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2015 BMW M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe are officially revealed [w/video]



 
 
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Old January 4th 14, 07:20 PM posted to alt.autos.bmw
MummyChunk
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Default 2015 BMW M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe are officially revealed [w/video]

From AB







THE ALL-NEW BMW M3 SEDAN AND BMW M4 COUPE
Lighten Up. Power Up.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 11, 2013, 6:10pm Eastern Time... BMW
today
announced the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe models, which
capitalize on
the strengths of the latest 3 Series Sedan and fresh 4 Series Coupe
models as their
respective foundations. As the first-ever BMW M cars to feature the
achievement of an
engineered-in reduction in curb weight from one generation to the
next, the all-new M3
and M4 stand poised to attack corners, hills, and braking zones, and
will vigorously defend
BMW M's decades-strong position as segment leader around the world.

Featuring a return to the inline-6 engine format made famous by BMW M,
the all-new, 3.0-
liter BMW M3 and M4 engine is approximately 10 kilograms lighter than
its V-8
predecessor and packs an even stronger punch. With 425 horsepower from
5,500 – 7,300
rpm, 406 lb-ft of torque from 1,850 – 5,500 rpm, and capable of
0-60mph in 3.9 seconds
when equipped with the M-DCT transmission (4.1 seconds with standard
6-speed
manual), the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe will debut at the
2014 North
American International Auto Show in Detroit, and will begin sales as
2015 models in early
Summer, 2014 (Editor's notes: All specifications preliminary. Complete
US-specific specs,
pricing, options, and packages will be announced closer to the on-sale
date).

The launch of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe sees BMW M
GmbH
revealing a new interpretation of the high-performance sports car –
and carrying the BMW
M philosophy over into the fifth generation of the M3. More than
40,000 examples of the fourth-generation BMW M3 Coupe were built, and
now the BMW M4 Coupe is poised to
continue this success story. The "M4" badge is a reference
to the model series that
provides the basis for the new M model – and, for the first time, the
Coupe will be
introduced at the same time as the four-door variant. Logic dictates
the latter will be
christened the BMW M3 Sedan.

"Four generations of the BMW M3 have blended motor sport genes
and uncompromised
everyday usability within an emotionally rich overall concept,"
explains Dr Friedrich
Nitschke, President BMW M GmbH. "The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4
Coupe
represent an ongoing commitment to this philosophy. The engine is the
heart of every M
model, and the new turbocharged six-cylinder unit fitted in the two
new cars combines the
virtues of a high-revving naturally aspirated unit with the strengths
of turbocharger
technology. A committed lightweight design concept produces a weight
saving of around
80 kilograms over the outgoing M3. The BMW M3 and BMW M4 take motor
sport
technology from the track to the road, and thousands of laps of the
legendary Nürburgring
Nordschleife – the world's most exacting race track – have readied the
new models for that
transition. Meticulous and passion-fuelled development work has
underpinned the
creation of two high-performance sports cars that set new standards in
terms of overall
concept, precision and agility."

The high-revving, inline-6 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology
freshly developed
for the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe produces a maximum
output of
425 hp. Its peak torque of406 lb-ft is available across a wide rev
band and outstrips the
figure recorded by the outgoing BMW M3 by roughly 40 percent. And yet
the engine also
achieves a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of nearly 25
percent. Both the
BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe cover the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1
seconds
with the standard 6-speed manual transmission and even 3.9 seconds
with the optional 7-
speed M Double Clutch Transmission.

In the interests of maximizing dynamic ability and ensuring excellent
efficiency, weight
savings of around 80 kilograms have been achieved over a comparably
equipped
predecessor model. The BMW M4 Coupe, for example, has a DIN curb
weight of 1,497
kilograms, thanks to the rigorous application of intelligent
lightweight design measures.
These include the increased use of lightweight materials such as
carbon-fiber-reinforced
plastic (CFRP) and aluminum for a number of chassis and body
components. Indeed, both
models feature a carbon roof.

One of the primary objectives in the development of the BMW M3 Sedan
and BMW M4
Coupe was to ensure the new cars offered impressive race track
capability. Hence the
presence of a track-specification cooling system, which ensures that
the optimum
temperature balance for the engine, turbochargers and transmission is
maintained at all
times.

In order to accentuate the racing character of the two models in terms
of both their
technical composition and the fine-tuning of the cars, the engineers
worked closely with
BMW Motorsport's professional racing drivers during the development
phase. For
example, DTM drivers Bruno Spengler and Timo Glock took part in the
extensive testing
and set-up work carried out at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit.

Low-slung and broad-set, the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe
share a
finely balanced stance on the road. Indeed, the M-specific design of
the two highperformance
sports cars underlines their performance capability. Large air intakes
and Air
Curtains at the front end, exposed carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic
(CFRP) and aluminum
body components, and the diffuser at the muscular rear end are not
merely design
flourishes; they also fulfill functional roles in terms of
aerodynamics, cooling and weight
saving.

Numerous aerodynamics measures integrated into all areas of the body.

The aerodynamics concept of BMW M GmbH models has always been one of
the key
elements in their development. The engineers need to channel the air
around the car to
create the best possible platform for dynamic excellence, while also
ensuring the engine,
powertrain and brakes receive the requisite cooling even when
operating under heavy
loads on the race track.

