SPY PICS: BMW M3 caught

BMW's all-new M3 has been sprung in winter testing. Not due for release locally until the second half of 2007, the latest version of the world's best-selling high-performance car has been spied during cold weather testing in Sweden and on the German Nürburgring wearing only light camouflage.

CarPoint's car-spies have also been able to confirm that the V8-powered balls-out Beemer is going to launch as a full range -- witness the first pictures (see hereabouts) of the four-seater cabrio and four-door saloon versions of the new M3.

Externally, the car takes many cues from the M5, with twin-exit exhausts, front wing vents and discreet 'M' badges, while the look of the all-new 3-Series means an aggressive nose and deeply sculpted flanks. The bonnet's 'power bulge' follows the cues of the Z4M with strong v-shaped crease lines.

The first ever factory V8 3 Series the new M3 will deliver more than 300kW and is expected to post sub-5.0sec 0-100km/h times.

Power will be fed to the rear wheels via a six speed manual gearbox or the latest SMG sequential manual, possibly with seven ratios. The new car should maintain the M3's reputation for outstanding handling. The V8 -- derived from the M5's V10 -- will be more compact than the current in-line six cylinder model, while a longer wheelbase will help with weight distribution.

The M3 coupe is expected to debut in Europe in mid-2007 with the cabrio and sedan likely to follow six months later. It's unlikely the four-door will come Down Under, although the cabrio is a possible addition to the range in 2008 or beyond.

-- with Carparazzi