Only weeks after BMW revealed their M3 Concept car in Geneva, they have released detailed information about the new V8 engine that will go into the production model. We are currently waiting for an English translation of the entire kit, and as soon as we receive it, we will publish. However, in the mean time here are the main facts:
[Update= Full details here]
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22% more power
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8% less fuel consumption
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Displacement 3,999 cm3
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Power 309 kW/420 HP
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Torque 400 Nm/295 ft-lb @ 8,300 rpm
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Double VANOS with 8 individual throttle butterflies for more spontaneous reaction time
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Fulfills EU4 and LEV 2 emission requirements in Europe and US respectively
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Brake Energy regeneration with intelligent regeneration
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Weight 202 Kg (15kg lighter than S54 Inline 6 cylinder)
Despite an additional two cylinders, BMW has reduced the weight of the engine to be 15kg lighter than the cast steel S54 inline 6 cylinder in the previous generation E46 M3. Through advanced construction techniques and the use of an aluminum block and composite materials the engine weighs a mere 202 Kg.
Although the torque figure is uninspiring, 85 percent of the maximum torque (340 Nm/250 ft-lb) is available from 2000 rpm up to 6,500 rpm creating an almost flat torque curve across this wide rev range. This translates into a whole lot of power readily available during most driving conditions. Now that inspires.
The M3 Coupe is expected to go on sale in Germany September of this year, with the sedan, touring and convertible following later. This is the first time in BMW's history that the M3 will be made available in all 3 Series variants.
Stay tuned for more details and photos. Big hat tip to M3post.com for the radical CGI's