Details such as the powerfully formed front apron, smooth underbody
and clearly defined
Gurney spoiler at the rear of the M3 Sedan (or integrated spoiler lip
at the rear of the BMW
M4 Coupe) reduce lift by an equal degree at the front and rear axle
and produce optimum
handling attributes. "The way in which we channel the inflowing
air through the engine oil
cooler creates a Venturi effect, which reduces front axle lift and, in
so doing, improves the
steering," explains Albert Biermann, Head of Development BMW M
GmbH. Elements like
the Air Curtain and M gills with integrated Air Breather rearwards of
the front wheels
minimize turbulence in the front wheel arches. Together with the
aerodynamically
optimized exterior mirrors in twin-stalk style, they are also highly
distinctive design features of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe and
help reduce drag. These examples
underline in familiar fashion the success of M engineers in
reconciling the requirements of
everyday use with the demands of action on the race track.

Sophisticated cooling concept for maximum performance.

The exceptional performance potential of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4
Coupe
places extremely exacting demands on temperature management in the
engine and
peripheral assemblies. In order to ensure optimum operating
temperatures in everyday
use, on short journeys around town and out on the race track, the BMW
M GmbH
engineers have developed an extremely effective cooling system. For
example, alongside
the two ultra-dynamic turbocharger units, the air intake system of the
six-cylinder engine
also includes an indirect intercooler, maximizing charge pressure and
engine output. As
well as a main radiator, the track-ready cooling concept also
comprises a water cooler
repositioned to the side for the high- and low-temperature water
circuits, and the engine
and transmission oil (if the M Double Clutch Transmission is
specified). These ensure a
consistent temperature balance and therefore high performance on the
track as well as the
road. An additional electric coolant pump cools the turbocharger
bearing mounts when the
car is stationary.

6-speed manual gearbox with throttle blipping.

The engine's power is transferred to the road via a standard six-speed
manual gearbox
with robust double-plate clutch. This unit is considerably more
compact than its
predecessor and 26.4 lbs lighter. As a means of increasing shift
comfort, the manual
gearbox uses innovative new carbon friction linings in its
synchronizer rings. Dry sump
lubrication provides an efficient supply of oil to all parts of the
engine. The gearbox blips
the throttle on downshifts – previously a feature reserved for the M
Double Clutch
Transmission. This engagement speed control function improves the
smoothness of the
transmission, helps to enhance stability and was originally developed
by motor sport
engineers.

7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic with Launch
Control.

The third generation of the M-DCT sees the M engineers once again
setting the
benchmark in terms of power and race track capability without having
to compromise on
everyday usability. The optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission
with Drivelogic
prompts the new high-revving turbocharged engine into emotionally
impressive feats. As
well as changing gear automatically, in manual mode the transmission
enables ultra-fast
gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power. The integrated
Launch Control
function ensures optimum sprinting performance off the line, producing
acceleration
figures that would be out of range with the manual gearbox. Stability
Clutch Control opens
the clutch when the car is understeering to bring it back into line.
And M-DCT also
includes functions like the Drivelogic modes that can be selected by
the driver to give the
BMW M3 and BMW M4 more comfortable, more economy-focused or even
sportier
characteristics. The additional seventh gear over the manual gearbox
allows longer gear
ratios – and delivers the efficiency gains you would expect as a
result.

The properties of the extremely light yet impressively durable
material CFRP have allowed
the engineers to follow a fundamentally new approach in the
manufacture of the drive
shaft. Made from CFRP, this component feeds the engine's torque from
the gearbox to
the rear differential and works under extremely heavy loads –
especially in highperformance
vehicles. "The impressive stiffness and low weight of the CFRP
tubing allow
the drive shaft to be constructed as a single-piece unit with no
center bearing. As well as a
weight saving of 40 percent over its predecessor, we have achieved a
reduction in rotating
masses and therefore improved drivetrain dynamics," explains
Albert Biermann.

Even more accomplished rear-wheel drive with Active M Differential.

Among the other components that add fresh polish to the dynamic
repertoire of the BMW
M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe are the hollow lightweight output shafts of
the rear
differential and the Active M Differential, which uses an
electronically controlled multi-plate
limited-slip differential to optimize traction and directional
stability. The multi-plate limitedslip
differential works with extremely high precision and speed. Its
control unit links up with
the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system and also takes into account
the position of the
accelerator pedal, the rotational speed of the wheels and the car's
yaw rate. Every driving
situation is therefore precisely analyzed and an impending loss of
traction on one side of
the car identified at an early stage. The degree of lock – which may
be anywhere between
0 and 100 percent – is adjusted as required within a fraction of a
second, enabling wheel
spin to be prevented on slippery surfaces, in instances where the
right and left rear wheel
have widely differing friction coefficients, in tight bends and when
changing direction with
particular vigor. Optimizing traction in this way also provides
unbeatable driving stability in
challenging conditions and allows impressively dynamic acceleration
out of corners.

