The German automaker BMW is preparing the next generation M3 and a brand new M coupe patterned after the second-generation 1 series to bring to the market in the 2014 model year. The next 3 and 1 series models will be introduced in the latter part of 2012 as a 2013 model. BMW, in its aim to lower displacement and reduction in overall vehicle weight to preserve performance, will return the M3 back to a 6-cylinder unit. The company is still deciding however if it's going to be an inline-six or a V6. The latter would offer better balance and more packaging adaptability; however, an inline-six would be more lightweight, an essential element in the future designs of BMW.
2012 bmw m3 photos
BMW is not saying at this point if the new six-cylinder M powerplant, which is not patterned on the present 3.0-liter range, will be a twin turbo or not. What's more definite is that it's going to be a turbo six-cylinder unit. The carmaker acknowledges that they have not yet started the M3. The German carmaker is seeking to revive the spirit of the 4-cylinder E30 M3 through a 1 Series M. It was considered an exciting ride although it needs more horses now, between 420 and 450, to provide it with a respectable acceleration rate, unlike twenty years ago.
The car comes with impressive stopping and high cornering capabilities. It will come with less than 2900 pounds overall weight and generate a minimum of 300hp, and the company hopes to get the attention of young customers with it. Still in its foundation stage, the BMW M is currently working on its feasibility.
2012 bmw m3 exterior
BMW has issued a statement today that it will enter the DTM - the German Touring Car Championship - from 2012. BMW will be back in 1012 DTM for the first time after it has left the series back in 1994. BMA says that it now can plan is DTM return in 2012 in more detail, thanks to new technical regulations that will help the internationalization of the championship. You've probably already guessed which model will BMW throw in the 2012 DTM battle. It will be the BMW M3 of course. The details of the BMW M3 2012 DTM race car will be revealed at a later date, obviously, but at this moment, there are no doubts that the German carmaker will return to the popular race series.
Dr Klaus Draeger, member of the Board of
Management of BMW AG with responsibility for development, says: “The return of BMW to the DTM is a fundamental part of the restructuring of our motorsport activities. With its increased commitment to production car racing, BMW is returning to its roots. The race track is the perfect place to demonstrate the impressive sporting characteristics of our vehicles against our core competitors in a high-powered environment. The DTM is the ideal stage on which to do this.”
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen comments: “The entire team at BMW Motorsport is approaching
this exciting project with absolute commitment. We began making technical preparations following our declaration of intent in April, and established parameters for a high-performance vehicle concept for deployment in the DTM. The positive decision of the BMW Board of Management means we can now shift up a gear and give the green light for development.”
Hans Werner Aufrecht, 1st Chairman of the Board of ITR e.V. (DTM commercial rights holder and promoter): “We welcome the decision by BMW to enter the DTM from 2012. This is a further milestone for the future of our popular racing Send through
series, and proves that our efforts over the past few years have paid off. We laid the foundation for this in conjunction with the DMSB and the existing DTM manufacturers, namely Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Thus I would like to heartily thank all parties. I am personally looking forward to again seeing the three premium brands of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz competing against each other on the race track. Our fans have waited a long time for this.”