BMW M3 Concept at Geneva - 420HP and DSG-style Transmission

BMW will unveil its next-generation M3 in concept form at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, just as it did with the M5 sedan months before that car went on sale. Like the original M5 concept, this latest M3 version will be virtually identical to the production model and we now have more details about the car’s final specifications.

Powering the coupe will be an all-new 4.0L V8 unit developing 420hp and it’s expected BMW will also be showing a new dual-clutch DSG style transmission to help put power down to the road. Performance should be even better than its Audi RS4 rival thanks to its lighter rear-wheel-drive configuration. To further shed weight, it’s rumoured that BMW might even utilize carbon-fiber for some of the body panels.


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JUGNU - 2/26/2007 10:28:31 AM

0 Boost

Can't wait.

JUGNU

mr_farmer - 2/26/2007 11:18:01 AM

0 Boost

You know, you can see a few pictures of the new blue M3 in Auto magazine. It's on the front cover. I noticed it last week at the local Barnes and Noble.

d1sinfo - 2/26/2007 11:33:14 AM

+2 Boost

M3's have always been sluggish? What are you comparing them too? I felt pretty much every m3 had a sense of urgency to it. Similar to my STi, but far more smooth, and precise.

I could be wrong but, my perspective includes many cars in the same class as the M3, and I never walked away feeling as though the M3 was sluggish.

M53R - 2/26/2007 11:55:09 AM

+2 Boost

Looking forward for this M beast.

dav256 - 2/26/2007 12:06:18 PM

0 Boost

MACHT

hkaudi - 2/26/2007 12:14:37 PM

-3 Boost

Lexus Is-f is in a different league imo

enthusiastx11 - 3/1/2007 2:38:10 AM

+1 Boost

please tell us about your experience driving the IS-F....

Voiture - 2/26/2007 3:42:07 PM

+3 Boost

Until we get a comparison from the IS-F the M3 is still king.

MunichRob - 2/26/2007 6:23:02 PM

+2 Boost

I've read that the new IS-F has been tuned to put out 390hp, not the 400hp+ it was rumored to have.

I have no question in my mind that the RS4 will be the M3's biggest competition, the real showdown will be between the sedan M3 & RS4.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/26/2007 11:10:44 PM

+1 Boost

I agree.

The IS-F and C63 should fight somewhere else.

What would be amazing is that if BMW made an M3 CSL sedan and Audi made an RS4 Plus (sedan). What a comparison!

weaponX - 2/27/2007 11:00:53 PM

+1 Boost

You mean Audi should build an RS4 plus to compete with the new M3, and also build an RS4 plus, plus, plus to compete with a possible M3 CSL.

enthusiastx11 - 3/1/2007 2:39:48 AM

+1 Boost

agreed. people will buy these cars for very different reasons....M3 for looks and performance. IS-F for reliability and comfort.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/26/2007 6:33:15 PM

+1 Boost

I love the new M3 design... but these specs look a little too Audi-ish. DSG? 420hp? The DSG will make that engine even more of a rocket, though.

weaponX - 2/27/2007 12:49:35 PM

+1 Boost

Wow, I didn’t think BMW can develop a DSG this fast. Very impressive.

Now a perceived weakness --- the transmission (SMG), has been addressed, and the car is just about perfect.

IamEvilHomer - 3/1/2007 3:29:47 PM

0 Boost

yes they bought an Audi and made copies
not that hard the Japs do it all the time

weaponX - 3/2/2007 3:33:56 PM

+1 Boost

Isn’t it ironic that VW was supposed to have been the first to offer DSG on their cars, yet it’s missing on the RS4, S6 or S8!?

BorgWarner licenses it to BMW, and immediately you see it on the M3….a car people will actually buy.

Lavic - 2/27/2007 2:51:32 PM

+1 Boost

A good thing from BMW would be to put that DSG into the M5 and M6.

enthusiastx11 - 3/1/2007 2:40:49 AM

+1 Boost

i'd bet money you'll see the DSG in M5 and M6 very soon. especially given all the complaints about the SMG.

weaponX - 2/27/2007 3:47:47 PM

+1 Boost

Eventually, I think it will make it to the M5 & M6.

But, a new M3 always seems to get the cutting-edge transmission. The E46 version was the first M model (offered in NA) equipped with the paddle-shift SMG.

I think once the M5 gets the new DSG, car magazines may want to revisit their comparison tests.

germeezy2 - 2/28/2007 2:34:43 AM

+1 Boost

A DSG is definitely needed, the M5 with the new 6 speed proves that these new low torque high hp/ high rev engines need a SMG or DSG box to work the best. It awaits to see if BMW will be able to get close to the 317 lb ft and flexible powerband offered by the RS4.

dav256 - 3/1/2007 1:33:13 PM

+1 Boost

Here are NEW pics of the M3
http://www.autobild.de/erlkoenige/neuheiten/artikel.php?artikel_id=13477