2013 BMW F80 M3 Goes Winter Testing Wearing Less

[duk]

this car will be so powerful with just a tune and exhaust, easily 80-100hp jump

[JulieDriving]

Originally Posted by eatrach73

I don't like that either, but they are doing it for marketing purposes. They figured the average Joe is not going to afford an //M car, why not slap //M badges on their non //M models and call it a day.
//M badges= more $$$.
However, a person must admit that BMW will upgrades few components here and there. Take for example The E46 ZHP model. Cams have been upgraded, suspension components, shifter, SW, etc...

Yes, it seems like these new M Performance models are turning out to have something special, and deserve some kind of recognition for that. At this point, I still think they shouldn't have given it the ///M name, but that ship has sailed. Hasn't Mercedes already diluted the AMG name the same way? And yet, at least where I live, the real enthusiasts still know and strive for the real AMGs.

I think it will depend how the full-fledged M cars and these cars turn out to be... And their "relative" exclusivity. If they're really good and the ///M badge is not *everywhere*... they could still find that balance...

[JulieDriving]

Originally Posted by kueks29

A little bird chirped just that it should be the next M3 engine is a further development of the S65. But it's not the standard version, but from which the GTS!
Off two cylinders, turbos on it and finish the new engine ...

That would be awesome!

[m balla]

I hope this version will be available in sakhir and also wonder if the coupe will get a single/dubble bouble on the roof since no power buldge/dome? Are those back tires 305? Couldn't the power dome maintain laminar flow at high velocity?

[Pentium]

It will rock, I will miss the V8

[maceBR]

cant wait. really believe bmw is going in the right direction with all of its latest models. f30 m3 ftw

[lepp0012]

Originally Posted by aajami

Goodbye power dome!
Lisa needs braces.
Power dome!
Lisa needs braces.
Power dome!
Lisa needs braces.
Power dome!

Nice Simpsons reference!

This really needs a power dome IMO. That's just a classic M3 element at this point.

[kueks29]

...and some new pictures:







There´s also to read:
The V6 engine is supposed to be a brand new unit, not a tuned version of the N54 found in the 335i. The focus will also be on reducing emissions and fuel consumption to a significant level.

Quelle: Autoevolution.com

[IS3andME]

Originally Posted by DDS2015

Looks promising! I want to see the M4 coupe though as that will be my next purchase. I really hope that they stick with the I6 instead of a V6 though. I'm holding out for a similar set up as seen on the new tri-trubo diesel M performance cars!

with the radiator and bracings/brackets (?) looking just like the 335i, there is a high likelihood that it is I6 based

[bernstem]

Originally Posted by IS3andME

with the radiator and bracings/brackets (?) looking just like the 335i, there is a high likelihood that it is I6 based

I don't think I would take the front bracings as any sort of definitive evidence that it is I6. Both the 328 and 335 have them and I think we are pretty sure it won't be a 4 cylinder. All it means to me is that whatever engine they are using will fit in the same engine bay and it is easier to leave the front support brace bars (or whatever they are called) the same rather than re-engineering them.

[positiveions]

If BMW is testing it now in the snow, most likely the next stop would be Death Valley here in Calif.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by IS3andME

with the radiator and bracings/brackets (?) looking just like the 335i, there is a high likelihood that it is I6 based

Nah. The E60, F01, F10, and F30 all have similar cross member and radiator placement, and they wear a wide variety of engines.

[lito]

Can't wait

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by aajami

I'm not arguing for the point I was trying to make. No doubt, I see the same momentum that you do, taking BMW to a unified naming convention for sedans, coupes, 4-door coupes, SUVs, and XAVs. I was simply relaying the fact that arguments within the company continue to persist at some level about not losing the M3 brand -- the same arguments that took place (and won) before the introduction of the E9X and E9XM.

I hear you. Even though, as I look back on it, I responded to your post as if I was treating it like a counterpoint to what you wrote, I was really just offering up my opinion. I guess there will probably always be some within BMW who oppose the change, but from a marketing perspective it makes a lot of sense.

Unfortunately, I think that separation will be reflected in the price difference too, if the 30% gap between the M5 and M6 sticker price is any indication.

Agree with you on the price gap increase. Maybe not to 30% (is it really that high for M5 vs. M6? - that's a lot!), but probably more than the 5% or so it was when the E90 M3 was still available along side the E92 M3 last year.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by kueks29

A little bird chirped just that it should be the next M3 engine is a further development of the S65. But it's not the standard version, but from which the GTS!
Off two cylinders, turbos on it and finish the new engine ...

What is "The least logical and most costly way to develop a 450hp turbocharged 6 cylinder motor", Alex?

I got a better idea, why not just take there two cylinder boxer engine, bend it into a V, and stick three of them together. Then, add three turbos. Its just like Legos - simple and easy, right?

Or why do we need to start with an engine at all? I'll bet we could rig up an engine from an old transmission, some barbed wire, that pile of pistons over there, and five pounds of German sausage.

In summary, some rumors are believable, some aren't.

[bavarian19]

I still hold to the fact that I really want to see a power dome.

It may not need it, but it also does not need side vents either.

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

What is "The least logical and most costly way to develop a 450hp turbocharged 6 cylinder motor", Alex?

I got a better idea, why not just take there two cylinder boxer engine, bend it into a V, and stick three of them together. Then, add three turbos. Its just like Legos - simple and easy, right?

Or why do we need to start with an engine at all? I'll bet we could rig up an engine from an old transmission, some barbed wire, that pile of pistons over there, and five pounds of German sausage.

In summary, some rumors are believable, some aren't.

I agree with you. 3.3l V6 Turbo based on S65 is the worst idea possible.

[JulieDriving]

Originally Posted by kueks29

...and some new pictures:







There´s also to read:
The V6 engine is supposed to be a brand new unit, not a tuned version of the N54 found in the 335i. The focus will also be on reducing emissions and fuel consumption to a significant level.

Quelle: Autoevolution.com

Thanks kueks29!

I'm really liking how this car looks. I already like the F30 M-Sport front a lot better than that the regular 3-series. I suspect this is going to look even better.

[GOLFFRR]

can't wait

[M3_WC]

Haha, it sounds horrible accelerating at the end of the video. Weaksauce.

[flipm3]

What I enjoy most about this car is that it just looks A LOT more proportional compared to the 328i and 335i.

I can't wait to get on a waiting list...

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by JulieDriving

Thanks kueks29!

I'm really liking how this car looks. I already like the F30 M-Sport front a lot better than that the regular 3-series. I suspect this is going to look even better.

I don't know about you, but I want to see this one in my driveway.
Perhaps I would like to do a ED