These are the first images of the production version of BMW’s upcoming M3 coupe, leaked onto the internet just weeks after the reveal of the concept version at last month’s Geneva Motor Show. The star of the show is the new high-rev 4.0L V8 engine. Based on the larger 5.0L V10 unit from the M5 and M6, the new powerplant features the same 90-degree cylinder-bank angle, identical bore and stroke measurements and four-valve-per-cylinder layout. A full aluminum block, magnesium cam covers and aluminum-silicon alloy for the crankcase, allowed engineers to keep weight of the engine at just 445 pounds, 30 pounds less than the current M3’s straight six. Other features include double Vanos variable valve timing, individual throttle butterflies for each cylinder and advanced engine management software. The end result is 420hp at 8,300rpm and 295lb-ft. at 3,900rpm.
The new red paint scheme seen in these new shots don’t exactly put the M3 in the best light, but like the regular E92 coupe, we suspect the new M will look much better in the metal.
[Source:
AutoWeek]
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