Pics: First pics of the M3 concept...

[Ruergard]

:harass: :harass: :harass:


http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=36923&d=1173183399

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=36924&d=1173183399

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=36925&d=1173183399

"Some guys at the show are reporting ''Rumours of leaked paperwork at Geneva this morning already say 4.0L V8, 440 HP, 330 kW, 440 N.m 0-100 km/h in 4.6 secs..''

This will be a seriously fast car indeed. But the looks.. at GMT 15:00 we'll see. That's then the cover goes off. At least, that's what's reported from the show.

[Charles DLF]

if it comes in that same special paint the M5 concept came in, i might just like it...:eye:

[nene]

It must be pretty ugly for them to keep it under wraps.
Maybe it's an Afghanistan M3, where it must wear a burka to be seen in public.

[Ruergard]

It must be pretty ugly for them to keep it under wraps.
Maybe it's an Afghanistan M3, where it must wear a burka to be seen in public.

HAHAHAHAHAHA! :thumb:

[Erik]

It's only the concept :(

Carbon fibre roof and very cool paint. Like silver satin.

[Ruergard]

Cool with the carbonfiber roof, I missed the presentation though.. :(

[Ruergard]

http://www.m3post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=62270&stc=1&d=1173194773

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=62272&d=1173194804

Looks way better than i thought it would!

[Erik]

http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/Geneva-Auto-Show-54/page29/

[Fab]

looks very good :MTM:

also look at this link :

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/12525/2008-bmw-m3-concept-official-photos-info.html

will be a tuff competitor for Audi :argue:

[KK265]

looks very good :MTM:

also look at this link :

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/12525/2008-bmw-m3-concept-official-photos-info.html

will be a tuff competitor for Audi :argue:

PHOTOS:
http://www.autospies.com/news/GENEVA-MOTOR-SHOW-PHOTO-GALLERY-First-look-at-the-BMW-M3-Concept-13155/

[Ruergard]

Again, it looks much better.. but better than the RS4.. I don't know.. :vhmmm:

Wonder if the vents in the hood will be there on the final version of the car?

[Speedou]

Looks amazing! Love the wheel.

[Ruergard]

http://www.automanias.nl/photos/wallpapers/BMW%20M3-2.jpg

http://www.automanias.nl/photos/wallpapers/BMW%20M3-3.jpg

http://www.automanias.nl/photos/wallpapers/BMW%20M3-1.jpg

http://www.automanias.nl/photos/wallpapers/BMW%20M3.jpg

It is CSL rims and steering wheel. Maybe the vents, carbonfiber roof and so on is for the CSL version? Also that it is the 440 hp engine is for the CSL. That's the rumours spreading over the communitys.. we'll just have to wait and see..

[DJim]

hmm.. i don't like it.. rs5 will look even more better standing next to this new m3

[Ruergard]

hmm.. i don't like it.. rs5 will look even more better standing next to this new m3

Yes, no doubt... if there will be an RS5 (wich I hope!!) I'm sure it will look just awesome!

[quattro Gmbh]

m3 @ geneva
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49988

4.0 448ps:bow:

[JavierNuvolari]

Nice, looks better that I thought. I still prefer the E46 M3, but in time this one will grow on me I know it. Plus I still have to see it in person.

Javier

[freerider]

It is CSL rims and steering wheel. Maybe the vents, carbonfiber roof and so on is for the CSL version? Also that it is the 440 hp engine is for the CSL. That's the rumours spreading over the communitys.. we'll just have to wait and see..

Could be true. Anyone noticed the semi-slicks on it?

[Qriouz]

Nice!!! Looks really agressive....

