The next generation 2014 BMW M3 may get Electric Power Assisted Steering, bimmerfile website reports.
According to the same source, there is some efficiency gains with
EPAS systems because they, unlike traditional hydraulic offerings, do
not draw engine power unless needed and 90% of all driving in done in a
straight line where there is no need for power assistance.
In the US BMW uses EPAS in the latest 3,5, and 6 series models.
If the new M3 will get electric power steering we don’t know yet
because BMW did not confirmed the report, but we do know that the F80 M3
will get its power from an inline six-cylinder engine instead of the
earlier speculated V-configuration.
The new unit will replace the 4.0-liter V8 that resides in the
outgoing model. It has been suggested that it will have a displacement
of around 3.0-liters and will feature twin-turbo or tri-turbo technology
producing a final output of around 450 PS (331 kW / 444 bhp).
The new generation of the BMW M3 will be presented in late 2013 or early 2014.
The
German aftermarket specialists at G-Power have revealed their latest
creation, an upgrade package for the BMW M3 E46, which is now getting a
power boost.
Even if the BMW M3 E46 isn’t quite that new, we must admit that this
is still one hot model and owners of it, who would like to get a
refreshed model, can now order the tuning package from the guys at
G-Power. According to G-Power, the BMW M3 E46 has been fitted with a
high performance braking system, a new adjustable coil-over suspension, a
sports exhaust system and a fresh set of 20-inch alloy rims wrapped in
Michelin Pilot Sport tires.
“G-Power is launching a new product for serious
performance upgrade for the BMW M3 E46 that will fascinate the
M-enthusiasts. Being the leading manufacturer of aftermarket
supercharger systems for BMW automobiles it is no surprise that G-Power
naturally relies on forced induction for its new product based on the
premium superchargers from ASA”, as the tuner is saying in its official
press release.
The most important upgrade on the M3 E46 is coming under its hood,
where thanks to a supercharger, the 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine is now
developing a total output of 444 horsepower and 460 Nm of torque (339
lb-ft), 106 HP and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) more than the standard version. The
model can now accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h in 14.7 seconds before
hitting a limited top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).
The
German based automaker BMW decided that its E92 M3 needs a refresh and
what better way to do this than by revealing a chromed version of it,
named the Chrome Bullet, which was made as a show car.
I’m pretty sure we’ve all seen chromed versions of supercars like the
Bugatti Veyron but those modifications were made after market usually
by rich sheiks who wanted to stand out of the crowd. But what we don’t
understand here is why did BMW make a chromed version of their “old” M3
and especially why didn’t the Bavarians choose the new generation of the
sports car.
Besides the chrome paint which can be found on its body, the E92 M3
also has some typical M colors on its hood but sadly this is all we can
tell you about the vehicle because BMW didn’t announce any official
details like what engine is there powering it, what other new features
does the car have or if its original performance has been updated too.
You can watch the photo gallery of the BMW M3 E92 Coupe Chrome Bullet below. Enjoy!
We've heard for a while that the next-generation BMW M3 will lose its 4.0-liter V8. In fact, back in July, AutoExpress claimed that the next M3 would feature three turbochargers. Not so, says Autocar. Instead, the Brits claim that "insiders" tell them that the high-performance 3 Series will feature a twin-turbo inline-six. This mill reportedly will be all-new, and not based off the N54 twin-turbo or the N55 twin-scroll engine.
But while the two British mags disagree about the number of turbos under the M3's bonnet, the consensus is that power will be increased to 450 horsepower. What's more, the next M3 mill will boast significantly more torque, up from 295 pound-feet in the current generation to somewhere in the vicinity of 400 lb-ft.
We don't know about you, but 450 hp and 400 lb-ft sounds mighty fine to us. We're trying to table that enthusiasm for now, though, so we'll keep this information in the rumormill category for now. After all, the next M3 probably won't hit newsstands until the 2014 model year.
Considering how far the current generation BMW M3 is getting up in years, you could forgive the aftermarket tuning community for starting to lose interest in the quintessential Hessian musclecar and moving on to the next big thing. But the professional car modders of the world still seem to be finding more performance hidden within the M-fortified 3 Series, so why hitch your wagon to another car’s star if you don’t have to?