M Dynamic Mode – a sub function of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
system –
quenches the thirst of enthusiastic drivers for keen dynamics. While
DSC intervenes as
required to counteract understeer and oversteer, M Dynamic Mode allows
greater wheel
slip and therefore easy drifting. Owners with a taste for sporty and
dynamic driving will
appreciate this breadth to the cars' handling, although DSC will still
step in if the car
ventures over the limits – unless it is switched off completely.
Whichever setting the driver
chooses, he or she remains responsible for the car's stability.

Aluminum suspension elements ensure sharper dynamics.

The core expertise of BMW M GmbH resides in developing M cars that
offer impressive
steering precision, on-the-limit adjustability, agility and driving
feeling, together with
unbeatable traction and outstanding directional stability – all
without neglecting everyday
usability. In order to achieve these aims with the significantly
increased performance
capability of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe, the axles of
the outgoing
BMW M3 have been redesigned with painstaking attention to detail.

Here again, low weight and a high level of rigidity for the axle
systems are essential
ingredients in ensuring the cars provide an ultra-dynamic driving
experience. In the doublejoint
spring strut front axle alone, the use of a lightweight aluminum
construction for
components such as control arms, wheel carriers and axle subframes
saves five kilograms
over a conventional steel design. Play-free ball joints and
elastomeric bearings developed
specially for the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe ensure an optimum and
direct
transfer of forces both laterally and longitudinally. An aluminum
stiffening plate, CFRP front
strut brace and additional bolted joints between the axle subframe and
the body structure
all help to increase the rigidity of the front end.

Also lighter than the construction in the outgoing BMW M3 is the new
five-link rear axle.
All the control arms and wheel carriers are manufactured using forged
aluminum, which
reduces the unsprung masses of the wheel-locating components by around
three
kilograms compared with the previous model generation. The rigid
connection between
the rear axle subframe and the body – without the use of elastic
rubber elements – is
borrowed from motor sport and serves to further improve wheel location
and therefore
directional stability. "The double-elastic mounting for the rear
differential within the rear
axle subframe – which is bolted to the body structure – has allowed us
to achieve a new
level of driving precision, but without neglecting comfort," says
Albert Biermann, citing
another example of the perfect symbiosis of pure-bred motor sport
technology and
excellent everyday usability.

The development of the tires for the cars was incorporated into the
construction process
for the axles from the outset. For high-performance sports cars like
the BMW M3 Sedan
and BMW M4 Coupe, in particular, steering feel and precision are the
foremost
considerations in the development of tires for the front axle,
alongside lateral stability and
braking forces. At the rear axle, meanwhile, traction, lateral
stability and directional stability
take center stage. For this reason, both cars will leave the factory
on low-weight 18-inch
forged wheels (front axle: 9 J x 18, rear axle: 10 J x 18) with
mixed-size tires (front axle: 255
mm, rear axle: 275 mm). 19-inch wheels and tires are available as an
option. The specially
developed forged wheels make a significant contribution to the
reduction in the cars'
unsprung masses and, in turn, to the optimization of dynamic qualities
and efficiency. The
experienced M engineers have taken great care to ensure all the
components between the
steering wheel and tires work together harmoniously and therefore
provide maximum
driving precision and lateral stability, along with good ride
comfort.

Unique Electric Power Steering with three settings.

The electromechanical steering system in the new BMW M3 Sedan and new
BMW M4
Coupe represents a new development from BMW M GmbH and the critical
component in
the link between driver and car. It offers the gifts of direct
steering feeling and precise
feedback. The integrated Servotronic function electronically adjusts
the level of steering
assistance according to the car's speed, providing optimum steering
characteristics at all
speeds. The steering for the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe also offers
the driver
three settings as standard, which can be selected at the touch of a
button. COMFORT,
SPORT and SPORT+ modes allow the level of steering assistance to be
adapted to suit
the situation at hand and the driver's personal tastes.

"Together, the rigid front and rear structures, precise axle
kinematics and an impressively
responsive electromechanical power steering system help to deliver the
outstanding
steering and handling characteristics of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4
Coupe," sums
up Biermann.

The optional Adaptive M suspension likewise comes with COMFORT, SPORT
and
SPORT+ modes, enabling the driver to choose between a more comfortable
damper
setting for urban driving, for example, a stiffer set-up for dynamic
driving on country roads,
and a third option that minimizes body movements and maximizes dynamic
performance
for use on the track.

With their supreme dynamic attributes in mind, the BMW M3 Sedan and
BMW M4 Coupe
also come as standard with BMW M compound brakes boasting impressive
feel,
outstanding stopping power and high resistance to fade. Far lighter
than conventional
equivalents, these brakes contribute to a substantial reduction in
unsprung masses and
therefore help to enhance dynamic performance. Even lighter BMW M
carbon ceramic
brakes can also be specified as an option, their further optimized
performance attributes
equipping them even more effectively for track use and giving them
even greater
durability.

The new inline-6 M engine: High-revving, turbocharged unit combines
the best
of both worlds.

