07 Mar 07
One of the most eagerly anticipated cars this year has to be the latest M3 from BMW - a fact evinced by the mob that surrounded the M3 Concept the moment it was unveiled in Geneva.
The M3 Concept is likely to be very close to the final version that will start appearing in showrooms at the end of this year - a full production version will probably be displayed for the first time at the Frankfurt motor show in the autumn.
Despite being based on the current 3-Series Coupe, the M3 Concept shares only a few elements with it, such as the headlights and tail lamps, plus the two doors and the boot lid. Everything else is new to the M3, developed from the ground up.
The trim at the front and rear is unmistakably M car, as is the bonnet with its telltale bulge and two air intakes; the three large air intakes under the front grille; the gills behind the front wheel arches; and the side skirts that give the car a lighter, sportier look. The M3 Concept also has the wide track and muscular stance we would expect to see in an M car. The contour line along the side of the car rises from the gills and eventually ends at the rear light cluster, and is echoed by the line of the side skirts. Simple and very effective.
BMW tells us that the M3 is chock-full of technology, with one of the most advanced elements being the roof, of all things. This isn't just any old roof: it's made from a special carbonfibre-reinforced plastic more commonly found in Formula 1. Its structure is clearly visible thanks to it being coated with only a layer of clear finish. The obvious advantage of this roof is that not only is it lighter than steel, lowering the weight of the car, but it also lowers the centre of gravity, which should help the agility and dynamic performance of the finished car.
There are no details on the powertrain as yet, beyond it being a version of BMW's high-revving V8. However, we'll be very surprised if it disappoints when we get the chance to drive it at the end of the year.
