M3 Will Stay!!! (No M4 moniker.)

[ae86_16v]

I always thought a M4 was kinda weird.

I also had to type it up from my mag, so excuse the typos. (Couldn't find the article online).

Originally Posted by Automobile July 2004 The next generation BMW 3-series doesn't arrive until fall 2005; we'll likely have to wait an additional year for the next M3, which will be called the M3 and not the M4, as reported in May. BMW had intended to introduce a new model-naming system, wherein 2-series and 4-series would have designated the coupe and the convertible versions of the 1-series and the 3-series, respectively, while only sedans would have odd-numbered names, but the company recently ditched that plan, probably because the M3 moniker has too much market equity. The current M3's in-line six will give way to a 400-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-8 and, in a stripped, racetrack-ready CSL version, a 440-horsepower, 4.4-liter unit. This lineup will dovetail nicely with the M5/M6's 500-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-10 and 550-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-10 (for the M6 CSL). The M3's V-8 will weigh no more than the outgoing six. Fewer moving parts, substantially reduced friction, and a lightweight valvetrain will create superfast throttle response and an unparalleled willingness to rev. Special features include an even quicker double-VANOS camshaft-adjustment device, one instant-on throttle blade per cylinder, and an even more refined, g-force-defying lubrication system.

[schnell318]

That´s great news, I always thought it would be pretty odd to have an M4 instead of an M3 even if it was the same thing. I also thought it would be better to keep the inline 6 instead of a new V8, and although I still think that way it won´t be so terrible since it appears to be a super happy revving V8 that weights no more than the current M3´s engine

I just hope they keep it that way.

[Erez]

M3 forever!! i will kill someone at BMW if they will ever stop the M3!!
the M3 ROCK!!

[BADMIHAI]

That 400 hp M3 will be a killer...not to mention the CLS!
If there's one thing BMW is VERY good at, that's making engines. I just hope they'll also offer it with a six speed manual .

[Erez]

i think BMW and porsche are the only once that will always have manuals (well they better )

[ae86_16v]

Originally Posted by Erez_Avital i think BMW and porsche are the only once that will always have manuals (well they better )

Yeah, actually I don't know about that. Last time I heard was that someone at BMW was considering offering only all SMG on all M models.

We'll see for sure when the new M5 debuts in a few months.

[schnell318]

There are rumours that there might be a manual option on the E60 M5 in a year or so after the launch.

[bmagni]

sounds great, can hardly wait, well see bout the looks of the 3 series

[BADMIHAI]

Originally Posted by schnell318 There are rumours that there might be a manual option on the E60 M5 in a year or so after the launch.

That is so fucking gay. I hate those stupid semi-autos! :cry:

[ae86_16v]

Originally Posted by BADMIHAI Originally Posted by schnell318 There are rumours that there might be a manual option on the E60 M5 in a year or so after the launch. That is so fucking gay. I hate those stupid semi-autos! :cry:

Well, no, it really isn't a semi-auto, it is a manual with a computer controlled clutch.

But yeah, personally I would like to control my own clutch.

[skituner]

i have read a couple places that its gunna be a 7-speed smg

[schnell318]

Originally Posted by skituner i have read a couple places that its gunna be a 7-speed smg

It´s a confirmed fact that it will be 7 speed SMG III and there are rumours that there might be a manual option in a year or so. I hope there will be a manual but I think it could be a little odd to have a stick with 8 different positions and maybe a little tricky...

[homemade wrx]

I'm definately looking forward to seeing the new M3!!

[TVR_Fan]

I hope Chris Bangle does not design the future M3's.

[ae86_16v]

He help design the E90, so it'll look like his designs.