Check on the Latest BMW News Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
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09-28-2011, 10:07 AM	#5
Jake C Lieutenant Drives: 2009 335i 2010 335d Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: US/UK Posts: 409 iTrader: (0)	Nice shots! Can't wait to see the final product. I will also say the driver was not to happy to have the pictures taken, but come on man show a little class. - J __________________ In Memory of LeRoi Moore 1961-2008.
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09-28-2011, 10:35 AM	#10
phrozen06 NA V8 Drives: 01 330ci, 08 M3 DCT, 08 VW R32 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: 39°27'33"N 77°58'04"W W. Virgina, Kansas Posts: 1,325 iTrader: (1)	i curious to see how this turns out. BMW never dissapoints when it comes to the ///M3 __________________ Last edited by phrozen06; 09-28-2011 at 12:13 PM.
	0

09-28-2011, 10:39 AM	#12
ramyar Member BMW CCA Los Angeles Drives: 11.5 M3 Sedan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 417 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011.5 M3 Sedan [0.00]	We don't know all the details between this driver and the photographer, but a test driver should understand they're representing a brand when they're doing their job. And spy shots further fuel the public's passion for the brand... especially by enthusiasts. So in the end, they're beneficial for his employer and therefore him (corp espionage and all). Very classless indeed. Back on topic, the f80 has the promise of being one of the best looking m3 at this stage. I don't remember thinking the e90 looked this good with camo. __________________ Current Rides: Prodeco Phantom X3 eBike Much enjoyed: 2011.5 ///M3 Sedan \|\| 2007 ///M Coupe \|\| 2008 550i Sport \|\| 2006 ///M3 ZCP \|\| 2008 X3 3.0si \|\| 2006 325i \|\| 2003 Z4 3.0 Roadster \|\| 2003 330ci \|\| 2002 325i
	0

09-28-2011, 10:04 AM	#3
MusclezMarinara Banned Drives: VALNCYA Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Jersey Posts: 5,023 iTrader: (23) Garage List 2011 BMW 1M [4.83] 2009 335i Sedan xdrive [4.67]	This guy hates the photographer so much he gave them the birdie
	0

09-28-2011, 10:14 AM	#6
E92LNGCGY Captain Drives: E92/F25 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 725 iTrader: (0)	I'm glad the sedan is coming back. Those wheels look like BBS FI.
	0

09-28-2011, 10:18 AM	#7
positiveions Lieutenant General Drives: 09 MKV JETTA 2.5 & E90 M3 :) Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 10,282 iTrader: (1)	yeah, this front end is going to look awesome and aggressive.
	0

09-28-2011, 10:18 AM	#8
bimmerJP First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 e90 335i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas, the United States of America, Planet Earth, Universe Posts: 372 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [2.50]	please tell me it is inline-6, please tell me it is inline-6, please tell me it is inline-6, please tell me it is inline-6... 60 degree V6 is great, but I6 is amazing! so please BMW!!
	0

09-28-2011, 10:24 AM	#9
TheBingoBalls Lieutenant Colonel Drives: E90 325i, R56 MINI Cooper Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 1,521 iTrader: (1)	2013 is so far away . And the end of the E90 is just about here, so sad.
	0

09-28-2011, 10:50 AM	#13
Mako 2000 M Roadster (sold), 2006 M Coupe (sold) Drives: '12 X3 35i M Spt '13 335 M Spt Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,221 iTrader: (0)	I thought BMW did the every 7 year thing, so wouldn't this be coming out in 2014 as a 2015 model? last M3 started as a 2008 model... I hope it comes out in 2013 as my C63 will have right around 50,000 miles in fall 2013 perfect time for trade in! being so far away I don't think these shots give us any idea of what the final product will look like, they will probably change so much before then, we are basically looking at a new 3 series with new exhaust and engine, maybe old M3 suspension and other parts in there as well.
	0

09-28-2011, 10:54 AM	#14
robotrenegade Second Lieutenant Drives: 2013 F10 M5 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 237 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M5 [5.00] 2011 BMW X5d [5.00] 1984 Trans-AM [5.00]	I'm not a fan... so far. I love the aggressive look of the E90 __________________ ///M5 \| F10 \| Black Sapphire Metallic \| Sakhir Orange/Black Full Merino Leather \| Anthracite Wood Trim \| DCT \| Competition Package
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09-28-2011, 11:07 AM	#16
PAMidge Saving Lives Since 2000 Drives: 2014 335xi & 2013 X3 28i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northeast Posts: 2,042 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2014 BMW 335xi [0.00] 2013 X3 28i [0.00]	Funny, that's the first thing I noticed, the guy flipping the bird. Wonder what BMW will think of that when they see these pics.
	0

09-28-2011, 11:12 AM	#19
doc19 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2011 e90 M3 6MT Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 217 iTrader: (0)	Is it just me or do the overall shape and dimensions of this car look very similar to the current e90? Granted, the front and the rear will look different, but in some of those shots I could make myself believe it is an e90 in camo.
	0

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