After years of speculation, the 2009 BMW M3 is finally out in the open. First it was the debut of the M3 Concept at the Geneva auto show, followed by the release of full engine specs a few weeks later. Now take a look at these preproduction M3 prototypes as they make their way around the Nürburgring test track.
Obviously, there isn't much to see on this prototype that hasn't already been revealed. Almost nothing has been changed from the M3 Concept other than the size and style of the wheels. Production versions will get a set of 18-inch forged aluminum wheels with a double-spoke design in place of the concept's 19-inch cross-spoke alloys.
The real story here is the M3's much anticipated 4.0-liter V8. With roughly 414 horsepower and a redline of 8,400 rpm, this lightweight V8 makes some sweet sounds at wide-open throttle. And unlike so many high-powered performance cars of late, the 2009 M3 sticks with a traditional six-speed manual transmission; you can hear the test drivers banging through the gears.
BMW has yet to announce just how quick the M3 is around the Nordschleife, but it does admit this car is faster than any previous-generation M3. No surprise there. Although the new M3 is 234 pounds heavier than its predecessor, the extra 78 hp and 33 lb-ft of torque supplied by the new V8 are apparently enough to compensate. The M3 also gets some help from less unsprung weight thanks to suspension pieces composed almost entirely of lightweight aluminum and a lower center of gravity due to its lightweight carbon-fiber roof.
Though the M3 is expected to go on sale in Germany this fall, we won't get this BMW super coupe until sometime next year.
See new BMW models
Obviously, there isn't much to see on this prototype that hasn't already been revealed. Almost nothing has been changed from the M3 Concept other than the size and style of the wheels. Production versions will get a set of 18-inch forged aluminum wheels with a double-spoke design in place of the concept's 19-inch cross-spoke alloys.
The real story here is the M3's much anticipated 4.0-liter V8. With roughly 414 horsepower and a redline of 8,400 rpm, this lightweight V8 makes some sweet sounds at wide-open throttle. And unlike so many high-powered performance cars of late, the 2009 M3 sticks with a traditional six-speed manual transmission; you can hear the test drivers banging through the gears.
BMW has yet to announce just how quick the M3 is around the Nordschleife, but it does admit this car is faster than any previous-generation M3. No surprise there. Although the new M3 is 234 pounds heavier than its predecessor, the extra 78 hp and 33 lb-ft of torque supplied by the new V8 are apparently enough to compensate. The M3 also gets some help from less unsprung weight thanks to suspension pieces composed almost entirely of lightweight aluminum and a lower center of gravity due to its lightweight carbon-fiber roof.
Though the M3 is expected to go on sale in Germany this fall, we won't get this BMW super coupe until sometime next year.
See new BMW models
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