BMW M3 Concept

By Tim Pollard

Motor Shows

08 March 2007 02:03

BMW M3 Concept: the lowdown

It's been scooped, spied and speculated about for months - but earlier today the covers finally slid off the new BMW M3... or the concept, at least. Yes, we'll have to wait a bit longer for the final production version, but these photos suggest that the M3 concept will go the same way as its bigger brother, the M5. BMW showed a similar concept of that super-saloon two years ago (even in the same gun-grey hue) and it went into production virtually unchanged. Be in no doubt, officials vow, this show car reveals 'almost exactly' how the new M3 will look when we finally see it in a few weeks' time.

The M3 concept is based on the new-shape E92 coupe, but toughened up as befits the latest model from Munich's M division. The nose is set off by a deeper front spoiler with extra cooling ducts funneling air to the V8 engine; BMW still hasn't specified mechanical details, but we know it will be an eight-pot derived from the V10. The capacity is somewhere between 4.0 and 4.2 litres, churning out around 420bhp. Sitting atop that large-capacity engine are an unmissable power bulge and scooped-out bonnet air vents; it's unclear at this stage if these will make it to the production version.

By Tim Pollard