BMW M3 Concept - Revealed at the Geneva Auto Show - High Res Photos Included

Agent004 submitted on 03/06/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 7:14 AM
from: www.autospies.com

Tags: BMW M3, Concept

Tag Links:

BMW M3

Concept

BMW M3 Concept - Revealed at the Geneva Auto Show - High Res Photos Included

Its very name is a symbol for unique performance on the racetrack and in everyday traffic. For two decades, BMW M3 has embodied the athletic heart of the brand in its most fundamental and succinct form. Its dominating role in motor sports and the ultimate driving experience it affords the driver on the road are inseparably intertwined. The qualities on which this synthesis is founded have given the BMW M3 the exceptional status it enjoys the world over. At BMW M GmbH, engineers have persisted in continuing this success story with the presentation of the new BMW M3 Concept Car. The concept study being presented to the public for the first time at the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva (8th to 18th of March, 2007) gives a first impression of what a future BMW M3 might look like.

The basic form for the BMW M3 Concept Car is a derivative of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé. The few components adopted directly from the series model are the headlamps and taillamps and, as the only body elements, the two doors and the luggage compartment lid. In all other respects, the BMW M3 Concept Car, which is being presented in the Chrome Shadow finish characteristic of BMW M GmbH concept studies, is obviously an individualistic and athletic vehicle with technology at the focus of its engineering.

Individualistic body concept with emotional aesthetics.

In keeping with tradition, the engineers at BMW M GmbH developed the BMW M3 Concept Car as a fundamentally individualistic vehicle. The level of commitment to this approach is clearly demonstrated by its body. While it is based on the dimensions and the underlying form of the BMW 3 Series Coupé, virtually all body elements have been newly developed and designed from the ground up. Apart from the supporting vehicle structure, only the doors and the luggage compartment lid were taken over from the series model. All other components were specially engineered for the BMW M3 Concept Car, lending the vehicle exterior unique aesthetics that accentuate its superior power. Unmistakable features that make the BMW M3 Concept Car instantly recognisable are the special trim at the front and rear, the engine compartment lid with its bulging Powerdome and two air intakes, the lateral air slots in the front side walls, the side skirts and the exterior mirrors in a BMW M typical design.

Front with additional air intakes, engine compartment lid with Powerdome.

Faithful to the principle of “form follows function” in designing the body for the concept study, designers at BMW M GmbH used elements that not only visually emphasise the increased sportiness of the vehicle, but also serve a technical purpose. Conspicuous at the front are three large air intakes below the cooling grille that supply the engine with additional intake and cooling air. Strong, vertical struts delineate the air intakes and enhance their characteristic form.

The aluminium engine compartment lid exhibits a wide bulging curvature known as the Powerdome. Like the air intakes beside it, the Powerdome suggests the great potential that can be expected of a powerplant in the engine bay of a BMW M3. The M3 Concept Car features a high revving V8 engine that is anticipated for the series car once it goes into production.

The contours of the Powerdome and air intakes are in line with the forward-pointing sweep of the engine compartment lid and harmoniously blend into the overall design of the front, which is longer than that of the BMW 3 Series Coupé. Together with the double kidney grille typical of BMW and the flat headlamp units, they lend the BMW M3 Concept Car a highly dynamic character.

Wheel arches and side skirts communicate agility and stability.
The muscular front wheel arches of the BMW M3 Concept Car symbolise the high level of agility and driving stability achieved by this vehicle. Together with the forged 19-inch light alloy rims in the classic Y-spoke design, they emphasise the vehicle’s wide track, while a glance through the spokes of the rims reveals the compound high performance brakes developed exclusively for M vehicles.

The opening behind the wheel arch on the front side wall, which the designers refer to as gills, has an elaborate three-dimensional form that is split by a discreet chrome bracket containing the direction indicator and the M3 logo.

Two arched surfaces form the pronounced side skirt, creating a purposefully designed contrast between light and shadow. By giving the side wall a lower appearance, the side skirt lends the car a lighter, sportier look from this angle. The incidence of light on the likewise sharply defined rear wing and wheel stresses the dynamic character of this vehicle and visually highlights its rear-wheel drive.

The design of the side skirt corresponds with the shape of the strongly pronounced contour line. The play of light and shadow between the parallel contours of the skirt and contour line brings about a tightness in design that emphasises the individual character of the BMW M3 Concept Car even more strongly.

Exclusive exterior mirrors developed for the BMW M3 Concept Car feature the characteristic black double foot that reminds the viewer of the wings of an aircraft. Even this small detail is in keeping with the principle of “form follows function”. With their horizontal contour line and tapered shape toward the outside, the exterior mirrors not only contribute to the overall impression of the vehicle, but their aerodynamic shape, optimised in a wind tunnel, is advantageous to air resistance values.

