BMW has recently unveiled its fourth generation BMW M3. The new BMW sports car features an eight-cylinder power unit and can reach a maximum speed of 8,400 rpm. The BMW M3 can sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers-per-hour in 4.8 seconds and obtain a top speed which is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 miles per hour. The two seat vehicle has an average consumption that is equivalent to 22.8 mile-per gallon.
The BMW M3 is a part of the BMW M Gmbh model range and has always livened up to its motorsport heritage which is reflected in the amount of power that it has. The first BMW M3 was launched in the year 1986 and continued its heritage with two subsequent model generations. And today this supremacy will once again be displayed in the 2007 version of the BMW M3.
Despite the fact that the latest generation BMW M3 was based on the new BMW M3 Coupe, still the new high-performance model vary from the regular coupe in terms of looks and technical features. And aside from the car's unique design and its drivetrain and suspension technology which was created from the start for supreme performance, it was the lightweight technology that was made the top most priority for engineers at BMW M.
The extent on the development that transpired is translated into reality in terms of intelligent lightweight engineering which is attributed to the car's power-to-weight ration that measures only 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) per horsepower.
One of the reasons for the new M3's low weight is its roof made out of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic or CFP. Overall the new BMW M3 with the exception of some few components is entirely new in terms of its engineering and design concept thus reflecting the successful tradition of BMW M Gmbh.
Apart from the load-bearing structure of the car, there have been certain components that were carried over from the 3 Series Coupe such as its tow doors, the bootlid, the windows, the headlights and rear lights. All the rest of the pother body components were specifically designed and developed for the new BMW M3 just like what BMW has done for its BMW 320i parts.
The one-of-a-kind character of the new BMW M3 is evident at first glance. Its engine compartment lid with its striking powerdome and two air intake openings, the function-oriented design of the front and rear air dams, the so-called gills in the front side panels, the side-sills with its distinctive design, the roof made of clearly visble carbon fiber together with the exterior mirrors and light-alloy wheels in BMW M design clearly differentiates the new model. Its exterior with its athletic and aesthetic appeal strongly highlights the sporting qualities of the car.
The exterior paintwork also adds an individual touch, offering car aficionados with numerous colors plus an addition of four special paintwork options that are to be offered exclusive only for BMW M.
