Wraps taken off new BMW M3 Coupe

By Ross Pinnock

11th April 2007

	BMW may even build a CC-style metal folding roof variant in the future, but the two-door car pictured here will be the first to hit UK showrooms when it arrives later this year

These are the first pic­tures of BMW's roadgoing M3 Coupé. With its exposed carbon fibre roof and flared wheelarches, there's no mistaking the hot new 3-Series and only its doors, bootlid, windows and light clusters are carried over from the regular Coupé!

There's a trio of large air vents in the new front bum­per, a bulging aluminium bonnet and smart M division alloys filling the arches. Purposeful M5-style air vents in the front wings and aerodynamic door mirrors provide other visual clues to the M3 Coupé's supercar-humbling performance. At the back, there's a small spoiler, while four tailpipes protrude from the newcomer's diffuser-style rear bumper.

To make sure the M3 lives up to its billing, the fourth generation of BMW's 3-Series flagship is the first to feature a V8. The 4.0-litre unit produces 420bhp, 400Nm of torque and revs to 8,400rpm. Its lightweight block is cast in the same foundry that makes the firm's F1 motors, and the engine is 15kg lighter than its predecessor's straight six.

Performance is breathtaking, with the 0-62mph sprint taking only 4.8 seconds, although top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. However, economy-boosting measures such as Brake Energy Regeneration help to boost fuel consumption to 22mpg. This uses the energy created during braking to help recharge the battery, so the alter­nator places less strain on the engine in normal driving conditions.

Inside, the four-seater features a fresh centre console design and lots of bespoke trim options, along with instruments that feature sporty red needles. The clever rev counter even has a variable limiter to prevent damage to the highly tuned engine when it is cold. The dial shows the driver how hard the motor can be worked as the oil temperature gradually increases after start-up.

Under the skin, there's a six-speed manual gearbox, and specially developed suspension that uses lightweight parts to deliver what promises to be a cutting-edge driving experience.

The development engineers spent hours lapping the Nürburgring circuit in Germany to tune the chassis, which has optional Electronic Damper Control. The driver can choose from Normal, Comfort and Sport settings.

The first M3 was launched in 1986, and initially only available as a Coupé. However, the latest model is set to be offered as a saloon - to rival Audi's RS4 - as well as a Touring estate to take on the RS4 Avant.

BMW may even build a CC-style metal folding roof variant in the future, but the two-door car pictured here will be the first to hit UK showrooms when it arrives later this year. Prices have yet to be announced, but an increase on the out­going model's £42,000 cost is likely.