The press kit for the UK Version of the M3 was released today with all of the complete details for the hard core M3 enthusiast. Below is a quick summary and a link for the full 17 page document.
• Fourth generation of the BMW M3, absolutely unique high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH with stand-alone design and technology, developed on the basis of the BMW 3 Series Coupé.
• Unique character and dynamic driving characteristics ensuring a leading position in this market segment, unique power-to-weight ratio thanks to intelligent lightweight engineering: 3.8 kg/hp.
• First road-going version of the BMW M3 with an eight-cylinder power unit, brand-new V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output
of 309 kW/420 hp at 8,300 rpm, maximum torque 400 Newton-metres/ 295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm, maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm,
optimum torque and thrust throughout the entire speed range.
• Individual throttle butterflies, double-VANOS variable camshaft control, Brake Energy Regeneration, engine 15 kg/33 lb lighter than the six-cylinder on the former model.
• Acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph), average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle 12.4 litres/100 kilometres equal to 22.8 mpg imp.
• Manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-related oil cooling, double-plate clutch optimised for mass inertia.
• MDrive setting and retrieving the driver’s specific configuration of the engine control map, suspension and DSC management,
as well as the Servotronic control map as an additional option.
• Brand-new chassis featuring specific, weight-optimised components and axle kinematics typical of BMW M for a highly dynamic driving experience, forged aluminium track control arms, compound high-performance brakes, optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) with three freely selectable control maps.
• First production car in its segment with a carbon-fibre roof, carbon-fibre reducing the weight of the car and enhancing its agility by lowering
the car’s centre of gravity, carbon-fibre roof as a clear, highly visual sign of exclusivity and motorsport.
• Lightweight components developed specifically for the new BMW M3: bumper supports front and rear, lightweight through-loading between the luggage compartment and rear seat area.
• Authentic BMW M design highlighting the athletic look and stance of the car, aluminium engine compartment lid with its striking powerdome as a clear sign of supreme power and performance, characteristic
front end with extra-large air intakes, powerfully flared wheel arches.
• Intake “gills” in the front side panels, M-specific side sills highlighting the car’s rear-wheel drive, discreet spoiler look reducing lift forces on
the rear axle, roof in visible carbon-fibre, dual tailpipes typical of BMW M.
• High-quality, lavishly appointed interior offering a wide range
of options for customisation, innovative colour and materials concept,
four seats, BMW individual High-End audio system tailored to
the car as an option, model-specific paint and equipment variants underlining the exclusivity of the new BMW M3.
2008 M3 Press Documents