Spied: 2014 F80 M3 Sedan Gets Power Dome (Hood Bulge)!

Jason · 07-23-2012, 03:46 PM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Spied: 2014 F80 M3 Sedan Gets Power Dome (Hood Bulge)!

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COMMENTS

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We've just spied this afternoon this F80 M3 sedan prototype showing a power dome / hood bulge for the first time. The M3 may have now entered the FEP (Final Evaluation Phase) stage of testing. Until now some M enthusiasts have been disappointed to see the lack of a power dome on previous prototypes, but this mule confirms that the F80 M3 and F82 M4 will feature an aggressively shaped hood.

We think that there is a possibility that the hood lip/bulge could feature a heat extractor vent to ventilate the engine compartment as well as enhancing the sounds coming from the engine. See our analysis.

The rest of the camouflage remains as concealing as on prior mules. As seen clearly, the M3 kidney grilles are sportier than the F30 3 Series, yet not as thin nor wide as the recently exposed F82 M4 coupe grilles (pictured below for comparison). The headlights underneath the camo may (unconfirmed) also be a sleeker version of the F30 headlights, although they will join the headlights like the F30.

The sideskirts are also different than on previous mules, now with an upswoop at its end.

The side shots of the prototype show that the headlights will appear to be more recessed as a result of the beefy front bumper extending out further than on the F30 (think of the 1M headlight-bumper compared to the standard 1 Series). The production side view mirrors (which also be sportier in shape) have not yet been installed on any prototypes.

All in all, the appearance of a power dome, together with the super flared wheel arches and still-covered M body styling, is shaping the F80 M3 to be an aggressive looking sports sedan!

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.

In case you missed last week's exciting video of the M4 coupe, we've posted it below, along with the M3 sedan's last sighting on video.

Follow our ongoing M3/M4 coverage @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/

The following is a summary of the facts we can be certain of 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)

*Click on images for hi-resolution version*

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F80 M3 Sedan Prototype Video

F82 M4 Coupe Prototype Video

Teemo Panda · 07-23-2012, 03:57 PM

looks awesome, and more revealing now

Merq · 07-23-2012, 03:57 PM

Loving the aggressive rear profile!

Wolf · 07-23-2012, 04:02 PM

NICE!!! I want the M4 now!

TheBingoBalls · 07-23-2012, 04:05 PM

I think the sedan is going to be the looker this generation.

positiveions · 07-23-2012, 04:05 PM

looks so awesome

m5 guy · 07-23-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merq

Loving the aggressive rear profile!

+ 1

The car looks to be coming along nicely.

Daft · 07-23-2012, 04:11 PM

My M4 fundraising starts now.

E92LNGCGY · 07-23-2012, 04:14 PM

Can't wait to see the real thing.

Jblack4083 · 07-23-2012, 04:15 PM

This vehicle is shaping up nice. It does seem to look more aggressive than the coupe.

M3 Piotr · 07-23-2012, 04:18 PM

Nice

However, the exhaust seems to be looking very small, meaning the can between the pipes.

malter2.0 · 07-23-2012, 04:25 PM

I'd take more weight for shorter wheel base...

pokerface · 07-23-2012, 04:35 PM

They went back to yellow halos?

Jason · 07-23-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pokerface

They went back to yellow halos?

Photos are often deceiving when it comes to color of halos (how white or yellow). It's hard to get a true-to-life image sometimes. Incorrect white balance given the conditions can always play a factor.

Just look at some of the different photos within this newest set. There's even variations among them - looks yellowish in the head on shot, but whitish in the profile close up photo.

bimmer · 07-23-2012, 04:48 PM

BMW, GIVE US THE F80. Enough with a tease. LOL

Malek@MRF · 07-23-2012, 04:53 PM

Based on rear shots, the car has the E9x suspension components.

aajami · 07-23-2012, 04:54 PM

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I think the hood bulge fits the car's sporty character, makes it look more aggressive than without, and offers some additional sheet metal differences from its F30 sibling. On the other, I'm a firm believer in form following function wherever possible, and unless BMW shoved a new engine under that bonnet over the weekend, it looks like the hood bulge is purely aesthetic, which is a bit... sad.

sameh · 07-23-2012, 04:57 PM

I'm one of the guys who love the power Dom (I know not all of you agree) wether on the E46 or E9x and I was very disappointed not to see it on the coming M3 & M4. Now that I see it, I don't know how to react. I still love the look but knowing that it has no function or serves no purpose is leaving an after-taste, bitter one!