Wide track, muscular stance – rear design emphasises dynamic performance.

The rear of the BMW M3 Concept Car picks up on the design of the car’s front. The side lines gradually sink toward the rear and the wings end in a modelled hollow flute, emphasising the rear-wheel drive and visualising the superior dynamics of this vehicle. From any angle, the rear creates the impression of a pronounced wheel orientation and a muscular stance. Its proportions lend it confidence and a calm yet powerful impression. A visually discreet spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid, also called a Gurney flap, optimally channels the air at the rear and additionally reduces lift on the rear axle.

The contours of the diffuser, whose design is subdivided by modelled struts, mirror the shape of the air intakes at the front. The diffuser and the double exhaust tailpipes positioned close to the vehicle’s longitudinal axis appear to pull the rear together at the centre and build up a tension in conjunction with the horizontal lines of the bumper. The tailpipes have a round cross section and are cut off vertically, as is typical for BMW M GmbH engineering.

Exclusive roof with visible carbon fibre structure.

There is hardly a body element in the BMW M3 Concept Car that exhibits the level of advanced technology as clearly as the roof. It is constructed of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Specialists at the BMW Plant in Landshut, Germany, rely on an exclusive production method in which the structure of the Formula 1 material remains visible and the finely structured surface is only coated with a layer of clear finish.

As a highly visible advanced technology component, the CFRP roof dominates the technically innovative appearance of the BMW M3 Concept Car. Seen from the side, it lets the roof edge appear flatter and thus lowers the perceived body height. Apart from the exclusive appearance, the CFRP roof also offers a real technical advantage: It is considerably lighter than a steel roof. This not only reduces the overall vehicle weight, but by reducing the weight of the highest element in the body, the centre of gravity is lowered as well. Thus, the reduction in weight at this location is particularly beneficial to the agility and dynamic performance of the vehicle.

The CFRP roof is a perfect example of how interlinking technical innovation with an individual design strategy was central to the development of the BMW M3 Concept Car. Following the tradition of the previous three generations of the BMW M3, this concept study represents a high performance sports car interpreted for use in everyday diving, with its every detail being yet another example of the objective pursued by the engineers. The BMW M3 Concept Car is a vision that shows where striving for the ultimate driving experience will take us in the future.

BMW M3 Highlights

Concept study of a BMW M3 by BMW M GmbH, dimensions and fundamental form based on BMW 3 Series Coupe, exclusive new engineering of almost every body element, purpose-built for individualistic form and maximum sporting potential.
At the core of this concept study is an M3-typical V8 engine tuned to the high revving M concept.
Front design conveying a high performance sports car, functional execution of the front apron and engine compartment lid, a robust Powerdome and large air intakes that express the vehicle’s superior drive power, particularly voluminous air intakes for ample air supply to the engine compartment through the elimination of fog lamps, typical of M, and a front apron in a pronounced forward position that symbolises the car’s motoring spirit.
Sharply defined wheel arches, gill-shaped openings in the front side walls with an elaborate three-dimensional design typical of M cars, and chrome brackets with integrated direction indicators.Characteristic M-brand side skirts providing the side view with an energy-laden accent, visual emphasis of the rear-wheel drive and car’s wide track, 19-inch light alloy rims with the characteristic Y-spoke design, exclusive exterior mirrors with an aerodynamically optimised design.
Rear design with horizontal lines accentuating the car’s wide track, pronounced wheel orientation as a symbol of its powerful stance, rear diffuser that mirrors design elements of the front apron, balanced proportions underlining the BMW M3’s supremacy, M-typical double tailpipes arranged toward the centre of the vehicle.
Intelligent lightweight construction that directly influences the vehicle’s agility and dynamic performance, aluminium engine compartment lid.
Side walls made of synthetic material and CFRP roof that optimise weight distribution and centre of gravity, visible CFRP roof construction as an additional design element, emphasis of flat silhouette and high tech character of the vehicle.

