There's been a steady trickle of information coming out of BMW about its new M3. The company unveiled a "concept" version of the two-door M3 at the Geneva auto show this month. Now, BMW has deigned to release full engine specifications. And what specifications they are...
Like its primary competitors from Audi, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz, BMW will use a V8 in its compact-sized sport sedan. The new naturally aspirated 4.0-liter unit generates up to 420 horsepower at 8,300 rpm, at least by European measurements. That number is not finalized for the U.S. market and by conventional Euro-to-U.S. conversion would be 414 hp. Either way, that's more than 100 hp per liter, still something of an accomplishment for a naturally aspirated motor. This is achieved, in part, through extremely high engine speeds. The new engine redlines at 8,400 rpm -- stratospherically high for a V8. At that speed, each of the V8's pistons are moving at 66 feet per second. Typical of high-revving motors, the new V8 makes a relatively low 295 pound-feet of torque at 3900 rpm. Just as impressive as its horsepowewr output is its weight. At 445 pounds, the new V8 is lighter by 33 pounds than the 3.2-liter inline six in the current M3.
The motor uses the familiar double VANOS infinitely variable valve system and has eight individual throttle butterflies. The exhaust manifolds, formed from thin-wall stainless steel pipe, is nothing short of art.
BMW's innovative Brake Energy Regeneration system also debuts on this motor--at least on non-U.S. market versions. It is similar to regenerative systems used on hybrid powertrains. It captures kinetic energy from the brakes to recharge the engine's battery. This frees the engine up from having to devote power to charging. According to BMW North America, the regeneration system won't make it to U.S. models, at least not for the first year. --Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
firstwagon says:
08:29 AM, 03/22/07
Looks really cool but expensive and complicated.
Dodge's SRT8 hemi gets the same power (and way more torque) out of a low tech V8 with pushrods and a realistic redline.
I'd love to drive the M3 for a while but I'd buy the Dodge.
carlisimo says:
09:33 AM, 03/22/07
I love high-revving (and light) engines. Individual throttle bodies are hot too, a lot of Miata and s2000 owners like installing them.
blueguydotcom says:
09:54 AM, 03/22/07
Hmmm, elsewhere I read the new 4.0 is 33 lbs lighter than the 3.0 in the 328i. If that's so, the M3 could possibly ring in around 3300 lbs (carbon roof, composite fenders). An M3 sedan with a weight of 3300 lbs or less gets me to do 3 things:
1. Save, save, save
2. Be really nice to my future wife so she will indulge my ridiculous behavior
3. Drive something cheap and sensible for a bit before this thing arrives.
SubyTrojan says:
09:54 AM, 03/22/07
"Like its primary competitors from Audi, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz, BMW will use a V8 in its compact-sized sport sedan."
So the E90 M3 Sedan is official? Or did you mean to say coupe?
I also find it interesting that there is no mention of direct injection. I guess since this engine is somewhat based on the S85B50 motor in the E60/E63/E64 M5/M6 Coupe/M6 Convertible, it shouldn't be much of a surprise because that V10 doesn't have direct injection either...yet.
Perhaps those looking to get a M3 might want to hold off a little bit until direct injection comes. Then again, it's inevitable there's always going to be something better as time passes (although some/many would say the 22B is the best Impreza ever).
ateixeira says:
10:44 AM, 03/22/07
Look at the lengths they went to make those pipes equal length on those headers. Those are some sharp turns for that right-most cylinder, though.
Looks like they will mount it longitudinally, sweet.
The torque is a little disappointing. They might end up with less than an EVO or STI has.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
10:57 AM, 03/22/07
Impressive technology, but I expect the same old story once this arrives; very few available, stratospheric dealer markups, BMW passing the buck on occasional engine failures (Edmunds forums had some BMW discussions on engine meltdown, etc.).
Perhaps the Pontiac G8, especially if GM gets direct injection into it, makes a lot more sense?
Now if BMW puts that same V8 into the M1 (or whatever they call their new entry level car) they plan to bring here... ;-)
vvk says:
11:10 AM, 03/22/07
New technology?! Ion flow has been used by SAAB in their Trionic engine management system for over 15 years! Yes, the spark plug acts as a knock sensor.
blueguydotcom says:
11:29 AM, 03/22/07
Kurt, Like every hot new car, wait 6-7 months and demand will slow. wait a year and you're below MSRP. Wait 3 or 4 years and BMWCCA will send you a rebate for 5k off an M3.
They will not release a car here called the M1. Too much history with that name to slap it on the entry-level M model.
danielpund says:
11:49 AM, 03/22/07
wk,
You are absolutely correct. Ion flow -- the ability of the spark plugs to act as knock sensors in addition to their conventional duties -- has been on Saabs for years, so BMW did not invent the system. Also, BMW used the same type of system for the V10 in the M5/M6 models. Good catch. Sorry for the confusion.
Daniel Pund
bbechtel16 says:
08:02 PM, 03/26/07
I <3 BMW
trojanman1 says:
08:45 AM, 05/ 2/07
Super tech V8? Pretty cool I guess :/ I was thinking more along the lines of a more high performance twin turbo setup like in the 335 sport coupe already made. Ohh well still a kick *%& car! I dont wanna know the price!
I wonder who is gonna win..... The lexus ISF or this! Im betting on the lexus with the mad extra torque. Plus its Japanese. Im not a German car fan! I worked in a european car garage for 2 years! What a head ache.