2008 BMW M3 Coupe and Sedan to be Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show

BMW will finally introduce two of its important creations at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show—the 2008 M3 Coupe and Sedan. These two new models from the Munich-based automaker are expected to raise performance benchmark in its class.

The 4th generation 2008 M3 Coupe together with the all-new 4 door M3 sedan are scheduled to hit dealerships in the spring of 2008. These two new offerings from BMW will feature a high revving V8 engine that produces 414 horsepower at 8,300 rpm. Such power and performance is the very first offered in the series-production BMW M3 and the highest performing M3 ever offered by the M division of BMW.

The BMW M3 Coupe with high quality BMW radiator will feature a one-of-a-kind carbon fiber roof panel that reduces weight by 44 lbs as compared to the optional steel roof panel with moonroof. Plus both models will feature driver-adjustable settings for crucial dynamic controls of which will include steering, damping and stability. There will also be an available steering wheel mounted MDrive button to store the preferences. Inside is a sports oriented interior that will enable better handling plus the vehicle’s comprehensive entertainment/navigation system operated through BMW’s latest iDrive Controller adds up to its appeal.

Under the hood is a throbbing V8 which is further enhanced in the 4th generation BMW M3 thereby increasing power, efficiency and reduces weight as compared to the previous six-cylinder M3 engine. The new light-alloy engine displaces 3,999 cubic centimeters (4.0 liters) and produces 414 hp at 8,300 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm with 85 percent of the maximum torque available consistently through 6,500 rpm. Such power output represents a 17 percent increase over the six-cylinder from the last generation M3 and yet the new engine only weighs 7 percent less and amazingly consumes 8 percent less fuel than its predecessor.

The BMW M3 Coupe and Sedan is equipped with manual transmission, twin-disc clutch and a Variable M Differential Lock Power. The power of the V8 is transmitted to the rear wheels through its close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. The performance limit of the M3 is affected by heat management which is one of its key design factors for both transmission and clutch. And since heat management is basically about temperature, it is expected for the transmission to feature integrated temperature-dependent oil cooling management while the internal ventilation maximizes heat dissipation for the twin-disc clutch.

The Variable M Differential Lock generates up to 100 percent locking action and employs fully variable action if called for thereby ensuring optimum traction on all types of road surfaces.