Medium Photo | Large Photo

Medium Photo | Large Photo

Medium Photo | Large Photo

BMW M3 Concept - Revealed at the Geneva Auto Show - High Res Photos Included

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

1995e34 - 3/6/2007 5:53:03 PM

+2 Boost

apparently, subtly = wimpy. i know...it's hard to be tasteful in this world.

reply to this comment

m3rocks - 3/6/2007 11:51:51 PM

-1 Boost

dazzling-no question about it! just look at the rims, front bumper, carbon fiber roof... the 3 series coupe already is hella beautiful, anyway

reply to this comment

m3rocks - 3/6/2007 11:52:29 PM

0 Boost

will own the rs4 and is-f

JUGNU - 3/6/2007 12:06:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Great.Very aggressive.Stunning.BUT Somewhat like the IS-F.(Remind u,I am a BMW owner and fan).
Isn't the front bonnet especially and whole kit looks somewhat like that of IS-F.I am saying this becuase many of us didn't like it on the IS-F,So i would like to see what eveybody has to say about the BMW M3's.
One thing is clear,It's there for a reason.More than just design.
They r having a monster V8 in them.

BTW very impressed.

JUGNU

reply to this comment

AdmiralT20 - 3/6/2007 12:34:55 PM

-1 Boost

I totally agree.
I think those of us that were hard on the IS-F with respect to the bulge perhaps need to take back our comments.
There might be technical challenges that necessitated the bulge- heat, air flow whatever.
A smaller engine bay area for a high revving V8 proved to be quite a challenge.
I remember seen the Hartge H50 ( the S85 V10 in an E90), that had lots of outlet vents on the bonnet perhaps to allow for more heat dissipation. Perhaps the work around is the bulge.

supermoto - 3/6/2007 12:07:09 PM

+3 Boost

Fantastic. Time to get this car to market!

reply to this comment

weaponX - 3/6/2007 12:13:51 PM

+1 Boost

Understated beauty with the promise of performance that will set the standard again.

That performance I guess we'll just have to wait and see since the BMW press release didn't mention anything about actual specs.

reply to this comment

IS3andME - 3/6/2007 12:25:10 PM

+1 Boost

I can now breath again. It actually looks less aggressive from the side, but more from the front. Both the IS-F and M3 have the big intakes in the front.
I would hink that the M3 would have M designed wheels, not BBS wheels. But, over all, it looks good.

reply to this comment

KeyserSoze - 3/6/2007 12:36:07 PM

+1 Boost

stunning

reply to this comment

528i - 3/6/2007 12:42:58 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Overall it looks stunning

But they need to bring a new rims, and take off those M3 CSL rims.

reply to this comment

JUGNU - 3/6/2007 12:44:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Thanks admiral T20.U r really a honest enthusiast.
We need to take back our comments about IS-F,otherwise it will be like BMW copyed Lexus and all that bullshit which usually goes on in this site which i don't want to see/hear.

JUGNU

reply to this comment

SupraNeverBack - 3/6/2007 12:48:14 PM

-7 Boost

Ha, told you guys, it looks as dull as the regular 3 coupe.

reply to this comment

1995e34 - 3/6/2007 6:24:38 PM

-1 Boost

it's supposed to, stupid

BMW_DRVR - 3/6/2007 12:49:46 PM

+1 Boost

There is my next car. BEAUTIFUL!!!

reply to this comment

Autophile - 3/6/2007 12:50:47 PM

+4 Boost

Man. I am so happy right now :) My only gripe (though I know this is still a concept) is the new "gill" design. I can live with it.

reply to this comment

Terminal10 - 3/6/2007 1:11:26 PM

+1 Boost

This car is stunning! Overall this car looks all business. Two minor gripes 1. I like the rims but they look heavy for a car looking to shave weight but I am sure they will not be the only choice. 2. The mirrors with the large gaps in them from the fron view.
Other than that another masterpiece!

reply to this comment

AdmiralT20 - 3/6/2007 1:30:14 PM

+5 Boost

Weight saving Carbon Fiber roof. It seems to be there has been significant effort put into weight reduction.
It would be interesting to see what the final specs of this car are:

1. Weight? How light or would I say heavy it is going to be?
2. Horse Power and Torque: there are rumours that it will be a 4.0 litre V8 with 440 HP with 320 Torque. There is another group that thinks it will be 426HP with 320 Torque. I guess it is safe to say that it will be between 426 and 450...who knows at this point.
3. Performance-wise, I wonder what the stats will be?

But in summary, all I can say is that this is a good time to be a consumer with all these wonderful cars to choose from:
Audi RS4, BMW M3, Lexus IS-F, Mercedes C63 AMG, Nissan Skyline all contesting for our business.
It just keeps getting better.

reply to this comment

1995e34 - 3/6/2007 6:27:27 PM

+2 Boost

the skyline is only in japan.

