New M3 - V8, 400+hp, CF roof

New M3 - V8, 400+hp, CF roof

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

"The M3 returns with a carbon-fiber roof and more than 400 horsepower from a high-revving V-8.
BY MIKE DUSHANE, March 2007


The BMW M3 has been on car nuts’ short wish list since the first-generation M3 debuted in 1988. Over the course of three generations, the M3 grew from that four-cylinder glorified go-kart into a stunningly capable GT car. But the formula remained constant: Combine the relatively small, compact 3-series body with a race-derived engine and maintain class-leading handling. The fourth-generation M3, which debuted at the 2007 Geneva auto show, doesn’t stray from the proven formula.

Unlike the second- and third-generation M3s, which had inline-sixes, the 2008 BMW M3 will have a high-revving, naturally aspirated V-8. The 4.0-liter engine is based on the 5.0-liter V-10 from the current M5, but minus two cylinders (and the corresponding liter of displacement). With variable valve timing, we expect it to produce approximately 410 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The all-aluminum engine will weigh about the same as the outgoing M3’s iron-and-aluminum inline-six, so the 2008 M3 won’t weigh much more than the outgoing car—about 3500 pounds. To the relief of enthusiasts everywhere, a conventional six-speed manual transmission will be standard. A seven-speed sequential manual likely will be offered later for video-game junkies and other masochists. The M3’s V-8 will produce about as much torque as the turbocharged inline-six in the 335i, but it will be fully a third more powerful. We’ve posted 4.8-to-4.9-second 0-to-60-mph times in the 335i, and we expect the M3 to do that sprint in less than 4.5 seconds. Top speed, as with most performance BMWs, will be limited to 155 mph."

Cool. More ponies for the M3.

HA! That's nice and all ... but I can't afford this. And even if I could it wouldn't be for a BMW ... I would put my money on a Supra.

Just auto news. I may not be able to afford one but I like to keep up with them because they interest me.

lmfao

Oh for sure dude ... they're nice cars I suppose. I haven't really followed them much though so I can't even begin to tell you anything about them. I do think it's cool with the carbon fiber stuff. That's neat ... I mean BMW selling a car with that ... how cool!

one day i will have one. just need to finish school

same here^ when i graduate i want a coupe that i can throw some really wide tires on.......

about a month ago i saw this m5 with tires that looked like it was at least 11inches wide...looked so aggressive.

I like the older car better

looks great except for one thing, the rear taillights don't "flow" with the rest of the car making it look less aggressive and somewhat feminen