BMW F80 M3 Features Double-Bubble Carbon Fiber Roof + Double Slat Grilles a la M4

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW F80 M3 Features Double-Bubble Carbon Fiber Roof + Double Slat Grilles a la M4

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The latest F80 M3 spotting gives us the best look yet at its newest revealed features -- double slat kidney grilles and a double-bubble carbon fiber roof.

Both the F80 M3 and F82 M4 will continue BMW's latest trend to fit M models with double slat kidney grilles with a model badge affixed. The M6 and M5 LCI all feature this design.

And multiple M3 prototypes have now been spied with a camouflaged top, indicating a carbon fiber roof - first in the U.S. and now in Germany. The closeup photos we've posted show that the carbon fiber roof will have a sporty double-bubble shape - like the F82 M4 prototypes and M6 Coupes / Gran Coupes. A lightweight CF roof will also help to lower the F80 M3's center of gravity as well as shaving critical pounds off its weight.

As for performance, to recap, we previously reported on information gleaned from the M4 prototype's registered VIN information (see here).

According to the VIN info, the M3 will be powered by a 310kW (415 hp) 3.0L inline 6 engine (s55) [photos]. Consistent with the information we've been posting, this would have the next M3 and M4 featuring similar horsepower figures to the current M3 (414 hp) from the 3.0L inline 6 multi-turbo s55 engine. But, we've also been previously told by trusty sources familiar with F80/F82 development that the cars will boast approximately 100 lb-ft more torque (in range of 395 lb-ft) (source) and nearly 8000 RPM redline (source).

Expect the F80 M3 to be available in the first half of next year.

Also see: F80 M3 / F82 M4 Spy Photos, Videos, and Facts/Rumors Compilation

Follow our F80 M3 coverage at: http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f80m3/

BMW F80 M3

[RMB]

It's tough to tell, but it looks like there is a depression in the middle of the suspected carbon fiber roof, similar to the coupes but maybe not as deep. If this is the case I think it would make the sedan look even more aggressive, which would be great. Does anyone else see this on the first image when it is enlarged?

[RMB]

BMW makes great cars in every class (1 series, 3 series, etc.), but I feel that once an M is produced they need to make the vehicle that much more special. So things like a carbon fiber roof, nicer interior (maybe carbon fiber trim like the Audi's) should be in the top of the line, most expensive variant o(M cars). Otherwise, I don't think it is fair to have cheaper vehicles in the line with more features (i.e. kind of like the E92 M3 without having LED DRL's). You should get more for your money if you spend more. An 85k dollar M3/M4 should have these things like a carbon fiber roof.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by RMB

It's tough to tell, but it looks like there is a depression in the middle of the suspected carbon fiber roof, similar to the coupes but maybe not as deep. If this is the case I think it would make the sedan look even more aggressive, which would be great. Does anyone else see this on the first image when it is enlarged?

Yes, I see the indentation / slot. I also see the fender vents behind the front wheels. Hopefully the breathers are styled better than the F32's "boomerangs".

I also see in pic #6, that the bottom of the gauges don't have the full circle of trim ring like normal gauges. Hopefully this signals an extended black panel display as the normal gauge cluster is a real let down.

These shots really show the fender flares well, too!

Getting excited...

[Jason]

Originally Posted by RMB

It's tough to tell, but it looks like there is a depression in the middle of the suspected carbon fiber roof, similar to the coupes but maybe not as deep. If this is the case I think it would make the sedan look even more aggressive, which would be great. Does anyone else see this on the first image when it is enlarged?

Yep. Here's some close crops which show the double-bubble roof clearly:

[RMB]

Thanks Jason for highlighting the roof. That's going to look great and give the sedan an even more aggressive presence.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by RMB

Thanks Jason for highlighting the roof. That's going to look great and give the sedan an even more aggressive presence.

Agreed!

[SamS]

Do want!

[solstice]

Very cool, it's going to be a hard choice for me since I love my sunroof. It's open pretty much every day between June and October but this CF roof is going to look badass and the positive impact on overall weight and distribution can't be ignored.

Are there any pictures of the F8X seats? After steering that is my biggest concern, the E90 seats are the best I ever been in. The E60s was good as well but not the F10's and I didn't think the the new M5 or M6 seats fitted me as well as the current M3's when I drove those.

Anyhow I'm excited over the new M3. There is something about how it moves that can be seen in photos as well that makes it look like a race car in disguise, dare I say a bit like a nascar...if you know what I mean.

[lux]

Keep it up BMW!

[Tiz113]

love those lines in the roof

[05Mdriver]

415 hp.. bmw, i am disappoint.

Although.. the n55 is quite tunable....

[Blindside_137]

This is just awesome news for the sedan!

Hopefully there are cool surprises for the coupe as well.

[Judah]

A man like myself has always been fond of a "double bubble".... :-)

[Poppin Fresh]

Power output will be under rated by BMW and perhaps it will be a few pounds lighter than the current E9X M3. Over all it looks promising but I still wish they'd up the ante alongside AMG and Audi RS and even Cadillac V.

[ATX78703]

looks sweet - maybe i'll get that in another 3 years (when this lease is up)

[signes]

Sounds like the sedan is going to be very aggressively styled, can't wait to see it. Still expecting it in Frankfurt?

[jtodd]

What are double slat grills?

[solstice]

Originally Posted by jtodd

What are double slat grills?

Look at the kidneys. The "slats" in them are spaced in pairs.

[lux]

Originally Posted by 05Mdriver

415 hp.. bmw, i am disappoint.

Although.. the n55 is quite tunable....

Hopefully as others have stated, BMW is underrating engine output. We'll just have to wait for the reviews to find out.

I'm more concerned with the new handling and especially EPS... will it be F10 5er bad vs Porsche good.

[Smokey]

The first picture gives the car such a masculine-no-nonsense appearance The carbon fiber roof is a welcome addition, can't wait to drive one

[solstice]

Originally Posted by lux

Hopefully as others have stated, BMW is underrating engine output. We'll just have to wait for the reviews to find out.

I'm more concerned with the new handling and especially EPS... will it be F10 5er bad vs Porsche good.

Fully agree. It would actually be refreshing if the F8X has less power than the E9X but still being the faster car in all aspects due to a superior and lighter chassis. It would be a nice signal from the masters of M that the time of ever heavier and powerful cars is over and that weight reduction is now the name of the game. I'm also much more concerned about the steering and all communicative aspects of the car. Will it retain the telepathic and natural feel of the earlier M3s or go he way of all other F-models with a number more artificial feel.