BMW announced last week that the V8-engined M3 would adopt auto-stop/start from March. The news was mentioned in a press release from the prestige manufacturer's British office, but BMW Australia has been quiet about the new, fuel-saving technology.
"We're not ready to comment on that yet," replied BMW's local PR & Corporate Communications Manager, Toni Andreevski, when asked about the new feature by the Carsales Network at the conclusion of the local launch for the 5 Series Gran Turismo.
Andreevski has previously explained that it's hard to obtain supply of the M3 currently, using lack of this model of car on the press fleet until May at the earliest as an illustration of the on-going high demand for the M3.
Assuming we'll eventually see the M3 here with auto-stop/start, it will reduce fuel consumption from 23.7MPG (11.9L/100km) to 25.2MPG (11.2L/100km) in combined-cycle testing with the M DCT twin-clutch transmission. The new feature will be available with both manual and M DCT variants, and in all three body styles -- coupe, convertible and sedan.
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