M3 heads BMW niche model expansion

BMW's all-new 309kW/400Nm V8 M3 will headline a range of new niche models to fill out the German maker's mainstream line-up when it arrives before the end of the year. Following the M3 will be a range of specialist models including a 1 Series two-door coupe, 1 Series soft top convertible, and a four-door, four-seater sports crossover dubbed X6 that will all go on sale in Australia over the next two years.

The M3 was unveiled as a "concept" at the recent Geneva motor show but now BMW has confirmed the production two-door coupe version featuring a V8 engine for the first time.

The high revving 4.0-litre V8 that delivers its maximum power at 8300rpm and peak torque at 3900rpm offers 57kW more power and 35Nm more torque than the previous generation 3.2-litre straight six M3 while weighing in at 15kg less. With more power and torque and less weight, it should ensure the performance version of the small 3 Series is quicker to the ton than the outgoing car which was certainly no lame duck sprinting  at 5.2sec.

Transmissions for the rear-drive coupe have yet to be announced but you can expect to see a choice of either six-speed manual or the seven-speed SMG semi-automatic sequential box that is offered in the V10 M5 and M6 models -- the V8 is based on that same V10 engine with two cylinders lopped off.

Following the M3, the next niche models off the block will be the 1 Series two-doors in the form of a coupe and soft-top convertible. These are both due in the first half of 2008 and are likely to make their European debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Likely engines for Australia will include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 2.5 or 3.0-litre straight six, with prices expected around the $60,000 region.

As previously reported (more here), BMW Australia will not take the recently launched 1 Series three-door hatch but the cute notchback-style coupe and convertible would be good image cars for the model line.

These cars will also feature the improved engines that are due to arrive in the rest of the five-door 1 Series range about June this year as part of an overall mid-life upgrade.

The upgrades include a significant interior restyle, minor exterior cosmetics and slightly more power and torque.

Australia won't however be getting the new high precision direct injection petrol engines on the 1 Series (or the facelifted 5 Series that will be launched around the same time) as the higher sulphur content of our petrol makes is not compatible with the engines. Instead, the engine upgrades we will get improve power and torque and only slightly reduce fuel consumption courtesy of other developments such as the double VANOS variable valve timing system.

The final niche model confirmed on the horizon is the sports crossover X6 (more here). Based on the same platform as the all-new X5 that goes on sale in April, the X6 is due to go on sale here towards the end of next year or early 2009.

Where the second generation X5 is an up to seven-seat soft-roader SUV (look for the Carsales Network’s launch review next week), the X6 will be a four-seater sports model that uses an all-wheel drive powertrain and rides higher than a traditional coupe.

Albert Biermann, project manager for the new X5 suggested that if you think about what the 6 series is to the 5 series, there would be a similar sort of relationship between the X5 and X6.

Given that, you can expect engines to be limited to V8 and even possibly the M5’s V10 (which "could fit with some slight modifications") and a starting price somewhere north of $130,000.

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