[Ruergard]

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/7223/conceptoa6.th.jpg (http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=conceptoa6.jpg)http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9206/concept3bs7.th.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/my.php?image=concept3bs7.jpg)http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/484/concept2uv5.th.jpg (http://img233.imageshack.us/my.php?image=concept2uv5.jpg)

BMW M3 Concept

Its very name is a symbol for unique performance on the racetrack and in everyday traffic. For two decades, BMW M3 has embodied the athletic heart of the brand in its most fundamental and succinct form. Its dominating role in motor sports and the ultimate driving experience it affords the driver on the road are inseparably intertwined. The qualities on which this synthesis is founded have given the BMW M3 the exceptional status it enjoys the world over. At BMW M GmbH, engineers have persisted in continuing this success story with the presentation of the new BMW M3 Concept Car. The concept study being presented to the public for the first time at the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva (8th to 18th of March, 2007) gives a first impression of what a future BMW M3 might look like.

The basic form for the BMW M3 Concept Car is a derivative of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé. The few components adopted directly from the series model are the headlamps and taillamps and, as the only body elements, the two doors and the luggage compartment lid. In all other respects, the BMW M3 Concept Car, which is being presented in the Chrome Shadow finish characteristic of BMW M GmbH concept studies, is obviously an individualistic and athletic vehicle with technology at the focus of its engineering.

Individualistic body concept with emotional aesthetics.

In keeping with tradition, the engineers at BMW M GmbH developed the BMW M3 Concept Car as a fundamentally individualistic vehicle. The level of commitment to this approach is clearly demonstrated by its body. While it is based on the dimensions and the underlying form of the BMW 3 Series Coupé, virtually all body elements have been newly developed and designed from the ground up. Apart from the supporting vehicle structure, only the doors and the luggage compartment lid were taken over from the series model. All other components were specially engineered for the BMW M3 Concept Car, lending the vehicle exterior unique aesthetics that accentuate its superior power. Unmistakable features that make the BMW M3 Concept Car instantly recognisable are the special trim at the front and rear, the engine compartment lid with its bulging Powerdome and two air intakes, the lateral air slots in the front side walls, the side skirts and the exterior mirrors in a BMW M typical design.

Front with additional air intakes, engine compartment lid with Powerdome.

Faithful to the principle of “form follows function” in designing the body for the concept study, designers at BMW M GmbH used elements that not only visually emphasise the increased sportiness of the vehicle, but also serve a technical purpose. Conspicuous at the front are three large air intakes below the cooling grille that supply the engine with additional intake and cooling air. Strong, vertical struts delineate the air intakes and enhance their characteristic form.

The aluminium engine compartment lid exhibits a wide bulging curvature known as the Powerdome. Like the air intakes beside it, the Powerdome suggests the great potential that can be expected of a powerplant in the engine bay of a BMW M3. The M3 Concept Car features a high revving V8 engine that is anticipated for the series car once it goes into production.

The contours of the Powerdome and air intakes are in line with the forward-pointing sweep of the engine compartment lid and harmoniously blend into the overall design of the front, which is longer than that of the BMW 3 Series Coupé. Together with the double kidney grille typical of BMW and the flat headlamp units, they lend the BMW M3 Concept Car a highly dynamic character.

Wheel arches and side skirts communicate agility and stability.

The muscular front wheel arches of the BMW M3 Concept Car symbolise the high level of agility and driving stability achieved by this vehicle. Together with the forged 19-inch light alloy rims in the classic Y-spoke design, they emphasise the vehicle’s wide track, while a glance through the spokes of the rims reveals the compound high performance brakes developed exclusively for M vehicles.

The opening behind the wheel arch on the front side wall, which the designers refer to as gills, has an elaborate three-dimensional form that is split by a discreet chrome bracket containing the direction indicator and the M3 logo.

Two arched surfaces form the pronounced side skirt, creating a purposefully designed contrast between light and shadow. By giving the side wall a lower appearance, the side skirt lends the car a lighter, sportier look from this angle. The incidence of light on the likewise sharply defined rear wing and wheel stresses the dynamic character of this vehicle and visually highlights its rear-wheel drive.

The design of the side skirt corresponds with the shape of the strongly pronounced contour line. The play of light and shadow between the parallel contours of the skirt and contour line brings about a tightness in design that emphasises the individual character of the BMW M3 Concept Car even more strongly.