DrivenByE30 · 07-23-2012, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aajami

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I think the hood bulge fits the car's sporty character, makes it look more aggressive than without, and offers some additional sheet metal differences from its F30 sibling. On the other, I'm a firm believer in form following function wherever possible, and unless BMW shoved a new engine under that bonnet over the weekend, it looks like the hood bulge is purely aesthetic, which is a bit... sad.

+1

In the race for more power... i am currently satisfied with me 335i...

I love M3 4-door in the past, but this time around, I am not pursuing anymore.

maybe i have gotten old... but that's it for me

jayparry · 07-23-2012, 05:04 PM

Is that a bulge, or are you just happy to see it!

Prince_of_Persia · 07-23-2012, 05:04 PM

Love the power dome!! Still not sure about the front lights.

Diver · 07-23-2012, 05:05 PM

I like the look of the power dome, and suspect if it is there it is because it is needed. I wonder if there is any possibility that the bonnet on this car is meant to deceive as to what the final design is.

07-23-2012, 03:46 PM	#1
Jason Administrator 42797 Rep 21,307 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Spied: 2014 F80 M3 Sedan Gets Power Dome (Hood Bulge)! BIMMERPOST NEWS Spied: 2014 F80 M3 Sedan Gets Power Dome (Hood Bulge)! 136 COMMENTS Tweet We've just spied this afternoon this F80 M3 sedan prototype showing a power dome / hood bulge for the first time. The M3 may have now entered the FEP (Final Evaluation Phase) stage of testing. Until now some M enthusiasts have been disappointed to see the lack of a power dome on previous prototypes, but this mule confirms that the F80 M3 and F82 M4 will feature an aggressively shaped hood. We think that there is a possibility that the hood lip/bulge could feature a heat extractor vent to ventilate the engine compartment as well as enhancing the sounds coming from the engine. See our analysis. The rest of the camouflage remains as concealing as on prior mules. As seen clearly, the M3 kidney grilles are sportier than the F30 3 Series, yet not as thin nor wide as the recently exposed F82 M4 coupe grilles (pictured below for comparison). The headlights underneath the camo may (unconfirmed) also be a sleeker version of the F30 headlights, although they will join the headlights like the F30. The sideskirts are also different than on previous mules, now with an upswoop at its end. The side shots of the prototype show that the headlights will appear to be more recessed as a result of the beefy front bumper extending out further than on the F30 (think of the 1M headlight-bumper compared to the standard 1 Series). The production side view mirrors (which also be sportier in shape) have not yet been installed on any prototypes. All in all, the appearance of a power dome, together with the super flared wheel arches and still-covered M body styling, is shaping the F80 M3 to be an aggressive looking sports sedan! 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. In case you missed last week's exciting video of the M4 coupe, we've posted it below, along with the M3 sedan's last sighting on video. Follow our ongoing M3/M4 coverage @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/ The following is a summary of the facts we can be certain of 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) *Click on images for hi-resolution version* F80 M3 Sedan Prototype Video F82 M4 Coupe Prototype Video
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07-23-2012, 03:57 PM	#2
Teemo Panda Bimmerpost Plasti Dip Guru 84 Rep 1,174 Posts Drives: E53, E46-M3, E70, F25-X3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New Jersey (NJ) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW X3 [5.66]	looks awesome, and more revealing now
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07-23-2012, 03:57 PM	#3
Merq Private 7 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 M3 DCT Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2009 E92 M3 [0.00]	Loving the aggressive rear profile!
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07-23-2012, 04:05 PM	#5
TheBingoBalls Brigadier General 4192 Rep 4,813 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 F36 BMW 440i x ... [0.00]	I think the sedan is going to be the looker this generation.
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07-23-2012, 04:05 PM	#6
positiveions Lieutenant General 970 Rep 11,726 Posts Drives: 19 Tacoma, 16 Golf wagon Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upland, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2019 Toyota Tacoma [0.00] 2016 VW Golf Sports ... [0.00] 1998 BMW M3 [0.00] 1990 BMW 325is [0.00]	looks so awesome
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07-23-2012, 04:11 PM	#8
Daft Major 387 Rep 1,204 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (2) Garage List 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [10.00]	My M4 fundraising starts now.
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07-23-2012, 04:14 PM	#9
E92LNGCGY Lieutenant Colonel 446 Rep 1,732 Posts Drives: F97/Q5/982 GT4 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Can't wait to see the real thing.
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07-23-2012, 04:15 PM	#10
Jblack4083 Captain 118 Rep 888 Posts Drives: E46 ///M3 JB/CB Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Queens, NYC iTrader: (0)	This vehicle is shaping up nice. It does seem to look more aggressive than the coupe.