NARunner - 3/6/2007 1:35:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

people complained about how it wasn't aggressive enough when we saw the camo pics and now i hear complaints that it is too over the top, haha...i guess the grass is always greener on the other side.

anyway, i like it and i think the series model will be slightly less "in your face". the "powerdome" is weird looking in the photos, but i would have to see it in person to make a clear judgment.

i love the front bumper and intakes and the rear diffuser and exhaust look good as well. i'm getting used to the mirrors. i guess they are borrowing from F1 style design with the gaps in the mirrors, like the F430...however, they are functional on the F430 directing air from the sides of the car back into the intakes on the rear haunches...they don't make much sense on this M3, but oh well...they might not appear on the production model anyway.

overall, really nice...it's going to be a tough call between the RS5 and this M3...it will all come down to the test drive.

reply to this comment

SupraNeverBack - 3/6/2007 2:18:04 PM

-6 Boost

What an Ugly hood!

reply to this comment

SilverAero - 3/6/2007 2:43:32 PM

-5 Boost

Yeah what the hell happend to the hood. This car gets 3"yawns" out of 5 from me. At least it will be able to perform

porsche993 - 3/6/2007 3:06:45 PM

+2 Boost

yes admitting to the fact that it is a beautiful car is easy. But the whole idea behind the M cars used to be somewhat of a sleeper car, a wolf in sheep's clothing. Jeremy Clarkson said it best "They're just to Shouty".

reply to this comment

quizz - 3/6/2007 3:19:53 PM

+1 Boost

I like it. If the suspension is adjustable (everyday roads and speed bumps), there's going to be a waitng list for this car.

reply to this comment

BM3W - 3/6/2007 4:47:05 PM

+4 Boost

Love the paint color, it's like liquid steel. All it needs are 20" BBS CH's and this car will rock. The bulge in the hood is there for a reason, just as the carbon fiber roof. When BMW designs an M 99% of what's there is placed there for a reason. They are not fond of tacking on extra's just for effects.

reply to this comment

BimmerFan - 3/6/2007 5:00:54 PM

+1 Boost

Too bad ricers dont understand this concept, BM3W.

minimalist - 3/6/2007 6:21:54 PM

+1 Boost

the color is actually a matte silver first introduced on the m coupe. the matte colors had been planned to be exclusive on the m versions.

bmw ended up not using the matter colors on the m coupe.

GTR35 - 3/8/2007 12:39:54 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

We'll see if it can keep up with the Nissan GTR. I love M3s BTW Except the nasty lump on the hood of this one.

reply to this comment

minimalist - 3/6/2007 4:59:42 PM

-1 Boost

incorrect. there is no performance or fit reaseons for the bulge. the e46 had a bulge since the m3 motor couldnt fit into the bay. the e90 was completely designed to fit the v-8 from the start. on the e90, the bulge is basically tacked on for effect.

car looks good. what people seem to confuse in terms of aggressiveness is aggressive styling versus stance.
the styling here is overly aggresive unlike former m cars but the stance is in no way more aggressive than the e46.

the ends of this m3 has been too smoothed out. im bettin the track will not look fluid with the body.

reply to this comment

BM3W - 3/6/2007 5:20:38 PM

+1 Boost

"incorrect. there is no performance or fit reaseons for the bulge. the e46 had a bulge since the m3 motor couldnt fit into the bay. the e90 was completely designed to fit the v-8 from the start. on the e90, the bulge is basically tacked on for effect."

I disagree...the buldge is there for a reason and it's not just for FX. It's there because of the massive engine under the bonnet.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 3/6/2007 5:24:23 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I love it. Look at the other M3 "Concept" post for my real comment.

On the IS-F... and its bulging hood. The difference is, on the 3 coupe, the hood fits with the rest of the car. On the IS, the design is perfect on the 350, WITHOUT any bulges. On the 3, the aggression lends even more to its design.

reply to this comment

trd1 - 3/6/2007 5:46:13 PM

0 Boost

i like this just like the IS-F, but you guys were clowning on how the is-f looked ricer and then looks at this, look at that hood.

reply to this comment

SSP350 - 3/6/2007 6:06:49 PM

+1 Boost

It looks good, but my gripe about this car, and it has always been the case for me, is I hate the back end of the new coupe.

reply to this comment

smshnick - 3/6/2007 6:48:02 PM

+1 Boost

I think it's boring looking compared to the E46. Why the hell are they calling it a concept? Doesn't BMW have the balls to say "This is the best we could come up with"?

reply to this comment

minimalist - 3/6/2007 7:27:24 PM

+2 Boost

because its still a concept and not yet in production.

