Next-generation BMW M3 (G80) to feature 493 bhp and an optional xDrive system

[ForceFed4]

Damn... That is a big bitch for a 3 series. Regardless of what the lap times say.

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[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by Crazy_Diamond

I for one am glad about the new design. Now I don’t have to go out and spend $75K on what was once my dream car. I can get the new STI and still have enough cash left for a nice new bike. Thanks, BMW!

BMW solved that problem for me years ago.

Unfortunately Porsche hasn't caught on.

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by VaporTrail308

I own a 991.2 GT3RS and a 600LT. So, that means buying a new M4 isn't really a priority for me.

Honestly, I'd rather buy a e92 anyway. I'm big on sound and that V8 sounds great. The new engines...meh. Not so much.

Yeah, I'd totally get the M3 sedan with the V8, which exists if I remember. That sounds amazing. Tough to make a turbo six sound good, unless you're Alfa.

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by BeepBoop

Or this monstrosity that sold for 120k

You talk about the banana as if it was the only one. He sold the rights to own it for $120k. And he said you can eat it, he'll just supply a new banana.

Just more side effects of the world's greatest stock market bubble.

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by heavyD

Yeah I got that wrong as the curb weight certainly caught some of us off guard but that's because BMW was stating that the G20 series was to be lighter than the F30 and the reality turned out to be something different.

BMW always does this - they'll make the engine 10 lbs lighter, but the car is 200 lbs heavier.

It's like "honey, I lost weight in my middle finger!"

Honey: "Yeah but look at your fat ass."

[VaporTrail308]

Originally Posted by samb

https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/09/23/b...82-vs-g80-g82/

3,924 and 3,979lbs

Oof, yeah sorry, but I just can't get all that excited about this car weighing nearly 4,000lbs and only having 473HP. It's going to need a lot more than that to get me excited. Even then, I just don't like the dynamics of a car that heavy on track.

I know, I should probably drive it first before passing judgement, but physics is physics.

[SoapBox]

Originally Posted by VaporTrail308

I own a 991.2 GT3RS and a 600LT. So, that means buying a new M4 isn't really a priority for me.

Yes, we know. NOt sure how that's relevant to anything. But OK.

Originally Posted by VaporTrail308

Honestly, I'd rather buy a e92 anyway. I'm big on sound and that V8 sounds great. The new engines...meh. Not so much.

I agree to some extent. The power difference is almost too much to ignore for me though. Particularly if you like to do some DEing in addition to daily driving. The F80 and this car even moreso is $500 away from 500-550+ bhp, it's a lot more performance, despite the lackluster sound and steering feel.

[VaporTrail308]

Originally Posted by SoapBox

Yes, we know. NOt sure how that's relevant to anything. But OK.




I agree to some extent. The power difference is almost too much to ignore for me though. Particularly if you like to do some DEing in addition to daily driving. The F80 and this car even moreso is $500 away from 500-550+ bhp, it's a lot more performance, despite the lackluster sound and steering feel.

It’s relevant to me, because to get me excited about this car, despite its weight, it would have to look and sound really good.

Unfortunately, it just doesn’t look good to me at all, which makes it a total no go.

[SoapBox]

Originally Posted by VaporTrail308

It’s relevant to me, because to get me excited about this car, despite its weight, it would have to look and sound really good.

Unfortunately, it just doesn’t look good to me at all, which makes it a total no go.

Oh I understand and agree with that, I didn't know what that has to do with money, as you previously mentioned. But no need to keep on going back and forth.

[4S-TURBO]

M5 or M3?

[oichan]

I think the car will do just fine with that facia. It doesn't bother me at all.

[VarmintCong]

Yeah, looks less bad in real world pics. Doesn't look good either though.

13" longer than an E46 M3. 6" longer than the Alfa Giulia. 1" longer than our Subaru Outback.

They should make a 7 seat version.

[speedyHAM]

Egads that nose is horrible. The rest is meh, basically how an M3 should look (sportyish, but mostly ordinary), but the front is ugly.

[Crazy_Diamond]

I wonder if it would look better with the openings rotated 90 degrees.

[hi5.0]

Rotated 90 degrees right or left? Or maybe try a 180.

[Skunkers]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Like plastic surgery that turns you from attractive to hideous.

That's just called plastic surgery.