The new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe from BMW M GmbH see a return
to
a six-in-line engine configuration, as used on the second and third
generations of this
iconic sports car. "When developing a new model we first think
about what requirements
the vehicle will be expected to meet, and then decide which concepts
and technologies
will best meet these goals," says Albert Biermann. The new
turbocharged engine
combines the best of both worlds – reaching a maximum 7,600 rpm, it is
unusually highrevving
for a turbocharged engine, resulting in linear power delivery over a
wide engine
speed range and a soulful engine note, while M TwinPower Turbo
technology ensures
that peak torque is on top over a broad rpm range. A further hallmark
of this engine is its
outstanding efficiency.

The new engine sees a slight power upgrade over the previous V-8 to
425 hp, which is
delivered between 5,500 and 7,300 rpm. Peak torque has been increased
by roughly 40
percent to 406 lb-ft, and is maintained over a very wide rev band
(1,850–5,500 rpm). The
standard sprint from zero to 60 mph takes the new BMW M3 Sedan and new
BMW M4
Coupe 4.1 seconds respectively. Equipped with the 7-speed M Double
Clutch
Transmission, this number even falls to 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 250
km/h / 155 mph
(electronically limited), The new engine also boasts excellent fuel
efficiency: the BMW M3
Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe achieve consumption nearly 25 percent better
than the
previous model's figures. Regulated pollutant emissions are
EU6-compliant.

Instantaneous response, courtesy of M TwinPower Turbo technology.

The M TwinPower Turbo technology comprises two fast-responding
mono-scroll
turbochargers, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, Valvetronic
variable valve timing and
Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing. Valvetronic and
Double-VANOS
work in tandem to seamlessly control intake valve lift. The result is
smooth and efficient
power delivery, very sharp response and reduced fuel consumption and
emissions.

The six-cylinder engine features a closed-deck crankcase design which
is very rigid and
allows cylinder pressures to be increased for improved power output.
And instead of liners,
the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire arc-sprayed coating, which
results in a significant
reduction in engine weight.

A further technical highlight is the forged, torsionally rigid
crankshaft which, as well as
providing increased torque-carrying capacity, is also lighter in
weight. This significantly
reduces rotating masses, resulting in improved throttle response and
acceleration.

Track-ready engine oil supply system for outstanding performance.

On the track, the exceptional driving dynamics of the BMW M3 Sedan and
BMW M4
Coupe place extra demands on the engine oil supply system, whose
design reflects the
extensive motor sport experience of BMW M GmbH. The low-weight
magnesium oil
sump, for example, features a special cover to limit movement of the
oil under the effects
of strong dynamic lateral acceleration. Under extreme longitudinal
acceleration and
deceleration, an oil extraction pump and a sophisticated oil return
system situated close to
the turbocharger likewise help to maintain stable oil circulation. Oil
is therefore supplied
continuously to all engine components in all driving situations –
whether in everyday
motoring or during hard driving on the track.

An engine sound in keeping with the motor sport attributes of the BMW
M3 and BMW M4
is provided by an innovative flap arrangement in the twin-pipe exhaust
system. The
electrically controlled flaps just before the rear silencer minimize
exhaust back-pressure
and produce a BMW M sound which is striking and unmistakable over the
entire engine
speed range, as well as giving precise feedback on engine load. The
different selectable
drive modes, which offer drivers a choice of preconfigured, perfectly
balanced vehicle setups,
also feature different engine sound profiles.

Lightweight design across the board: Shedding weight in all the right
places.

Intelligent lightweight design was a top priority in the development
of the BMW M3 and
BMW M4. The goal was to minimize curb weight in order to give both
models outstanding
driving dynamics and exemplary efficiency. These measures have
delivered impressive
results, giving the BMW M4 Coupe a DIN curb weight of 1,497 kilograms,
around 80
kilograms lighter than a comparably equipped predecessor model – with
benefits for
driving dynamics and fuel consumption as well.

BMW M3 Sedan also features CFRP roof for the first time.

On the outgoing models, the CFRP roof was confined to the Coupe
version. Now, for the
first time, the four-door BMW M3 will get this striking design and
functional feature as well.
The CFRP roof brings weight savings of five kilograms (11 lbs) in the
case of the BMW M3
Sedan and more than six kilograms (> 13 lbs) in the case of the BMW
M4 Coupe. It also
lowers the vehicle's center of gravity, which has a positive impact on
driving dynamics.

Made from aluminum rather than conventional steel, the front side
walls and the hood
(with power dome) make an important contribution to the models'
lightweight design
concept, while at the same time improving axle load distribution.

On the BMW M4 Coupe, the contoured roofline with central channel
continues into the
trunk lid, emphasizing the even sportier personality of the new model.
The newly
developed trunk lid not only provides extremely effective tail end
styling, its geometry is at
the same time precisely tailored for optimized aerodynamics, while the
use of carbon fiber
and plastics makes for additional weight savings.

The new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe also feature a CFRP
propeller shaft.
The high rigidity and low weight of the CFRP tube mean that the
propeller shaft can be
produced as a single-piece component, without a center bearing. This
achieves weight
savings of 40 percent over the previous model and a reduction in
rotating masses, which
in turn results in more dynamic powertrain response.

The CFRP strut brace in the engine compartment is a further example of
how all weightsaving
measures on these vehicles have also been tailored to the improvement
of driving
dynamics. Weighing only 1.5 kilograms (3.3 lbs), the strut brace
offers superior rigidity to a
comparable aluminum component and at the same time plays a key part in
the excellent
steering response and precision of both vehicles.