EL34 - 3/6/2007 7:22:10 PM

-1 Boost

Of course this is a concept and BMW are bust gathering info on how everyone likes the design.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/6/2007 7:22:11 PM

+2 Boost

Of course this is a concept and BMW are bust gathering info on how everyone likes the design.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/6/2007 7:22:31 PM

+1 Boost

I love it!

annu621 - 3/6/2007 7:41:01 PM

+4 Boost

Outstanding! Great job, BMW. I am an E46 M3 owner who is very happy with the direction of the franchise, and will definitely consider an upgrade within a few years. (It's probably best to wait for one or two production years to complete...to make sure most of the bugs have been resolved.) :)

reply to this comment

Terminal10 - 3/6/2007 8:30:54 PM

+1 Boost

Anyone know when the actual engine specs. might be released?

reply to this comment

weaponX - 3/6/2007 10:14:41 PM

+2 Boost

It might be during the Frankfurt show later this year.

huu76 - 3/6/2007 9:04:17 PM

-3 Boost

Nice, less Bangle means less complaints from me. It's still a bit soft (outline seems a bit unenergetic since both the nose and tail droop down) compared to the tougher chiselled looks of the last M3, but still a good job.

Whether for function or not, the bulge "reminds" me of a Subaru Legacy and WRX.
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/051204/051204_subaru_legacy_hmed.h2.jpg
http://www.wrx.ca/images/mainimage.jpg

reply to this comment

M53R - 3/6/2007 10:53:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

The best looking car in the world! Im gonna buy 1 no matter what! Time to kick some IS-F ass! It woill be a hard fight between this, RS4, C63 (CLK63). I cant wait till they are compared, and the king should return to its place on top! GO BMW !!!

reply to this comment

nembogt - 3/6/2007 11:15:10 PM

-1 Boost

it needs a small M5 wing on the back. design is too front heavy. and unless that powerbulge hood is also a shaker, it needs to go.

reply to this comment

minimalist - 3/6/2007 11:34:34 PM

0 Boost

it has a small wing. look closely.

agreed though. without the rear hump prevalent on previous bmw cars, the front is way too front heavy imo. the rear diffusor and arrangement of the exhaust tips is a mess too. looks like an aftermarket rear bumper and add on tips.

minimalist - 3/6/2007 11:40:04 PM

0 Boost

cant wait to see the 4 door version of the m3. may have a chance of looking better than the coupe because of the fact it still has the bangle butt despite the standard coupe looking better than the sedan.

reply to this comment

NARunner - 3/7/2007 10:24:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

if they could only ditch those ugly taillights :/

SilverAero - 3/6/2007 11:42:30 PM

+3 Boost

Well i would definately take one over the IS-f

reply to this comment

NYC45 - 3/7/2007 1:58:08 AM

-2 Boost

Don't like it, E46 was better looking.

reply to this comment

motoring127professor - 3/7/2007 2:22:56 AM

+2 Boost

m looks a bit tacky for a M beamer but it should go damn good!

reply to this comment

bigredcaddy - 3/7/2007 3:06:26 AM

-1 Boost

I was really excited for this car until the A5 came along. That bulge has to go. Still doesn't look as aggressive as the A5 =(

reply to this comment

Bighead255 - 3/7/2007 4:55:50 AM

+3 Boost

Not as agressive as the Audi A5 are you serious? Listen last week you couldnt tell me I wasnt gonna buy the Audi S5 when it gets here in December as a matter of fact I went to the dealership to put a downpayment but this makes me think twice

reply to this comment

GTR35 - 3/8/2007 12:34:04 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

What happened to my last comment? anyways
The car is great except for one thing: The FREAKEN lump on the hood is Ghetto. I had said that it reminds me of the lump of the 90s Mitsu Eclipse. Get rid of that lump and we have a Near Perfect car.

reply to this comment

AMGC55 - 3/9/2007 1:12:50 PM

+1 Boost

I think its going to be a big Hit... Im just curious to see if theres really a "new" smg like audis DSG or if they keep the M5's 7speed Smg .... at least they stilla are offering the 6 spd man... the other thing is the 335i's are now being tuned and producing 380hp..so i hope the M3 at least comes with 400 out of the box..

reply to this comment

minimalist - 3/9/2007 5:59:10 PM

+1 Boost

^ the m3 has already been estimated to put out over 400 hp.

yup; the twin turbo 335i may be an unexpected reduction in sales of the new m3 by just being turbo as they are so easy to bump in hp. with the substantial increase in price of the m3, which also may hamper sales (a good thing imo), the m3 may not be the best car for everyone to get now unlike the current m3 which had been fairly cheap with no alternatives at the same cost or below.

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

	Agent004 The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
	View My AgentSpace