Twenty per cent more power - a new dimension in driving dynamics.
A new BMW M3 must offer one feature in particular: even more power. And this is precisely why the fourth generation of the BMW M3 gives its proud owner about 20 per cent more power than before, the engine churning out a substantial 309 kW/420 hp.
In its specific output, the eight-cylinder easily exceeds the benchmark of 100 hp per litre acknowledged as the standard for a particularly sporting and dynamic power unit. But even so, power is not everything. Instead, the dy-namic experience offered by a car is borne out in particular by its acceleration and performance in gear at all speeds resulting also from the weight of the vehicle and the sheer thrust and muscle of the engine.
The engine is an important factor in determining the weight of a car, that is the mass to be accelerated - after all, it is one of the heaviest modules within the car to begin with. So precisely here, the new BMW M3 again sets a new standard with engine weight of just 202 kg or 445 lb, making this V8 one of the lightest eight-cylinder engines in the world.
By comparison, the 294 kW/400 hp V8 in the predecessor to the current BMW M5 weighed 240 kg or 529 lb. So despite the extra power, the new engine is more than 15 per cent lighter. Indeed, it is approximately 15 kg or 33 lb lighter than even the six-cylinder power unit in the former BMW M3. So the extra weight of the two additional cylinders is more than set of by intelligent lightweight technology on the new engine.
High-speed engine concept for superior power and torque in practice.
The second factor crucial to driving dynamics, the power and thrust actually conveyed to and by the drive wheels, results from engine torque and the overall transmission ratio. At 400 Newton-metres or 295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm, maximum torque of the new eight-cylinder is approximately 10 cent higher than the peak torque of the former straight-six, and the engine develops an equally superior 340 Newton-metres or 251 lb-ft at just 2,000 rpm. No less than some 85 per cent of the maximum torque is indeed maintained consistently over a speed range of 6,500 rpm very broad indeed for a sports car engine.
This is clearly reflected by the performance characteristics of the new BMW M3 not only offering a supreme standard of dynamic power, but also all the qualities for cruising smoothly on winding country roads or in city traffic.Last but certainly not least - and indeed quite crucial in terms of overall qualities - the high-speed engine concept with its M-specific features allows use of the optimum transmission and final drive ratios and thus guarantees a perfect rendition of muscle and performance on the road under practical driving conditions.The effect provided in this way is borne out by a clear example: Whenever a cyclist shifts down on an uphill gradient, he has to turn the pedals faster, but in return he can ride up virtually any hill. Should he, on the other hand, remain in the same gear or even shift up, he will have to pedal harder or even get off his bicycle. And given the same power and muscle, the cyclist able to turn the pedals faster will always be the winner. ...next page >>