The use of carbon in these models is a reminder that BMW is a global
leader in highstrength,
lightweight CFRP construction, and that it was BMW who brought out the
first
mass-production vehicle with a body consisting entirely of this
material – the innovative
BMW i3.

Development input from professional racing drivers: BMW works driver
Bruno
Spengler on the technical highlights.

When developing the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe, the BMW M
engineers could count not only on track-honed technologies, but also
on the driving talent
of experienced racers. For example, Bruno Spengler and Timo Glock, BMW
Motorsport
works drivers in the DTM Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (German Touring
Car Masters)
series, took part in extensive testing and set-up runs on the
Nürburgring-Nordschleife
circuit.

"I'm proud to have made a contribution to the set-up work on
these two cars," says 2012
DTM champion Spengler, who also took third place in the 2013 series.
"The suspension
has a very sporty set-up, the feedback from the front axle is
extremely direct, the grip at
the rear axle is phenomenal and the engine performance is awesome.
This is the ideal
basis for our DTM car."

Bruno Spengler on the six-in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo
technology:

"As a race driver, I'm very impressed by the instant, lag-free
response from the two turbos
as soon you step on the gas. This is a sensational feature of this
engine which translates to
more fun at the wheel and is perfect for sporty driving."

... on the electronic power steering:

"The electronic power steering is very precise, and from my point
of view as a race driver
that's very, very important. It responds instantly to inputs and
provides excellent feedback."

... on the rear axle:

"The rear axle has a very progressive locking action, due to the
electronically controlled
limited-slip differential, and generates huge amounts of grip. The
electronic control system
is configured so that when you lift off the gas going into corners,
the differential opens up
and the lock-up effect is reduced to zero, resulting in very eager
turn-in. When you accelerate out of the corner again, the lock-up
engages progressively all the way up to 100
percent full lock, for optimal traction."

Design: Striking use of forms underlines standout performance
capability.

The design of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe visualizes in
eyecatching
style the outstanding performance capability and impressive handling
properties
of the two new models. "The superior performance of the BMW M3
Sedan and BMW M4
Coupe should be obvious at first glance," explains Karim Habib,
Head of Design BMW
Automobiles. "Indeed, the exterior design of the new BMW M3 and
BMW M4 has a visual
impact that elevates the BMW M design language to a new level of
expression, highlighted
by a purposeful character, emotional appeal and dynamic verve."

The front end: the powerfully expressive face of BMW M.

Viewed from the front, the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe stand out
most
prominently with their powerful contours and a strongly defined
three-dimensionality,
which lend them a powerfully expressive face. Characteristic design
elements leave no
doubt that these cars are the work of BMW M. There is the modern take
on the twin
headlight arrangement (with optional LED technology), for example, not
to mention the
distinctive twin-bar kidney grille with black painted grille bars –
which reflect the design of
the characteristic BMW M double-spoke wheels and bear the M logo – and
the powerfully
designed front apron with its trio of large intakes supplying cooling
air to the highperformance
engine and brakes. Among the other hallmark BMW M design features on
display is the characteristic power dome on the hood, which hints at
the potential of the
brawny M TwinPower Turbo engine and creates space for the intercooler.
And the striking
exterior mirrors – with their suggested twin-stalk mounts – also
demand particular
attention, their design optimizing the aerodynamics of the new BMW M3
Sedan and new
BMW M4 Coupe.

The flanks: low-slung silhouette and dynamic lines.

The sides of both cars extend the dynamic impression created by their
respective front
ends. The hallmark BMW proportions of a long hood, long wheelbase,
set-back
glasshouse and short front overhang are lent further emphasis by
familiar M design
elements. "The muscular wheel arches and eye-catching surface
forms clearly underline
the dynamic potential of the BMW M3 and BMW M4," adds Habib.

Those dynamics-accentuating details include likewise newly designed M
gills, which
perform both a stylistic and a functional role. Integrated into them
are Air Breathers, which
team up with the Air Curtains in the front apron to help optimize the
airflow around the
wheel arches and therefore improve aerodynamics.

The dark color of the CFRP roof (with its contoured roofline) gives
both models a lowerslung
and more compact appearance, as the eye perceives the roof pillars –
painted in
body color – to be the uppermost point of the car. A flowing roofline
lends the already
sporting overall appearance of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe an
extra
elegance and finesse. The line gains in momentum once again as it
heads rearwards,
increasing aerodynamic downforce and giving the rear a more muscular
look at the same
time.

The rear: BMW M4 with spoiler integrated into the trunk lid.

The design of the rear end displays striking differences in the two
models. The BMW M3
Sedan, for example, is fitted with a Gurney spoiler to reduce lift,
while the tailgate of the
BMW M4 Coupe features an integrated rear spoiler and is made from
particularly
lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. As well as performing a
functional aerodynamic
role, the tailgate also contributes significantly to the BMW M4's
standalone design. Indeed,
the pair of lines which begin life flanking the power dome in the hood
– and score a clearly
defined path over the CFRP roof – complete their journey in the trunk
lid.