Exclusive exterior mirrors developed for the BMW M3 Concept Car feature the characteristic black double foot that reminds the viewer of the wings of an aircraft. Even this small detail is in keeping with the principle of “form follows function”. With their horizontal contour line and tapered shape toward the outside, the exterior mirrors not only contribute to the overall impression of the vehicle, but their aerodynamic shape, optimised in a wind tunnel, is advantageous to air resistance values.

Wide track, muscular stance – rear design emphasises dynamic performance.


The rear of the BMW M3 Concept Car picks up on the design of the car’s front. The side lines gradually sink toward the rear and the wings end in a modelled hollow flute, emphasising the rear-wheel drive and visualising the superior dynamics of this vehicle. From any angle, the rear creates the impression of a pronounced wheel orientation and a muscular stance. Its proportions lend it confidence and a calm yet powerful impression. A visually discreet spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid, also called a Gurney flap, optimally channels the air at the rear and additionally reduces lift on the rear axle.

The contours of the diffuser, whose design is subdivided by modelled struts, mirror the shape of the air intakes at the front. The diffuser and the double exhaust tailpipes positioned close to the vehicle’s longitudinal axis appear to pull the rear together at the centre and build up a tension in conjunction with the horizontal lines of the bumper. The tailpipes have a round cross section and are cut off vertically, as is typical for BMW M GmbH engineering.

Exclusive roof with visible carbon fibre structure.

There is hardly a body element in the BMW M3 Concept Car that exhibits the level of advanced technology as clearly as the roof. It is constructed of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Specialists at the BMW Plant in Landshut, Germany, rely on an exclusive production method in which the structure of the Formula 1 material remains visible and the finely structured surface is only coated with a layer of clear finish.

As a highly visible advanced technology component, the CFRP roof dominates the technically innovative appearance of the BMW M3 Concept Car. Seen from the side, it lets the roof edge appear flatter and thus lowers the perceived body height. Apart from the exclusive appearance, the CFRP roof also offers a real technical advantage: It is considerably lighter than a steel roof. This not only reduces the overall vehicle weight, but by reducing the weight of the highest element in the body, the centre of gravity is lowered as well. Thus, the reduction in weight at this location is particularly beneficial to the agility and dynamic performance of the vehicle.

The CFRP roof is a perfect example of how interlinking technical innovation with an individual design strategy was central to the development of the BMW M3 Concept Car. Following the tradition of the previous three generations of the BMW M3, this concept study represents a high performance sports car interpreted for use in everyday diving, with its every detail being yet another example of the objective pursued by the engineers. The BMW M3 Concept Car is a vision that shows where striving for the ultimate driving experience will take us in the future.

BMW M3 Highlights

* Concept study of a BMW M3 by BMW M GmbH, dimensions and fundamental form based on BMW 3 Series Coupe, exclusive new engineering of almost every body element, purpose-built for individualistic form and maximum sporting potential.
* At the core of this concept study is an M3-typical V8 engine tuned to the high revving M concept.
* Front design conveying a high performance sports car, functional execution of the front apron and engine compartment lid, a robust Powerdome and large air intakes that express the vehicle’s superior drive power, particularly voluminous air intakes for ample air supply to the engine compartment through the elimination of fog lamps, typical of M, and a front apron in a pronounced forward position that symbolises the car’s motoring spirit.
* Sharply defined wheel arches, gill-shaped openings in the front side walls with an elaborate three-dimensional design typical of M cars, and chrome brackets with integrated direction indicators.Characteristic M-brand side skirts providing the side view with an energy-laden accent, visual emphasis of the rear-wheel drive and car’s wide track, 19-inch light alloy rims with the characteristic Y-spoke design, exclusive exterior mirrors with an aerodynamically optimised design.
* Rear design with horizontal lines accentuating the car’s wide track, pronounced wheel orientation as a symbol of its powerful stance, rear diffuser that mirrors design elements of the front apron, balanced proportions underlining the BMW M3’s supremacy, M-typical double tailpipes arranged toward the centre of the vehicle.
* Intelligent lightweight construction that directly influences the vehicle’s agility and dynamic performance, aluminium engine compartment lid.
* Side walls made of synthetic material and CFRP roof that optimise weight distribution and centre of gravity, visible CFRP roof construction as an additional design element, emphasis of flat silhouette and high tech character of the vehicle.


