New BMW M3 Revs Up For October Launch
September 3, 2007 by George Skentzos
BMW’s latest installment in its iconic M Division is one step closer today with pricing officially announced for its eagerly anticipated BMW M3.
This new M3 will go on sale on October 11 – immediately after its debut at the Australian International Motor Show – will be the first-ever to sport a roaring V8 instead of the usual straight-six.
Developing 309kW at 8,300rpm, the new high-revving V8 engine features eight individually controlled throttle butterflies, normally found on race cars and each weighing just 22 grams, for faster response and additional performance, as well as variable double-VANOS camshaft control.
The insane 8,400rpm redline is in super car territory, only 100rpm shy of the ferocious V8 belonging to the Ferrari F430. Weighing 15 kilograms less than the six-cylinder engine in the former model, the 4.0-litre V8 continues the BMW M tradition of high-revving engines and lightweight engineering.
With some 85 per cent of the engine’s peak torque available throughout the enormous speed range of 6,500rpm, the new M3 accelerates from zero to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds through a six-speed manual gearbox interacting with a brand new final drive. Being a BMW, naturally power is sent to the rear wheels.
The highly dynamic driving experience of the new BMW M3 is the result of 50/50 front-rear weight distribution, partly thanks to its carbon fibre-roof (the first production car in its segment to feature one), serving to reduce the weight of the car by 5kg and lowering its centre of gravity.
In case it matters, average fuel consumption for the high-performance BMW M3 is a respectable 12.4 litres per 100km – if you want to save the world, leave the Prius at home and ride a bike.
Ensuring that power is used and not wasted, especially during fast cornering, the new BMW M3 benefits from the class leading Variable M Differential Lock, providing up to 100 per cent locking action.
Due to the increased demand for air by the naturally aspirated V8 engine, the intake air plenum is located under the power dome and receives air from behind the kidney grille, front air dam and left side of the bonnet. At maximum speed, the V8 engine requires around 17 cubic metres of air per minute.
Highlights of new standard equipment, compared to the previous model, includes the new V8 engine, Novillo leather upholstery, Electronic Damper Control (EDC), MDrive, Adaptive Headlights, High-beam assist, Voice recognition, Comfort Access system for keyless entry and starting with Start/Stop button, front as well as rear Park Distance Control (PDC), BMW Assist, sunroof (available at no additional cost), heated front seats, Brake Force Display, as well as metallic paintwork.
Pricing and options
M3 Coupé six-speed manual: $157,000
Electric sunroof – glass: No Cost Option
Electric rear roller blind: $550
BMW Individual High End audio system: $1,900
19-inch forged M light-alloy wheels: $3,800
George Skentzos
Print it: 
*****PRIMO****!
Yawn, rather the new HSV “BigBlock 7L job, in the works as we speak *could* be the first Aussie sedan to crack 300km/h
“Aussie Aussie Aussie Oih Oih Oih”
Cheers
M
The previous M3 had a Straight 6 not a flat 6. HSV are cheap only because of import taxes. And who cares if it can do 300 if it can’t turn a corner. Lets see some HSV times around the ‘ring.
M3 is an great car, and would leave a HSV in its dust anyday of the week, actually it would any aussie built car in its dust.
“M3 is an great car, and would leave a HSV in its dust anyday of the week, actually it would any aussie built car in its dust.”
pfffffft
A Aussie built Aussie Elfin Streamline would destroy this and the M5.
A 911 GT3 RS driven by a pro, can “just” stay with it
Have another go!!
Cheers
F-0
That’s fine Frugal One ,but where do I put the groceries and the other 4 people ? By the way a E60 M5 unlimited will do 330 clicks. Dont put an HSV engine in the same league as an M3 or M5 engine your out classed.
who cares if the HSV or BMW can do 300, its not like we have anywhere in Oz to drive that speed off track.
BMW is a great car for europe on Autobarn but the HSV is better in Oz, bring on the HSV
My biggest gripe is that as half the M3s they will make end up in the USA ,they have made this to suit American’s taste and needs. What ever that means.
Ok what the hell is Jacques Villeneuve smoking?
How do you go from driving BMW F1 to Nascar Craftsman Truck Series ? The money must be real good to leave the pinnacle of car racing to driving a truck . I know Marcus Ambrose is too but he is trying to climb the Nascar ladder.
even mentioning an australian car in the same vein as a bmw is amusing to say the least
being an owner of a M3 and thrashing one every day, cant wait for the new one. The Hsv is a tank and without having major work done and losing warrenty they are dogs and handle like a boat of coarse unless you get the work done.
M3 can not be beat all round!
I would get a HSV but i can afford the M3.
No conparison hands down. stick the HSV oi oi oi