The fourth generation BMW M3 is now available - like its earlier siblings challenging the boundaries of the sports coupé. The German carmaker's dedicated subsidiary, BMW M GmbH, have used a stand-alone design and technology to adapt the 3 Series Coupé into a unique, high-performance sports car.
The new M3, the first road-going version of the BMW M3 with an eight-cylinder power unit, has a unique power-to-weight ratio thanks to intelligent lightweight engineering: 3.8 kg/hp. Its 4.0-litre V8 develops a maximum output of 420 hp at 8,300 rpm, a maximum torque (pulling power) of 400 Nm at 3,900 rpm, and maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm, optimum torque and thrust throughout the entire speed range.
The engine, which is 15 kg lighter than the six-cylinder on the former model, features individual throttle butterflies, double-VANOS variable camshaft control and Brake Energy Regeneration. Acceleration to 100 km/h is in 4.8 seconds, top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h and average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 12.4 litres/100 km (22.8 mpg).
Power is delivered through a manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-related oil cooling. A double-plate clutch is optimised for mass inertia.
With the newly developed suspension of the BMW M3 offering the ambitious driver excellent qualities right from the start, the sports-minded driver is able to customise the car specifically to his or her very own style of driving with the help of electronic suspension control.
Available as an option, MDrive allows the driver to choose his pre-selected configuration simply by pressing a button. One example is the option to deactivate Dynamic Stability Control completely; another is to pre-select the level of Servotronic steering assistance via the iDrive control concept.
This gives the driver the choice of two control maps varying power assistance of the steering according to the speed of the car in either the Normal or Sports mode.
The M3's brand new chassis features specific, weight-optimised components and axle kinematics typical of BMW M cars for a highly dynamic driving experience. These include forged aluminium track control arms, compound high-performance brakes and optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) with three freely selectable control maps.
The BMW M3 is the first production car in its segment with a carbon-fibre roof, which reduces the car's weight and enhances its agility by lowering the car's centre of gravity. The carbon-fibre roof is a clear, highly visual sign of exclusivity and motorsport.
A number of lightweight components have been developed specifically for the new BMW M3: bumper supports front and rear, and lightweight through-loading between the luggage compartment and rear seat area.
There is an aluminium engine compartment lid, with its striking powerdome as a clear sign of supreme power and performance, and a characteristic front end with extra-large air intakes and powerfully flared wheel arches. There are intake 'gills' in the front side panels and M-specific side sills highlighting the car's rear-wheel drive.
The spoilers are discreet while doing the job of reducing lift forces on the rear axle. Other design cues are the visible carbon-fibre roof, and dual tailpipes typical of BMW M.
The high quality interior is lavishly appointed, offering a wide range of options for customisation, innovative colour and materials. A BMW individual high-end audio system tailored to the car is available as an option, apart from model-specific paint and equipment variants, underlining the exclusivity of the new BMW M3.
For more information contact Muscats Motors Ltd in Rue d'Argens, Msida.
The new M3, the first road-going version of the BMW M3 with an eight-cylinder power unit, has a unique power-to-weight ratio thanks to intelligent lightweight engineering: 3.8 kg/hp. Its 4.0-litre V8 develops a maximum output of 420 hp at 8,300 rpm, a maximum torque (pulling power) of 400 Nm at 3,900 rpm, and maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm, optimum torque and thrust throughout the entire speed range.
The engine, which is 15 kg lighter than the six-cylinder on the former model, features individual throttle butterflies, double-VANOS variable camshaft control and Brake Energy Regeneration. Acceleration to 100 km/h is in 4.8 seconds, top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h and average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 12.4 litres/100 km (22.8 mpg).
Power is delivered through a manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-related oil cooling. A double-plate clutch is optimised for mass inertia.
With the newly developed suspension of the BMW M3 offering the ambitious driver excellent qualities right from the start, the sports-minded driver is able to customise the car specifically to his or her very own style of driving with the help of electronic suspension control.
Available as an option, MDrive allows the driver to choose his pre-selected configuration simply by pressing a button. One example is the option to deactivate Dynamic Stability Control completely; another is to pre-select the level of Servotronic steering assistance via the iDrive control concept.
This gives the driver the choice of two control maps varying power assistance of the steering according to the speed of the car in either the Normal or Sports mode.
The M3's brand new chassis features specific, weight-optimised components and axle kinematics typical of BMW M cars for a highly dynamic driving experience. These include forged aluminium track control arms, compound high-performance brakes and optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) with three freely selectable control maps.
The BMW M3 is the first production car in its segment with a carbon-fibre roof, which reduces the car's weight and enhances its agility by lowering the car's centre of gravity. The carbon-fibre roof is a clear, highly visual sign of exclusivity and motorsport.
A number of lightweight components have been developed specifically for the new BMW M3: bumper supports front and rear, and lightweight through-loading between the luggage compartment and rear seat area.
There is an aluminium engine compartment lid, with its striking powerdome as a clear sign of supreme power and performance, and a characteristic front end with extra-large air intakes and powerfully flared wheel arches. There are intake 'gills' in the front side panels and M-specific side sills highlighting the car's rear-wheel drive.
The spoilers are discreet while doing the job of reducing lift forces on the rear axle. Other design cues are the visible carbon-fibre roof, and dual tailpipes typical of BMW M.
The high quality interior is lavishly appointed, offering a wide range of options for customisation, innovative colour and materials. A BMW individual high-end audio system tailored to the car is available as an option, apart from model-specific paint and equipment variants, underlining the exclusivity of the new BMW M3.
For more information contact Muscats Motors Ltd in Rue d'Argens, Msida.