Side-mirrors

Exclusive exterior mirrors developed for the BMW M3 Concept Car feature the characteristic black double foot that reminds the viewer of the wings of an aircraft. Even this small detail is in keeping with the principle of “form follows function”. With their horizontal contour line and tapered shape toward the outside, the exterior mirrors not only contribute to the overall impression of the vehicle, but their aerodynamic shape, optimised in a wind tunnel, is advantageous to air resistance values.

Powerdome on the hood

Faithful to the principle of “form follows function” in designing the body for the concept study, designers at BMW M GmbH used elements that not only visually emphasise the increased sportiness of the vehicle, but also serve a technical purpose. Conspicuous at the front are three large air intakes below the cooling grille that supply the engine with additional intake and cooling air. Strong, vertical struts delineate the air intakes and enhance their characteristic form.

The aluminium engine compartment lid exhibits a wide bulging curvature known as the Powerdome. Like the air intakes beside it, the Powerdome suggests the great potential that can be expected of a powerplant in the engine bay of a BMW M3. The M3 Concept Car features a high revving V8 engine that is anticipated for the series car once it goes into production.

The contours of the Powerdome and air intakes are in line with the forward-pointing sweep of the engine compartment lid and harmoniously blend into the overall design of the front, which is longer than that of the BMW 3 Series Coupé. Together with the double kidney grille typical of BMW and the flat headlamp units, they lend the BMW M3 Concept Car a highly dynamic character.

[RXBG]

puke:

too bad no more pics of the girls. they needed it.

[nene]

Well, now that it has lost its burka apparel, I like it.
More impressed with the photos than expected. I did not like many of the spy photos online, but this car is hot! I'm sure in person will look much nicer.

[Ruergard]

As I wrote before.

"Unofficially what you are seeing today is a Hybrid of M3 and M3 CSL , Both of these cars will enhance their status by differing exterior elements of the design and an upgraded V8 for the CSL .

Hope that answers your questions without compromising my neck!

later this month we commence photography and film shoot on the production car which will take in some exotic locations such as back to Dubai and Iceland and the A87 in Scotland."

[Leadfoot]

Finally we see the finished thing if only the concept and I must say very impressive indeed. As usual BMW have give their M model a bodykit that looks the part, but oh dear what have they done with the interior.puke: Audi not only produces a better fit and finish of material but an interior that looks the value of the car and not the finish of a London Taxi Cab.:hihi:

If it does receive the 440hp talked about, there won't be any arguments as to the first race with a RS4, sadly with this power it will destroy the RS4 and everything around it. :noshake:

The next RS4/5 will have to be something very special indeed to out perform this in the same way as the last one.

[Ruergard]

Finally we see the finished thing if only the concept and I must say very impressive indeed. As usual BMW have give their M model a bodykit that looks the part, but oh dear what have they done with the interior.puke: Audi not only produces a better fit and finish of material but an interior that looks the value of the car and not the finish of a London Taxi Cab.:hihi:

If it does receive the 440hp talked about, there won't be any arguments as to the first race with a RS4, sadly with this power it will destroy the RS4 and everything around it. :noshake:

The next RS4/5 will have to be something very special indeed to out perform this in the same way as the last one.

I agree on you on every point. The interior just isn't my style.. but the outside is really looking good!

And for the perfomance, it will be seriously fast. The RS4 will be able to keep up to short after a 100 km/h maybe but then.. bye bye.

But for a car to drive everyday the year around... I still think the RS4 might be the better one. Especially at winter time! :rs4addict

[Leadfoot]

I agree on you on every point. The interior just isn't my style.. but the outside is really looking good!