[AVANTI R5]

New BMW M3: prices, specs and 2021 release date for 503bhp saloon

New BMW M3: prices, specs and 2021 release date for 503bhp saloon | Auto Express
by: Luke Wilkinson
BMW has officially unveiled the sixth-generation M3. It's on sale now, priced from £74,755 – and it's ready to face-off against an accomplished roster of compact executive performance cars, including the Mercedes AMG C 63, Audi RS 4 Avant and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrofoglio.

BMW’s latest iteration of its iconic sports saloon has undergone an extensive mechanical overhaul. There’s an arsenal of extra technology, a new straight-six engine and – following in the footsteps of the M5 – an all-new four-wheel-drive system on the flagship model.

New 2021 BMW M3: engine and drivetrain

The BMW M3 is powered by the M-division’s latest twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine. It’s the same unit found in the X3 M and X4 M performance SUV twins – and, like those cars, it’ll come in a choice of two power outputs.

BMW’s entry-level M3 will produce 473bhp, but like the rest of the company’s M range, UK customers won’t be offered this option. Instead, we’ll only get the Competition variant, which has an output of 503bhp and 650Nm of torque – enough, says BMW, for a 0–62mph time of 3.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

As standard, the engine will send drive to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. However, for the first time on an M3, buyers will have the option of speccing an adaptive four-wheel-drive system, which is similar in design to the system found on the latest BMW M5.

The system features a central transfer case with an electronically controlled clutch, which can automatically split the torque between the front and rear wheels in any ratio. At the push of a button, the system can also send 100 per cent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels.

New 2021 BMW M3: chassis and platform

Upgrades over the outgoing model include an all-new adaptive suspension dampers, stiffer engine and chassis mounts, a ten-stage traction control system and enormous six-piston disc brakes.

There’s also an active differential mounted on the rear axle, which features a new electronic wheel-slip control. BMW says the system can control the engine’s torque to allow the M3 to accelerate more smoothly on wet or icy roads – although the electronic nanny can be switched off with the traction control system.

Which, rather fittingly, leads into BMW’s next addition – a drift analyser. The system can be accessed via the car’s iDrive infotainment system and provides a breakdown of the driver’s performance when oversteering. However, if consistent and precise driving is more your thing, BMW has also included a driving line coach and lap timer.

Buyers will also be able to spec a range of performance-enhancing additions, including BMW’s M Pro package which adds upgraded carbon ceramic brakes and increases the M3’s top speed limiter to 180mph. The option package is priced at £7,995.

New 2021 BMW M3: design and interior

BMW’s cosmetic revisions for the new M3 follow the company’s usual style guide. There’s more aggressive front and rear bumpers, deeper side skirts and a pair of unique kidney grilles. Also, the car features a carbon fibre roof as standard, while there’s a new set of alloy wheels, measuring 19-inches up front and 20-inches at the rear.

The standard saloon’s wheel arches have also been flared to accommodate the wider wheels and tyres – and there’s a host of aerodynamically minded extras, including a new front splitter, a motorsports inspired diffuser, a dinky boot spoiler and a pair of stability fins mounted on the roof.

Buyers also get passive LED headlights as standard, although the German brand’s adaptive Laserlight headlamp units can be specced as a £1,500 optional extra. There’s a choice of either red, black or blue brake calipers, along with three new exclusive paint finishes – Sao Paulo Yellow, Toronto Red and Isle of Man Green.

Inside, it’s business as usual. There’s an M-branded sports steering wheel, carbon fibre interior trim and a pair of figure-hugging black leather sports seats, which are both electrically adjustable and heated. BMW also offers a pair of lightweight carbon fibre bucket seats as £3,400 optional extra, which save 9.6kgs over the car’s standard seats.

The standard 3 Series’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment screen have been transferred wholesale into the M3 – although both feature unique graphics. There’s a pair of USB ports, too, along with a roaming 4G WiFi hotspot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, gesture control, real time traffic information and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Finally, buyers can choose from an extensive list of optional extras, including a 360-degree parking assistant (£650), a choice of alloy wheel designs (£300–£850) and a carbon fibre exterior styling package (£4,100), which swaps the M3’s standard air intakes, diffuser, mirror caps and spoiler for carbon fibre reinforced plastic replacements.

What does the new BMW M3 Competition have to beat? These are the best performance cars on sale right now...

[torquemada]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NHkqq1PWco

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NHkqq1PWco