What is it? Making its North American debut, the fourth-generation BMW M3 coupe and new M3 sedan has upped the power ante from the previous generation. The engine size increases from a 333-hp, 3.2-liter inline six to a 414 -hp, 4.0-liter V8 engine with maximum engine speed at a high 8,300 rpm. The bigger engine is also lighter than the previous version by 44 lbs. due to a carbon fiber roof panel that reduces the weight. There is also an optional steel roof panel with moonroof. Other features include an all-new aluminum suspension and 6-speed manual transmission.
An optional feature is the Mdrive, which is used for setting and retrieving the driver's specific configuration of the engine control map, suspension, and stability control set-up.
The M3 will compete against other ultra-high performance, upscale models such as the Audi RS 4 and, Mercedes C63 AMG, Cadillac CTS-V and Lexus IS-F.
When will it be available? Spring 2008
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