Automotive News, Media & Press - 4 Door M3 Caught Testing

http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/spyphotoid/6050228.001

BMW realized that enthusiasts mourned the departure of the 4 door M3 during the transition from the E36 to the E46 generation 3 Series and they have responded by resurrecting it from the dead. As many of you know, BMW chose not to build an E46 4 door M3 as they felt it would kill sales of the E39 M5. Well since the E60 has grown and now occupies a slightly higher price point, BMW feels it is once again safe to build a 4 door M3 without cannibalizing M5 sales. Like the M5 and M6 the M3 will probably look more ballsy than its not M bretheren but still regain its general goofiness. While the E90 is not as ugly as the E63 and E65 6 and 7 Series, it suffers from the same problem that the E60 does... it doesn't look as good as its predecessor.

That engine should be a hoot though. And as BMW has confirmed that it will offer a traditional 6 speed manual on the M5 and M6 afterall following a slew of complaints from mostly US buyers, you can bet your ass the E90 M3 will get a 6 speed stick option as well.

That looks great!

Wow, that does look really good. Is is going to be offered in both 2 and 4 door, or 4 door only? I've always loved the look of the 2-doors but I have t admit, that looks really good. :nod:

I love the dish on that rear wheel! :hump:

Wow, that does look really good. Is is going to be offered in both 2 and 4 door, or 4 door only? I've always loved the look of the 2-doors but I have t admit, that looks really good. :nod:It will be offered in 2-door and 4-door.
2-door photoChop here: http://forums.streetfire.net/showthread.php?t=1216

The power was going to be a 400hp V8, until Audi upped the Anti with a 420-ish-hp RS4. BMW is trying to match the Audi's power in a lighter RWD platform, so expext 410-420hp from BMW in a 4.0Liter and a 500hp CSL. (Lightweight). Trannys will likely be a 7-speed SMG (YUCK!) or a 6-speed manual (Yea!).

-Adam

the back end of it looks sweet

I wouldxtake either of them. BMW did a great job on the rear of that car. SWEET!

Personally, I haven't been terribly impressed with BMW's styling since the Z8, though I can certainly appreciate the rest of the car.

Styling-wise, I actually like the new 3-series just fine. I do not like the Z4 and 7, and I'm so-so on the 5-series. Personally I think Audi and Mercedes are doing a better job styling their cars these days, but they still seam to lack the ability to make true "Driver's cars". The only cars I fine really "fun" to drive in that segement are the M3 and the CTS-V.

Word has it the 5.0L V10 derived 4.0L V8 in the next M3 may make as much as 449hp with Audi's 4.2L FSI V8 making 414hp.