Report: BMW 3 Series production to end in October, next-gen model coming in spring 12

[VQuick]

Originally Posted by Happy

so basically as expected the production looks almost identical to the concept.

I was thinking that the concept would be the CSL version, since it had the carbon roof. Instead, it looks like BMW is pulling out all the stops with the basic M3 just to stay competitive with the likes of Audi's R8 and RS4.

It makes me wonder if there's much left to do so that a CSL version will be special.

[Wannahatch]

<3

[wannarx8]

I like it...sex on wheels!!!

[xtc4us]

Still like the E46 M3....however the new one is super seXXXy!

[Mobil1]

Originally Posted by VQuick

I was thinking that the concept would be the CSL version, since it had the carbon roof. Instead, it looks like BMW is pulling out all the stops with the basic M3 just to stay competitive with the likes of Audi's R8 and RS4.

It makes me wonder if there's much left to do so that a CSL version will be special.

A drastic diet, adjustable suspension and a few extra horses.

Think 911 GT3.

Thats my bet, anyway.

I'm also thinking we will not be seeing it stateside (again).

[calichin9]

sexy beast

[S54_M]

although I think the new M is nice

I still like the E46 better

Here are some similar press pictures between the e46 and e92:

[hwoarang]

i think it would've looked better if the taillight peice on the trunk was on the bottom like so..




but the car is SUPER fkn hot! nothing short of the e46 in looks IMO

[grapedrink]

exhaust is a little close but overall it looks good

[meangreen94z]

Originally Posted by Fury

Mainly because of the M3 moniker. Previous generations have been named based on their displacement. This motor is a 4.0 which belongs in the 5 series.

Why do you think that?

BMW is progressive, not traditional. The original E30 M3 had the S14 four cylinder. While the E28 M5, E24 M6, and E34 M5 had the S38 six cylinder(of varying displacements depending on spec). The M3 progressed into a six cylinder with the E36(S50/52 in the US), and the M5 moved onto a V8(S62) with the E39 and then a V10(S85) in the E60.

The E90/92/93 M3 continues with that progression. Had BMW kept with "tradition" as you say, the M3 would still have a four cylinder.

[Rybo]

damn i want to hear that thing rev up to that 8300 redline

[TurboFC3C]

mixed feelings

[i-vtec195]

looks gewt. can't wait to drive one...

[ForThe"Nguyen"]

e46>e92

but the e92 is growing on me

[VQuick]

Originally Posted by Mobil1

A drastic diet, adjustable suspension and a few extra horses.

Think 911 GT3.

Yeah, I know. That's what BMW should do for the CSL...but much of the weight saving measures from the old CSL(even some the CSL didn't have) have already been applied to the new standard M3.

When you've got plastic fenders(possibly bumpers too, can't remember) and a carbon roof on the new standard M3, there isn't much left to do other than very extensive things like less sound deadening and no rear seats. Or the 'honeycomb composite' (fancy name for cardboard ) trunk floor that the E46 CSL had.

I noticed the M6 has a lot of those weight saving measures too(carbon bumpers and roof), and it still weighs a lot.

[nightracer]

I absolutely like it. Its right around the corner from 500hp and has now graduated from its boyish 4's and 6's to a mature V8. Now I might consider one of these cars for a daily driver.

[Evoluti0n]

all i want to know is how much this bad boy is gonna cost. So i can start saving pennies.

[kalligarri]

Whats with the miss match tail lights

Edit: never mind

[OneArmedScissor]

i still prefer the e30 m3 myself

[hwoarang]

Originally Posted by kalligarri

Whats with the miss match tail lights

Edit: never mind