New BMW M3 E92:First Drives

[MeraBoy]

The E92 model is the fourth generation of the M3. When it goes on sale in the UK in early September, the M3 will cost £50,625 and will, at first, be available only as a two-door coupe.

The last car’s 3.2-litre six-cylinder wouldn’t meet forthcoming emissions regulations and rivals – including Audi with the RS4 and Mercedes with the C63 AMG – upped the game with V8s, leaving Munich with little option but to match them.

The quest for a high-revving engine has left a hole in the torque low down, so you need to stir that six-speed manual (the only option for now, though SMG will follow) to really get moving. The ’box is carried over from the E46 and obviously shares its characteristics: direct but a little arthritic.

The new car's 3999cc V8 produces 414bhp @ 8300rpm,, 295lb ft @ 3900rpm, but the basic ingredients remain the same: rear-wheel drive, a limited slip differential. The new larger engine is 15kg lighter than the six-pot in the E46.

Less focused handling does improve the ride quality significantly with the M3 soaking up bumps much better than its predecessor ever did. The steering is light and impressively linear but lacks the meaty heft of its big brother, the M5, or the finely detailed feedback of a 911.

Once you’re sideways the E92 is an extremely easy, progressive car to hold in a drift, but it takes a little more determination to get it there in the first place thanks to that softer, woollier front end.

With high quality plastics and leather, intuitively laid out controls and sound ergonomics, the new M3 is a good place to be. In fact, it’s simply an organic evolution of the old model, something that will appeal to those turned off by the M5 and M6’s hyper-tech interiors and illuminated gearknobs.

Verdict :The M3 has grown up and lost a little of the E46’s edge to the more weight/more power vicious circle. But BMW has no doubt judged the market perfectly. The M3 is now a genuine volume seller. The new car needs to be a brilliant all-round package, capable of pleasing those who like the idea of the badge more than what it first stood for: track-honed thrills. And it is very, very good. This car is fast, practical, well built, comfortable and safe.

New M3 Video test Drive at Online Video section.

Source:
CAR Magazine - Carmagazine.co.uk

 

[davidcnz]

Nice ride!! i wonder when it will arrive in Malaysia!

 

[ayumiboa]

Faster Faster lai lai!!!! Come to Malaysia!! :_: Nice and compact!! =P

 

[Izso]

whats with that bulge on the hood?

 

[ayumiboa]

Hmm.... i thinks design.... Looks good though. Without the bulge, i think it will be kinda plain. =P:_:

 

[Vagabond]

it's the infamous V8 power bulge!

 

[si|verfish]

Nice and compact? What would call the previous one? Anorexic?

To quote the article;

The M3 has grown up and lost a little of the E46’s edge to the more weight/more power vicious circle.

This M3 will most definitely be a brilliant car but it certainly has lost touch with its legendary predecessor the E30 M3.

And yes the bulge looks awkward, like it was an afterthought.

 

[MeraBoy]

And yes the bulge looks awkward, like it was an afterthought.

...agreed, especially fr the side view, it doesn't match the hood.