A shared feature of the two models is the prominently flared rear
wheel arches which, in
combination with the wide track, underline the confident appearance of
the BMW M3 and
BMW M4. A characteristic BMW M detail of the rear end are the
high-gloss polished, now
slanting pair of twin exhaust tailpipes, which are framed like jewels
by the sculptural rear
apron with its integrated diffuser.

The interior design: flawless ergonomics in a sporting ambience.

Climbing into the BMW M3 and BMW M4, drivers will be greeted by the
interior
architecture familiar from the BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series, complete
with
unimpeachable ergonomics and clear driver focus. In keeping with the
character of the two
models, however, the interior fulfils an even more sharply defined
sporting brief. To this
end, the host of traditional BMW M equipment details includes M door
sill finishers, an M
driver's footrest, M gearshift lever, M-design circular instruments
with white graphics, M
leather steering wheel with chrome trim, color contrast stitching and
electroplated-look
shift paddles (if the M-DCT gearbox is specified).

The front seats also represent an evocative expression of BMW M's
motor sport genes.
Taking visual inspiration from the bucket seats fitted in racing cars,
the seats feature a fullsize
single-piece back panel. This means the construction of the seats is
very flat, while
the high, width-adjustable side bolsters and low-set seat surface
allow an ideal seating
position and provide excellent support. Despite their undeniably
sporty design, the BMW
M sports seats can be equipped with comfort-enhancing features
including electric
adjustment and heating. On the seat surface, the stitching, upholstery
segmentation and
perforation lend the seats a slim-fitting feel. Illuminated for the
first time, the BMW M logo
on the seat backrests adds a new and exclusive highlight.

Equipment: Extensive standard equipment joined by a host of options
that
enhance dynamics and comfort.

The new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe leave the factory with a
thorough
selection of equipment on board which reflects their character as
extremely performanceoriented
cars offering excellent everyday usability. In addition, customers can
choose from
an extensive range of optional equipment to give the high-performance
sports cars an
even more uncompromising sporting edge or push their comfort levels to
the maximum.

Carbon roof as a visible sign of the commitment to lightweight
design.

The CFRP roof, which was fitted to the Coupe version only of the
outgoing BMW M3, is a
standard feature of both the new BMW M3 Sedan and the new BMW M4
Coupe. The
"exposed" styling of the carbon-fiber construction
accentuates not only the exclusivity of
the two models and their direct links to motor sport, it also
emphasizes clearly the
lightweight design philosophy underpinning the cars.

Other standard-fitted and exclusive exterior details include the
lightweight hood with eyecatching
power dome, the font side panels made from aluminum, the sculpted
front apron
with three large air intakes, the black double-bar kidney grille, the
hallmark M exterior
mirror casings, the rear apron with integrated diffuser, the exhaust
system with four
tailpipes, and the trunk lid with fitted Gurney on the BMW M3 or the
aerodynamically
shaped lightweight tailgate with integrated spoiler of the BMW M4.
Both models come as
standard with forged 18-inch BMW M light-alloy wheels with mixed-size
tires. Forged 19-inch light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tires can be
ordered as an option, in either Ferric
Grey or Black.

Interior with exquisite materials and motor sport ambience.

The BMW M3 and BMW M4 also stand out with an interior that is
exclusive and functional
in equal measure. For example, the M Sport leather multifunction
steering wheel is fitted
as standard, as are bucket-style M sports seats and the BMW Individual
roof liner in
Anthracite. Like the front seats, the distinctively contoured
backrests of the rear seats also
offer exceptional lateral support. They are made from a lightweight
composite material and
can be folded in a 60:40 split. This gives the BMW M3 and BMW M4 a
degree of variability
and everyday usability that is well beyond the norm for
high-performance sports cars of
their level.

Drivers of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 can look forward to piloting their
car from behind a
double-spoke M leather steering wheel. The M logo, chrome trim and
color contrast
stitching are central elements of the cabin's racing ambience. Both
models come as
standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 7-speed M Double
Clutch
Transmission is available as an option. M-DCT allows the driver to
change gears using
either the selector lever on the center console or the shift paddles
mounted on the
steering wheel.

Innovative driveline and chassis technology deliver unbeatable
dynamics.

The optional M-DCT Drivelogic changes gear with no interruption in the
flow of power,
enabling it to reduce shift times, while a Launch Control system
optimizes acceleration off
the line.

The standard-specification Active M Differential at the rear axle
guarantees optimum
traction, while the likewise factory-fitted electromechanical M
Servotronic steering with
three settings delivers sporty, direct responses. Both the new BMW M3
and new BMW
M4 are equipped as standard with BMW M compound brakes, but customers
can also
order their car with even lighter and more effective BMW M carbon
ceramic brakes, which
come with the additional visual highlight of gold-painted calipers.

Optional add-ons for comprehensive driver information.

BMW has developed a free BMW M Laptimer app, which allows owners to
analyze their
personal driving style. Once their smartphone is hooked up to the BMW
– via USB cable or
the car's snap-in adapter – customers can operate the BMW M Laptimer
app easily using
the iDrive Controller. The app then gets to work without delay,
recording the car's speed,
longitudinal and lateral acceleration, engine revs, the gear engaged
(if the M-DCT or
automatic gearbox is specified), steering angle, accelerator position
and fuel consumption.
That means, when the data is subsequently analyzed via graphic
displays on the
customer's smartphone, the driver's reactions can also be assessed.
Another feature
allows two recordings on the same track to be compared
corner-by-corner. The readings
used here can be either the driver's own or data shared via email.