Vorsteiner, a company that is very much American despite its German-sounding name, is one of the tuning firms that still believes there’s still plenty of potential in the E92 M3 that’s just waiting to be unlocked. And the fender-flared beastie seen here makes Vorsteiner’s argument all the more compelling.
Nicknamed “Candy Cane” by its creators due to the white body and red wheels, mirrors and trim bits, this 2011 BMW M3 coupe (which debuted at Bimmerfesta fortnight ago) makes its presence known with Vorsteiner’s own GTRS3 widebody kit rendered in carbonfiber. The vented hood and reshaped trunklid are likewise carbon fiber Vorsteiner pieces, the latter featuring a nifty paint fade effect that leaves the integral spoiler’s weave pattern on display. Twenty-inch forged alloy wheels (again Vorsteiner creations) wearing Michelin PS2 sport tires and a titanium exhaust system from – you guessed it – Vorsteiner round out the exterior enhancements.
But don’t think for a minute that the Candy Cane doesn’t have enough go to back up its show. It’s also been treated to a Brembo GTR big brake kit for all four wheels, and all four corners have been dropped and stiffened by way of a KW V3 EDC coilover kit. But the piece that contributes most to the Candy Cane’s increased athleticism is the Stage II version of the Active Autowerke E9X M3 supercharger kit. It gooses the 4.0L V8’s output from a stock 414hp to a cheek-flapping 620hp. That’s supercar-level power and, presumably, supercar-level speed. We say “presumably” because Vorsteiner hasn’t released any performance figures or projections.
Unfortunately, Vorsteiner also hasn’t released how much it would cost to buy (The company is offering it for sale.) or duplicate this bulging-fendered firebrand, though we’re guessing it’s a number somewhere between “A lot” and “How about a used F430 instead?” Then again, the old V8 Fezza wouldn’t have room for four or let you wear your “Buy American” shirt without being a complete hypocrite, just a partial one. Decisions, decisions…
Intentionally or not, photos of the C63 AMG Facelift have leaked onto the internet. Any updates and releases to BMW's competitors invariably leads us to want to compare of course - in this case the E90 M3 LCI vs facelifted C63 AMG.
Unlike the CLS 63 AMG, the C63 AMG is still powered by the naturally aspirated 6.2 l V8, rated at 451hp and 443 lb-ft in the C63. Most significant changes are the switch from the traditional 7-speed auto to the AMG-MCT7 and the introduction of a Start/Stop feature. It's uncertain however if the latter will make it to the US.
Better be fast if you consider the E90 M3 to come out of this comparison on top: Production of the 4-door M3 will end later this year and will likely not be produced in the next generation of M3.
The 28-year-old killed when he split his BMW M3 in half (see article below) in a suspected high-speed drunk driving incident posted photos of the car and requests for track recommendations to an M3 forum. Sadly, he never got an answer.
Daniel Portela died when he was thrown from his new BMW M3 after losing control, reportedly because of alcohol, and crashing into a tree. Judging from his posts on M3Post, his 2011 Jerez Black M3 was only a few months old and something he was quite proud of, despite it not being his first M3.
According to his "introduction post" on M3Post back in 2008, Portela (who used Lucifer_M3 as his username) formerly lived in New York and at the time drove a blue 2008 M3, but planned on visiting Palm Beach, Florida for a few months in 2008. He also asked if anyone knew if there was a track in the area he could use.
Sadly, as another user pointed out, he never got an answer:
Damn, if only some member would've recommended a track to him, maybe he would've been able to control his "need for speed."
Maybe, maybe not. His poor decision making almost certainly isn't the fault of anyone on the boards (he was an infrequent poster), just a sad reminder of the dual dangers of drunk driving and street racing.
He ended his photo set with this, which seems appropriate.
Late last night a West Palm Beach man lost control of his BMW M3 in a curve. The car turned clockwise, jumped the median and struck a tree sideways, splitting the car in half. Here's the deadly result.