viettho

iTrader: (1)

http://forums.detnews.com/autosinsid...x.cfm?id=24643

M3 OR IS-F?

M3

BMW M3 coupe to debut at German show; convertible may follow later


Expect the BMW M3 coupe to officially debut at the car show in Frankfurt, Germany, this September, but a convertible version may not make it to market until 2008. Powered by a plus-400-horsepower V-8, the M3 should include an SMG sequential transmission and possibly a double-clutch transmission later. Just like on the 3-Series drop-top, the M3 convertible will be a four-seater with a retractable hardtop roof.
The M3 version will stand out with its wider fenders, newly designed bumpers with bigger air intakes and the four-pipe exhaust system. This picture of the M3 convertible prototype was taken during a winter test in northern Sweden.

-- Scott Burgess
VS


Designed, tested and refined on the world’s most challenging racetracks, the Lexus IS-F is a high-performance sport sedan that will grab the eye, seduce the ear and stir the soul. Its aggressive exterior will accompany impeccable handling, intense speed and unlimited exhilaration. Inside you will find more than 400 horsepower [1], the most powerful gasoline engine we’ve ever made. [2] You’ll hear what’s in store the instant you turn the ignition and bring the IS-F to life. Its 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 engine delivers over 350 lb-ft of torque [1], along with a 0-to-60 time below 4.9 seconds [1] [3]. To keep the driver in synch with so much power, the IS-F comes equipped with the world’s first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission with paddle shifters that snaps quickly and crisply between gears. To insure seamless shifting, the transmission will also feature a throttle “blip” on downshifts to help match the engine rpm. All the while, a specially tuned suspension delivers impeccable road feel. Drivers will particularly enjoy this while riveted—very comfortably, of course—to front sport seats featuring larger side bolsters. Closer to the ground lie massive six-piston caliper front brakes that are more than adequate to the task of restraining the 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels [4]. Along with a lower profile and wider stance, the rear of the IS-F features quad exhaust tips. Their unique staggered, vertical design assures that this pure performance sedan is every bit as intimidating outside as in.




THE ANSWER: IS-F

caymandive

iTrader: (2)

That M3 convertible prototype looks boring, but the coupe looks pretty descent. Must be the difference in wheels shown in the photos. Overall the car looks pretty good but rather conservative for an M series.

RaZoRaMoN

if that's really what its going to look like then I'm very disappointed. It doesn't look aggressive enough to be an M series.

joyriide

LOL... You're comparing a car with masking still on it to a car that has already made its debut.

Wonder why there is masking? To hide all the good stuff they don't want you to see. Maybe that mule is for testing purposes only..

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

IS-F vs. M3.

There is no right or wrong, good or bad. It is really all down to personal wants and preferences.

The facts are, the IS-F will be way more hassle free, but the M3 will have way more status for the badge snobs. They will have very similar performance on paper, same engine configuration/same power, same weight. But they will drive totally different. The Bimmer will be way more sporty, harsh and loud while the IS-F will be smooth, quiet and isolated.

My choice is the IS-F, I want reliability, isolation and smoothness.

Price wise, of course the BMW badge is an extra $10k

Tony59blue

iTrader: (3)

I'll take the IS-F. I'm already making plans for it. It all depends on the old-lady.

ckaught78

They probably just through on the current 3-series body work for now. I am sure it will be completely different once it debuts.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

All in good time... both are gonna be HOT!

IS_Mine

Doesn't the rear look like a shrunken 7 series?

marshmallo

Isolation? I think the IS-F is going to be a kidney busting ride with
that tire/suspension setup.

The new M3 looks worse to me than the 335 coupe, which is the
first BMW design I actually like in quite a while. Then again, many
would say the same thing about IS-F versus regular IS.

Edit : I guess it is just a mule, so I can't really draw conclusions
about the M3.

Koma

iTrader: (3)

Good thing the coupe has better proportions than the convertible. The convertibles rear quarter windows look weird.

encore888

LOL @ hood bulges all around.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Yes, the coupe definitely looks much better than the convertible. For those that may not have noticed the pic on the first posts is of the convertible 3 series not coupe.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

Hard to make judgements on mules and renderings. Most of us would choose the Lexus, that's a given.
For me, it would be hard to choose...I go with coupes over sedans everytime.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

I'm going with the IS-F all the way.. I think looks, body lines, and the overall appearance of the IS-F really out does the M3..

Tony