BMW will unveil its next-generation M3 in concept form at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, just as it did with the M5 sedan months before that car went on sale. Like the original M5 concept, this latest M3 version will be virtually identical to the production model and we now have more details about the car’s final specifications.



Powering the coupe will be an all-new 4.0L V8 unit developing 420hp and it’s expected BMW will also be showing a new dual-clutch DSG style transmission to help put power down to the road. Performance should be even better than its Audi RS4 rival thanks to its lighter rear-wheel-drive configuration. To further shed weight, it’s rumoured that BMW might even utilize carbon-fiber for some of the body panels.



BMW will have a tough fight on its hands, especially as it’s now competing with the RS4, Lexus IS-F, and the yet-to-be-released C63 AMG.



The recently revised 1-series hatch, including the new three-door model, as well as the facelifted 5-series sedan and Touring will also be appearing at the Geneva show.




http://www.motorauthority.com/news/coupes/bmw-m3-concept-at-geneva-420hp-and-dsg-style-transmission/

My dad (in Munich for what it's worth) said 0-100 km/h times are under four seconds.

-FDj

I wonder if DSG means "Dog-cut Style Gears". Basically means the transmission gears are cut differently. Which will allow a shifting like no other.

It stands for Direct-Shift Gearbox. Its an Audi/Volkswagen gearbox, so whatever the BMW gets won't be called DSG (its a patented trademark I think) but it acts very similar I am sure..

It will likely be a Getrag 7 speed DCT

DSG is the Audi name for the dual clutch system supplied to Audi by Borg-Warner. BMWs name for the same technology is ZSG.

FDj: I'd bet my current car the new M3 does not break 4 seconds to 100 km/h. It just will not have the power to weight ratio nor the tires to do so. That is considering a reasonable range of values for all these parameters.

DSG is the Audi name for the dual clutch system supplied to Audi by Borg-Warner. BMWs name for the same technology is ZSG.

FDj: I'd bet my current car the new M3 does not break 4 seconds to 100 km/h. It just will not have the power to weight ratio nor the tires to do so. That is considering a reasonable range of values for all these parameters.


My guess is that it will be advertised as 4.5s and be near 4.2s...I am quoting 2 sources, we'll see what the production performance numbers are...

Now that they are beginning to release more facts and pictures of this car, it's starting to get pretty interesting.

- 420 hp N/A power

- Dual Clutch paddles

- Carbon fiber to keep the weight under 3500 lbs?


If they can do all that and it looks as nice as the concept photo's we may be looking at the car of the decade.

I think it would be more like a true sequential gearbox instead of the crappy audi/vw box.

...FDj: I'd bet my current car the new M3 does not break 4 seconds to 100 km/h. It just will not have the power to weight ratio nor the tires to do so. That is considering a reasonable range of values for all these parameters... Agreed, there's not nearly enough power-to-weight @ 420HP/3500lbs to come close to snapping off a sub-4 second 0-60mph. My predictions are inline with the mags at about ~4.4 sec's...which is still very impressive IMO considering. :)

hi...

saw the latest pictures. do you guys think that bump on the hood will be standard feature with the M3? it just isn't that easy on my eyes...yet!

Yep, standard.

hi...

saw the latest pictures. do you guys think that bump on the hood will be standard feature with the M3? it just isn't that easy on my eyes...yet!

Yup, the "power bulge" on the hood will be there. Probably out of necessity to fit the v8 in there. There's not much room in the e90 engine bay to start with.

I think it would be more like a true sequential gearbox instead of the crappy audi/vw box.

what makes it crappy? any facts? or just opinions?

I think it would be more like a true sequential gearbox instead of the crappy audi/vw box.

I've read that the Audi/VW DSG is one of the best out there right now. What are you basing this opinion off of?

I've read that the Audi/VW DSG is one of the best out there right now. What are you basing this opinion off of?


yeah dude, ive drivven cars with dsg in them. its scary fast shifts. very nice, idot friendly too.

id trade stick for dsg anyday. although e46 m3 does not come with dsg...

id trade stick for dsg anyday. although e46 m3 does not come with dsg...

Wo...i wouldn't go that far. No matter how great they get SMG, DSG, E-gear or whatever the hell you call it, i am still always going to want a traditional manual. 3 pedals FOREVER!!!

Wo...i wouldn't go that far. No matter how great they get SMG, DSG, E-gear or whatever the hell you call it, i am still always going to want a traditional manual. 3 pedals FOREVER!!!

+1

thinking about the new m3 more? :D

-mike

Wo...i wouldn't go that far. No matter how great they get SMG, DSG, E-gear or whatever the hell you call it, i am still always going to want a traditional manual. 3 pedals FOREVER!!!



haha, ok ok, i still love the three pedals of power. occasionially i get lazy and just leave my car in a gear.

i will say, that if i ever find myself looking for an automatic, which could well happen in a few years, it would be DSG or SMG. or if i couldnt drive stick, like if i hurt my leg or soemthing, id have to go with dsg or smg.

+1

thinking about the new m3 more? :D

-mike

We'll see...still got a long time to wait, and I want to see the final version with options list and price before I rule out the 911.

Not digging that pimple on the hood.