Car Reviews

2008 BMW M3

At the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, BMW M GmbH, the high-performance arm of BMW responsible for development of all of the BMW M versions showed a concept study based on the BMW 3-Series Coupe. BMW has since released the first official photos of the production M3 which mirror the Geneva M3 Concept and is expected to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007.

Nearly every body-panel of the car has been changed to maximize the performance potential of the car, including wide fender flares, lightweight construction and a carbon fiber roof, similar to the roof of the M6.

The M3 Concept is powered by a V8 and BMW has confirmed that the 2008 production M3 will be powered by a 420-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine.

The front of the M3 Concept is very functional and purposeful, with large air intakes and the front apron pushed forward, elements that add to the sporty character of the car but also increase functionality. A new design feature is the raised “powerdome” in the center of the hood that seems to indicate that the next M3 will have a more powerful engine than any previous version.

The profile reveals gill-like openings in the front fenders typical of other M cars with a horizontal chrome bar, directional indicator and an M3 badge. The bulging fender flares, rocker-panel extensions and mirrors add to the aggressive look. The 19-inch light alloy wheels have with a Y-shaped spoke design also characteristic of other M models.

At the rear, the powerful stance of the M3 is further emphasized with horizontal lines to accentuate the wider track, a rear diffuser that follows design elements from the front and two sets of dual exhaust pipes located near the center of the vehicle. The M3 Concept is lightweight, due in part to the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the roof of the car that is left exposed as a design element.