And for the perfomance, it will be seriously fast. The RS4 will be able to keep up to short after a 100 km/h maybe but then.. bye bye.

But for a car to drive everyday the year around... I still think the RS4 might be the better one. Especially at winter time! :rs4addict

Agree and as we already know the RS4 has the ability to win the heart of people against bigger hitters than itself. How many time has the RS4 won over the likes of the M5, something that like you said will say bye bye not much after 60mph.

The RS4 is the ultimate allrounder and until the likes of BMW and Mercedes decide to fit awd to their M and AMG models then we will have a harder time at the top.

[7:53 RS6]

Could be true. Anyone noticed the semi-slicks on it?


Belive me i did:applause: :revs:

[Ruergard]

Agree and as we already know the RS4 has the ability to win the heart of people against bigger hitters than itself. How many time has the RS4 won over the likes of the M5, something that like you said will say bye bye not much after 60mph.

The RS4 is the ultimate allrounder and until the likes of BMW and Mercedes decide to fit awd to their M and AMG models then we will have a harder time at the top.

Amen to that! As always.. :thumb:

[Ruergard]

Belive me i did:applause: :revs:

There you are, was wondering if you might had passed out when you saw the concept? :applause:

[tvrfan]

WHERE ARE YOU READING that it will be 440 hp or 330 kw???? im reading NOTHING, just 415hp :confused: :confused: :confused: HOW much HP will the standard M3 have 440hp or 415hp???????

[Ruergard]

WHERE ARE YOU READING that it will be 450 hp or 330 kw???? im reading NOTHING, just 415hp :confused: :confused: :confused:

The rumours say 440/448 horsepower. Comes directly from Geneva, but it might be the CSL that'll get those numbers. We don't know..

[7:53 RS6]

WHERE ARE YOU READING that it will be 440 hp or 330 kw???? im reading NOTHING, just 415hp :confused: :confused: :confused: HOW much HP will the standard M3 have 440hp or 415hp???????


It dosent rely matter if it got this or dat hp, belive me it will drive well whatever.

[Bingocaller]

Not a big fan of the ricer bonnet

[Leadfoot]

I think the HP thing will depend on the final engine size 4.0L using BMW normal just over 100hp/L will mean 415~425hp, if 4.2L it could be as much as 440~450hp. My guess is the M3 will be the lower and the CSL the higher.

Even an M3 with 415~425hp will be very close in performance to the M5 where as the CSL might just put it in the shade, something the marketing guys might allow the CSL to get away with but not the normal M3.

It will no doubt appeal to it's usual buyers but on spec and looks alone I doubt it will pull many from the Audi stable.

[KK265]

I think the HP thing will depend on the final engine size 4.0L using BMW normal just over 100hp/L will mean 415~425hp, if 4.2L it could be as much as 440~450hp. My guess is the M3 will be the lower and the CSL the higher.

Even an M3 with 415~425hp will be very close in performance to the M5 where as the CSL might just put it in the shade, something the marketing guys might allow the CSL to get away with but not the normal M3.

It will no doubt appeal to it's usual buyers but on spec and looks alone I doubt it will pull many from the Audi stable.
My information from Geneva today says for 425 HP for M3 and 440 HP for CSL.The problem for BMW is the lap time of M6 on Nurburgring track.If M3 is close to 8.09 of RS4 and M6 what can salesmen tell to BMW customers about the performance and sport character of M6.The new M3 is nice but the interior is not good as RS4.

[+44 Dave]

The front of this car is very very very ugly. The bonet buldge and vents are to much and to obvious, and look tacky. The rear is much better but the four tail pipes dont fit in very well. The seats look very good rather Audi- like though. I-Drive is terrible though. Dave

[Clio16V]

Some other colors over here!

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50124

[IulianUM]

I like the CF roof , the rest of the car not . The interior is ... well , not Audi at all .:vhmmm:
I am sure it will be a very good car , and want to thank BMW for remind me how good looking my Rs4 is , you get used to see it not to mention drive it , and well , I expected a lot more . :rs4addict