The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe are also available – needless to say
– with the
wide variety of driver assistance systems and mobility services
introduced under the BMW
ConnectedDrive banner, some of which will already be familiar from the
BMW 3 Series and
BMW 4 Series. Among the highlights are a new generation of the
Navigation system
Professional, offering extra capability, sharper graphics and 3D
elements for the map
display, Active Driving Assistant, which warns the driver of a looming
collision with a
pedestrian, and the adaptive full LED headlights.

The optional Head-Up Display in the BMW M3 and BMW M4 comes with
additional, Mspecific
functions such as a gear display, rev counter and Optimum Shift
Indicator.

Production: Return to the birthplace of the BMW M3.

It was at the Preußenstraße headquarters of BMW Motorsport GmbH in
Munich 28 years
ago that the company's then managing director Paul Rosche developed
the idea for the
BMW M3. Production began just a few months later at the original BMW
plant next door. A
total of 17,970 units of the first-generation BMW M3 were built here
up to 1991. And now,
almost 23 years later, production of the iconic sports car – long
since guaranteed
legendary status – is returning to its birthplace. BMW Plant Munich
will host production of
the new BMW M4 Coupe, while the BMW M3 Sedan will be built at BMW
Plant
Regensburg, where 222,293 units of the second, third and fourth
generations of the BMW
M3 combined have been produced since 1992.

Full integration into the regular manufacturing process.

One of the reasons for the decision to split production of the BMW M3
and BMW M4
between the two facilities centered on the company's commitment to
integrating the two
high-performance sports cars into the production processes for their
respective donor
models. For example, the BMW M4 will be built alongside models
including the standard
BMW 4 Series Coupe in Munich, and Regensburg is the venue for
production of the BMW
3 Series Sedan as well as the new BMW M3. Among the benefits of
"mixed" production
on a shared line is that the plants can respond quickly to market
fluctuations by making
adjustments to unit figures as required. As well as efficient
production planning and
logistics, the essential ingredient in this approach is the
single-line system: both M models
will be built alongside their respective donor models on the same
production line.

Intensive experience-sharing ensures a smooth production start-up.

This will be the first time the Munich plant has handled production of
a lightweight design
concept bringing together an aluminum hood and side panels, CFRP roof
and lightweight
tailgate in this combination. The bonding facility for the carbon roof
in the paint shop is
also new to Munich. The intensive sharing of experience with
colleagues in Regensburg
helps ensure that the employees in Munich maintain an outstanding
level of manufacturing
expertise when it comes to lightweight design technologies. Indeed,
Plant Regensburg can
call on many years of experience in lightweight design. As well as
production of the
outgoing generation of the BMW M3 with its carbon roof, the Regensburg
factory has also
been responsible for the manufacture of numerous BMW Motorsport
touring cars built for
race action.

Hall of fame: The evolution of an automotive legend over three
decades.

The new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe represent the fifth
generation of a
pure-bred sports car offering excellent everyday usability – one which
has raised the bar in
the ultra-high-performance mid-size sedan/coupe segment at every turn
over the last
three decades. "The BMW M3 has been our iconic model in the
high-performance sports
car segment since 1985, when the company unveiled the first generation
of the BMW M3
at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt," recalls Dr
Friedrich Nitschke, President
BMW M GmbH. "Today, 28 years later, the new BMW M3 Sedan and new
BMW M4
Coupe are set to extend this tradition into a fifth generation and
take the car's unique
combination of outstanding dynamics and unrestricted everyday
usability to yet another
new level."

The first generation: forming the basis for the world's most
successful touring
car.

In spring 1985, the BMW Motorsport department began development of a
racing machine
to line up in touring car competition. The road going version required
for homologation –
5,000 examples of which had to be built for sale per year to satisfy
the sporting regulations
for this category of racing – was conceived from the outset as a
race-ready Group A
machine. The inaugural BMW M3 celebrated its premiere in September
1985 at the
Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), with the market launch following in summer
1986. Its naturally
aspirated four-cylinder engine developed 143 kW/195 hp (version
without catalytic
converter: 147 kW/200 hp) from a 2.3-litre displacement, accelerated
from 0 to 100 km/h /
62 mph in 6.8 s (6.7 s) and had a top speed of 230 km/h / 143 mph (235
km/h / 146 mph).

In this trim, the first-generation BMW M3 exceeded all sales
expectations. Including the
Convertible variant, the various evolution stages of the car and the
special-edition models,
BMW had sold a total of 17,970 units worldwide by the time production
was wrapped up
in 1991.

The second generation: three variants of a "wolf in sheep's
clothing".

