BMW F30 M3 / F32 M3 Spotted Again. Wearing F32 M3 Coupe Front End?

[Jason]

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BMW F30 M3 / F32 M3 Spotted Again. Wearing F32 M3 Coupe Front End?

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The next generation F30/F32 M3 continues its testing and we've now spotted it for the second time, in much higher detail (click on photos below for hi-res versions).

As before, the signature M3 cues are all clearly seen - quad exhaust, flared fenders, wider track, drilled rotors, and beefier front end. The brakes feature 4 piston calipers.

We believe we may be looking at a different front end on this M3 than on the regular F30 3-series sedan. The clearest clue is the shape of the kidney grilles, which seem to be shapelier and thinner 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 coupe's front end? Perhaps.

It's pretty much accepted that the next generation M3 will go forced induction with a 6 cylinder motor. We've enhanced an image below which shows what appears to be the intercooler - starting behind the kidney grilles and extending down to the lower bumper grille. Exactly what configuration the turbo 6 engine may take on is a favorite point of speculation among our members. We believe the next M3 may be powered by a triple-turbocharged inline-6 3.2L engine with an output of around 450hp. It could be based on the N54/55 engine and use not only two traditional turbochargers but also a third electric turbocharger.

Scott26 claims that these photos are no indication of an M3 sedan making it to production. Rather, BMW had only an F30 prototype to use for testing the M3 parts and components. Don't count the F30 M3 sedan out yet however, as it's been alluded to that it may still be in the plans -- despite the rather slow sales of the E90 M3 sedan.

Expect the new M3 to hit the market sometime in 2014. 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 F30/F32 M3 coverage @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/


* Click on images for larger resolution versions


















F30/F32 M3 grille and intercooler:




F30 3-series grille:











Previous photo set:

[Mark]

Im not 100% sold on the supposition that this isn't a real F30 M3. It seems alot of work to mold properly flared fenders on the F30 if this was only to test out the chassis. It would seem easier to just cut the fenders and put plastic coverings over them temporarily. I think this is a real full fledged attempt at an F30 M3. Lets hope it gets the green flag for production, because even in all this camo the car looks mean, now we just need to hear more about that engine

[Park2670]

Originally Posted by Mark

Im not 100% sold on the supposition that this isn't a real F30 M3. It seems alot of work to mold properly flared fenders on the F30 if this was only to test out the chassis. It would seem easier to just cut the fenders and put plastic coverings over them temporarily. I think this is a real full fledged attempt at an F30 M3. Lets hope it gets the green flag for production, because even in all this camo the car looks mean, now we just need to hear more about that engine

I was thinking the same thing. If the were not going to build the F30 M3, just put on the plastic fenders like they did on the preproduction 1Ms.

I for one hope they build the M3 in a sedan again, the E90 M3 is my favorite car BMW has built.

[ferrari6891]

well the camo is definitely doing its job..

P.s. I also want the a 4 door M3 to be given the green light. I would get that car without a doubt

[DDS2015]

Those are the same grills as the previous spotting. I don't think that it's the F32 front end under there, doesn't make any sense. it actually makes less sense than them using the F30 body to test the F32 M3(4). I agree that this is an attempt at an F30 M3.

Realistically, how is the E90 M3 all that different from the E92 M3? Not much different at all. They use the same front fascia and have all of the same internals. All it does is make them more money. It makes zero sense why they would discontinue something that they're developing anyways but for the F32. It will cost them only the extra amount in licensing fees etc. BMW would be very stupid to not continue making the M3 sedan. It might not sell as well as the coupe, but they're developing it anyways, so they might as well make it.

[bates1325]

even though i may be alone on this boat, so far (from what we have seen) i dont think the next gen m3 looks as good as the current generation ):

[ferrari6891]

Originally Posted by bates1325

even though i may be alone on this boat, so far (from what we have seen) i dont think the next gen m3 looks as good as the current generation ):

I wouldn't disagree with you. Judging how all the cars are looking so similar

[mach330]

i find it funny that here in the forums there seems to be a lot of interest on the sedan m3 (including me) and yet the sales figures states that no one wants them. but then again most of us are enthusiast.

[Seattle S65B40]

WOW! Lot's going on this week. Still to early to tell, but I think it's exciting nonetheless. F32 M3 FTW!

[M-Power111]

i like the hood structure, alot of character there, either way its sexy.

[Evolution_GT]

Ohhhhh I like that stance.

[datbimmerdoe]

am i the only 1 that thinks there aren't any differences between the 2...
the grill + bumper look identical

[Jblack4083]

I dont care what anyone says. It seems they put a lot of work into this F30 prototype for there to not be a F30 M3...

the kidneys on this prototype are shorter and a little more round. I think we are looking at a slightly different front end.

This car's stance is impressive. It looks low and aggressive, even with the camo on.

[BMW BRAD]

Whatever the funk it is, it looks pretty sick! Are those production wheels or aftermarket?

[uhn2000]

BMW not building a 4 door M3 is an automatic opportunity for the competition to steal sales. Lexus, Merc, and Audi are waiting at any opportunity to jump in and fill any void BMW gives up.

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by mach330

i find it funny that here in the forums there seems to be a lot of interest on the sedan m3 (including me) and yet the sales figures states that no one wants them. but then again most of us are enthusiast.

well the thing is, competition still offer 4 doors sport cars, such as Audi and MB.
If I want a four door, and an F30 M3 is not offered, will switch to MB or Audi

[nick3753]

Anyone else think the mirrors will be a major fail on the M3 with the side markers integrated. Just not sure how well it will integrate with the typical sleek M3 mirrors vs the regular 3 series mirror.

[SamS]

That very first pic shows the awesome stance we can expect from the next M3. I like it!

Well, the power dome is definitely gone

Originally Posted by nick3753

Anyone else think the mirrors will be a major fail on the M3 with the side markers integrated. Just not sure how well it will integrate with the typical sleek M3 mirrors vs the regular 3 series mirror.

Integrated markers due to upcoming EU regulations.

[InTheNightKitchen]

I concur!

Still under 3 years to go and I'm excited, I feel like a kid...

Originally Posted by Mark

Im not 100% sold on the supposition that this isn't a real F30 M3. It seems alot of work to mold properly flared fenders on the F30 if this was only to test out the chassis. It would seem easier to just cut the fenders and put plastic coverings over them temporarily. I think this is a real full fledged attempt at an F30 M3. Lets hope it gets the green flag for production, because even in all this camo the car looks mean, now we just need to hear more about that engine

[Imola.ZHP]

If history repeats itself (it usually does with BMW, it seems to be working just fine for them), then yes, the coupe and sedan will share front ends. M3's are wider in the front than normal 3er's, so it makes financial sense to share as many parts between the coupe/vert and the sedan/(hopefully wagon!) as possible...

[SoCali E36]

Originally Posted by Mark

Im not 100% sold on the supposition that this isn't a real F30 M3. It seems alot of work to mold properly flared fenders on the F30 if this was only to test out the chassis. It would seem easier to just cut the fenders and put plastic coverings over them temporarily. I think this is a real full fledged attempt at an F30 M3. Lets hope it gets the green flag for production, because even in all this camo the car looks mean, now we just need to hear more about that engine

thats exactly what they have done. look how they have screwed the panels onto the body of the car. you can see the rivets running parallel to the bottom of the windows. doesnt seem like much effort was put in to making the wider fenders.

[Glim]

To me two things stand out

1. Tire width matches front and rear like a non-sport 328i

2. The yellow striped blinker side mirrors look seriously ugly.