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07-23-2012, 04:18 PM	#11
M3 Piotr Lieutenant Colonel 404 Rep 1,852 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Frozen Black F87 M2 LBB Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Florida, USA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 BMW F80 M3 [0.00] 2011 BMW E90 M3 (We ... [0.00]	Nice However, the exhaust seems to be looking very small, meaning the can between the pipes. __________________ 2016 F80 M3 Frozen Black 2018 F87 M2 LBB Follow me on Insta: M3Piotr
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07-23-2012, 04:25 PM	#12
malter2.0 Banned 61 Rep 908 Posts Drives: em-funf Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2000 E39 M5 - current [0.00] 2007 E92 335i - SOLD [0.00] 1996 E36 M3-SOLD [0.00] 2000 E39 M5-SOLD [0.00] 2001 E46 M3-SOLD [0.00] 1995 E36 M3-SOLD [0.00]	I'd take more weight for shorter wheel base...
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07-23-2012, 04:35 PM	#13
pokerface Colonel 443 Rep 2,530 Posts Drives: F25 X3 N20 / F80 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	They went back to yellow halos?
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07-23-2012, 04:48 PM	#15
bimmer BMW FOREVER 28 Rep 504 Posts Drives: BMW 335is Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: east iTrader: (0)	BMW, GIVE US THE F80. Enough with a tease. LOL __________________ Bimmer __________________________________________________ 335is - AW, Loaded, 19" 313M, 6MT Thinking of F80
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07-23-2012, 04:53 PM	#16
Malek@MRF Brigadier General 739 Rep 3,732 Posts Drives: E92 M3, E46 M3, G82 M4 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Irvine, California iTrader: (5)	Based on rear shots, the car has the E9x suspension components. __________________ BMW PERFORMANCE SPECIALISTS. Race Engines. Suspension. F/I. Brakes. Race Preparation. Factory Service. Alignments. OFFICIAL PARTNERS: KW. MOTON. Brembo. AP Racing. BBS Motorsport. iND. HRE. Turner Motorsport. VAC. BMW Motorsport. Facebook \| Instagram \| Yelp! \| Flikr Phone: 949-233-0448 \| E-Mail: info@mrfengineering.com
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07-23-2012, 04:54 PM	#17
aajami Brigadier General 436 Rep 4,567 Posts Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Manhattan Beach, CA iTrader: (4)	I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I think the hood bulge fits the car's sporty character, makes it look more aggressive than without, and offers some additional sheet metal differences from its F30 sibling. On the other, I'm a firm believer in form following function wherever possible, and unless BMW shoved a new engine under that bonnet over the weekend, it looks like the hood bulge is purely aesthetic, which is a bit... sad. __________________ '09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather \| ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL \| link 1 / link 2 Mods: M Performance exhaust \| ZCP retrofit \| Euro airbox \| GTS DCT flash \| JPN 240 ECU flash \| Euro LCI taillights \| CRT lip \| OEM alarm retrofit \| Space Gray bumper plugs \| BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem
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07-23-2012, 04:57 PM	#18
sameh Lieutenant Colonel 174 Rep 1,530 Posts Drives: 2015 Porsche 911S Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I'm one of the guys who love the power Dom (I know not all of you agree) wether on the E46 or E9x and I was very disappointed not to see it on the coming M3 & M4. Now that I see it, I don't know how to react. I still love the look but knowing that it has no function or serves no purpose is leaving an after-taste, bitter one! __________________ 2011 E92 JB/BL/DCT--->80K Miles 2015 F80 SS/SO/DCT?->28K Miles 2015 Porsche 911S
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07-23-2012, 05:04 PM	#20
jayparry BMW Performanceer 29 Rep 370 Posts Drives: BSM '09 135i 'tii' Dinan Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i 'Tii' [7.00]	is that a hood bulge... Is that a bulge, or are you just happy to see it! __________________ 2009 BMW 135i - Premium, Sport, Cold, Comfort, Nav, Active Steering, Premium Sound, iPod/Smartphone BMW Performance - Carbon Fiber trim, Suspension, Front Rotors, Rear Valence, Spoiler, Steering Wheel, Gearshift, Handbrake, Dead Pedal Dinan - stage 2 Engine Program, Intake, Exhaust, Short Shifter and Pedals.
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07-23-2012, 05:04 PM	#21
Prince_of_Persia Colonel 254 Rep 2,520 Posts Drives: 6MT E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (1)	Love the power dome!! Still not sure about the front lights. __________________ AW\|FR 6MT E92 ///M3
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07-23-2012, 05:05 PM	#22
Diver Brigadier General 506 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: Black '12 135i - Sold Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I like the look of the power dome, and suspect if it is there it is because it is needed. I wonder if there is any possibility that the bonnet on this car is meant to deceive as to what the final design is. __________________ See my photography at http://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com
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