The successor to the original M3 was not designed as the basis for a
racing car. However,
it was developed from the outset in three body variants. The two-door
Coupe, which made
its debut in 1992, was followed onto the market in 1994 by a
Convertible and – for the first
time – a four-door Sedan. All three models were powered by a
six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine
developing 210 kW/286 hp, which powered the car to 100 km/h / 62 mph
from a standstill
in under six seconds. Top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h
/ 155 mph. A
small-series M3 GT variant was added to the range in 1994, its 217
kW/295 hp sending it
straight to the top of the M3 performance scale at the time. In 1995
the car's
displacement was increased to 3.2 liters and output rose to 236 kW/321
hp.

In 1997 the BMW M3 became the world's first volume-produced car to be
made available
as an option with the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG). This transmission
variant was based
on the conventional gearbox for the M3, but with a clutch that was
activated electrohydraulically
to change gears. M3 drivers no longer needed to press a clutch pedal;
all they
had to do to change gear instantly on one level was pull or push the
gearshift lever. Initial
skepticism was defied by impressive success, and by the time
production came to an end
almost one in every two examples of this generation of the M3
generation was fitted with
an SMG gearbox. The M3 had grown from a niche sports car to a
resounding sales
success: 71,242 units of the Coupe, Convertible and Sedan combined
were produced at
Regensburg.

Several design features of the second-generation BMW M3 also cemented
their places in
the driver's consciousness. They included special light-alloy wheels
in double-spoke
design and the specially formed, aerodynamically optimized exterior
mirror casings with
their two wing-shaped struts. These highlights have been revisited
time and again in
subsequent generations of the M3 in the form of some fascinating
design cues.

The third generation: enhanced dynamics in a sharper design.

The third generation of the BMW M3 – launched in 2000 and available in
coupe or
convertible form only – added another, now traditional, signature
feature to the model: a
power dome on the hood. The new model also raised the bar another not
inconsiderable
notch in terms of performance and dynamics. Its six-cylinder in-line
engine still had 3.2-
litre displacement, but now developed 252 kW/343 hp. And that meant
the M3 could
accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 5.2 seconds (Convertible:
5.5 s), should the
occasion demand. Almost more impressive still, though, was the sprint
from 80 to 120
km/h / 50 to 75 mph, which could be dispatched in a mere 5.4 seconds.
Evidence of the
six-cylinder engine's exceptional pulling power could not have been
provided any more
emphatically.

For the first time, the BMW M3 now also came with a variable
differential lock at the rear
axle allowing anywhere between 0 and 100 percent lock. The results
were noticeable
benefits in terms of traction and grip when pulling away and cornering
at pace. Added to
which, the second generation of the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG II) now
also allowed the
driver to change gear using paddles on the steering wheel.

The sporting flagship of this M3 generation was the BMW M3 CSL
introduced in 2003.
The three-letter suffix stood for "Coupe Sport Lightweight",
a billing justified by elements
such as a carbon-fiber roof, center console and door panels, a lighter
rear window and the
omission of numerous comfort-oriented features. With a curb weight of
just 1,385
kilograms, it tipped the scales some 110 kilograms below the standard
M3. All 1,383 units
of the 265 kW/360 hp "cornering king" were sold within just
a few months.

The fourth generation: V-8 engine and intelligent lightweight design.

2007 signaled a break with tradition as the BMW M3 took to the stage
for the first time in
15 years without the straight-six unit so frequently crowned Engine of
the Year. Instead,
the fourth-generation car – which appeared in coupe, sedan and
convertible form (the
latter joined the range in 2008) – was powered by an eight-cylinder
unit. The new 3,999cc
engine developed 309 kW/420 hp and some 85 percent of its maximum 400
Newton
meters (542 lb-ft) of torque was available across a huge 6,500 rpm rev
range. The
engineers continued along the path of lightweight design with the
Coupe in particular. On
the back of positive experience with other M models, the roof was once
again made from
carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. The hood with its striking power dome
was made from
aluminum, as were large sections of the newly developed lightweight
chassis.

Among the highlights of the fourth-generation car's production run
were the exclusive
small-series variants of the BMW M3 which shone an even brighter
spotlight on its racinginspired
characteristics. Here, the BMW M3 GTS – road-registered but developed
for club
sport racing – stood out in particular. The displacement of the
standard M3's V-8 engine
was expanded to 4.4 liters to produce peak output of 331 kW/450 hp.
Specially developed
chassis components and aerodynamic measures, plus a two-seat cockpit
conceived for
track use, equipped this exclusive special-edition model (only
available in show-stealing
Fire Orange paintwork) for competitive action on the track and
generated a particularly
intense M feeling on the road. 135 examples of the BMW M3 GTS were
delivered to
customers.

The BMW M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) presented in 2011 was
limited to just 67
units. Exclusively manufactured lightweight components and modified
chassis technology
imbued this 331 kW/450 hp model, which was based on the BMW M3 Sedan
and built at
the BMW M GmbH factory, with exceptionally precise handling balance.
The hood of the
BMW M3 CRT was made from two CFRP moldings encasing an aramid
honeycomb
structure, its bucket seats featured two CFRP layers wrapped around a
recycled-paper
honeycomb, and a carbon layer made using conventional production
technology was
added to visible areas. A rear spoiler and an air-channeling element
integrated into the
front apron (both made from CFRP) rounded off the exclusive
lightweight elements found
on the BMW M3 CRT.

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