BMW's new V8 M3 is a pre-shrunk M5

The long wait is over -- almost! BMW has officially launched its all-new V8 M3 to the international media. Unveiled in Spain this week, the new two-door performance coupe has been one of the most previewed BMW new models ever. It will make its public debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show before arriving Down Under before the end of 2007.

Remember the M3 CSL? It was a lightweight version of BMW's M3 released as an E46 model and it blazed the trail for the new M3 -- E92 in BMW speak. The bonnet of the new car is formed from aluminium and the roof is carbonfibre, which was what reminded us of the M3 CSL in the first place. Suspension components are the low-fat variety and weigh 2.5kg less than the equivalent parts found in the 3 Series coupe on which the new M3 is based. Compound brake components also lost weight for the cause. Even the carriers which bear the weight of the bumper covers are constructed from 'long-fibre' thermoplastic for lower weight.

The 4.0-litre V8 alone weighs 15kg less than the previous (E46) M3's six.

Yet for all that work, the M3 still weighs 130kg more than the 335i coupe, according to BMW's own international press kit.

On the 'power' side of the 'power-to-weight' equation, the engine, which is exclusive to the M3, delivers peak power of 309kW and 400Nm of torque at 3900rpm. 85 per cent of the peak torque is on tap across an engine rev range of 6500rpm.

The engine can reach 8400rpm, partly explaining the breadth of that rev range. A higher rev limit allows a broader power band, if you have the variable valve timing to achieve that -- and the M3 does.

Such is the engine's formidable torque that the car will hit 100km/h in 4.8 seconds and deliver an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. A six-speed manual transmission and a type of limited slip differential with BMW's 'Variable M differential lock' deliver all that torque to the rear wheels. There's more information on the engine available here.

BMW claims that the M3 shares surprisingly little with the 3 Series Coupe on which it is based. Other than the basic structure of the car (which would include the floorpan), only doors, boot lid, windows, headlights and tail lights are shared with the 3 Series coupe.

Everything else, according to BMW, is exclusive to the M3.

The M3 features a number of new technology highlights, resulting in efficiency, safety and convenience gains.

One feature you might expect to find in a Toyota Prius, but not a BMW M3 is the Brake Energy Regeneration function, which captures spent energy from the braking system when the engine is in overrun (power-off) or the brakes are applied.

The energy recovered flows back to the battery to power electrical accessories, saving the need for the alternator to be constantly driven, which improves fuel economy in turn.

Variable levels of power steering assistance can be adjusted by the driver manually, selecting normal or sports modes. The steering is hydraulically assisted for better feel than is common with electrically boosted systems.

Dynamic Stability Control ('DSC'; BMW's name for an electronic stability program), has been upgraded with a sort of 'hill-holder' function to keep the car from rolling backwards on a hill. This is known as the 'Start-Off Assistant'.

DSC also applies more brake pressure if there is any sign of brake fade.

If there is any indication that the driver is about to apply the brakes for an emergency stop the DSC now pre-loads brake pressure in the hydraulic lines.

Electronic Damper Control ('EDC') is available as an option to buyers of the new M3. The system reduces dive, squat and roll, aiding the car's native handling, roadholding, braking and traction.

As a further option, MDrive can be specified to allow the driver to select parameters tailored to personal preferences.

Look out for the Carsales Network's launch review of the new M3 soon.

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