The F80 M3 sedan is coming together visually bit by bit with each new sighting of the development mules, and it's looking sportier by the spotting.
We recently brought you the first look at the
F80 M3 hood bulge (which may be a heat extractor vent), and now we share with you the first glimpse of the F80 M3's front end styling, which will feature an aggressive design much like the 2013 M6's very attractive front fascia, with a pinch of 1M styling thrown in.
Although still covered in a cloth covering, the shapes and lines of the M3 front bumper are now easily seen and there's no mistaking its M6 like design (see the comparison photo below). The middle bumper intake is a trapezoid shape like on the M5/M6, although more aggressively angled. This is flanked by two huge air intakes on each side, which are shaped and angle up aggressively like the M6. There may also be a bit of the 1M bumper style thrown in - at the outer edges of the bumper's side air intakes where air curtain vents appear to be.
Air Curtain
With the loss of the heavy front end camouflage, we also see for the first time what may be air curtain vents on the sides of the lower front bumper and side intakes. With recent models, BMW has incorporated air curtain technology into front apron designs to optimize aerodynamics (see the 1M, 1 Series LCI, and 7 Series LCI). The air curtain vent reduces drag by forcing the air to flow more aerodynamically around the front wheels. As mentioned above, the area where the air curtain vents appear to be located resemble the 1M bumper styling.
Tires
Speaking of wheels, we also get the first clear look at the tire specs fitted on the M3 prototype. The front gets Michelin Pilot Super Sport 255/35/19 tires and the rear is size 275/35/19. This serves as pretty definitive proof that the BMW museum
mystery car (which had the same spec tires and wheels) was indeed the F82 M4 prototype.
The closeup of the front wheel/tire also shows two holes in the camouflage, presumably for venting the functional M side gills.
Recap of Powertrain and other details
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.
The following is a summary of certain facts 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)
- Tires (from prototype) - Michelin Pilot Super Sport: 255/35/19 (front), 275/35/19 (rear)
Follow our ongoing M3/M4 coverage @
http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/
** Click on images for high resolution versions **
Front Tires - Michelin Pilot Super Sport 255/35/19
Rear Tires - Michelin Pilot Super Sport 275/35/19
