Infos aus UK !"!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
M Power News (22/07/03)
BMW's M-Power division is planning a massive onslaught to gain it's performance crown back from it's main rivals. Four new models are planned including a V8 powered M3 (four-door varaint), an M4 (two-door coupe/convertible), & a V10 powered M5 saloon & M6 Coupe.
Under BMW's new badging all two-door variants are to get even numbers & four-door versions will be named with odd numbers. BMW has registered the names for it's sports car expansion, there is also a series of lightweight CSL specials that use Carbon-fibre materials with involvement from it's F1 division. The CSL's not only will have lighter body composits but more powerful engines.
The new M3 & M4 will use a 400Bhp V8 due on sale in 2006 starting at £45,000 at todays prices, also planned is an Estate (Touring) version to take on it's rivals like the Audi S4, Mercedes C32 AMG & forthcoming C55 seen as a large market share for Tourings. The V8 version is likely to be a 4.0 Litre with drive to the rear wheels & update version of the SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox through the traditional 6-Speed manual. Although heavier than the tradition 6-cylinder engine it will be off-set by the lighter hybrid construction on all new 3 & 4-Series.
The new M3/M4 will be based upon the forthcoming 3-Series due out in 2005 codenamed E90.
The new M5 & M6 will feature 5.5 Litre V10s with BMW's third-generation Vanos Varible Valve timing system. Using Aluminium forward of the windscreen contributing to a 50:50 weight distribution. Prices starting at £55,000 for the M5 available in 2005 & £80,000 for the M6. Both developing 500 Bhp with 450Ib ft torque, expect 0-60 Mph in approx. 4.5 secs, weight shouldn't be more than 1756Kg which means a power to weight ratio of approx. 300 Bhp per tonne for the M5. M6 is to take on the mite of Porsche's 911 Carrera, Merecedes SL55 AMG & the new Aston Martin DB8. Sharing modified suspension from the new M5 & using a carbon-fibre roof, boot floor, bulk-head, bonnet & boot lid for the new Super Coupe.
All M-Power models will have re-profiled front & rear bumpers with deep spoilers, large cooling ducts, flared wheel arches, beefed up side sills, deeper rear valance & four exhaust pipes. Also 19" alloys as standard on the M5 & M6.
Also testing is being carried out on a Z4M using the new V8, but is yet to be approved.
Also hot new Golf rival M2 based on the forthcoming 1-Series, with 220 Bhp high-reving 2.2 Litre (see lower down my news page for early story on this).
Na ist doch was ?
" ///M Fahrer,die Gralshüter der Marke"