http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphot...oid/6050228.001
2006 BMW M3 Spy Photos
by Przemek Lis, Contributing Editor
Photo credits: Hussein Al-attar
edited 02-28-2005




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Update - 07/21/2005



Seen here driving on the German Nürburgring is the first prototype of BMW's much anticipated M3. These photos confirm our original report (see story below) of a 4 door M3 being brought back into the model range since the E36 platform. We also reported the M3 would receive a V8 engine. If you look closely at the hood you'll notice the entire center has been sectioned out and replaced with a specially fabricated cover. It cannot be determined from these photos if the cover is steel or another material, however, it is clear that the purpose of this modification is to compensate for a larger engine. Other indicators of this prototype's intentions can be seen in the massive cross-drilled front and rear brake rotors as well as dual split exhaust pipes carefully hidden under the rear bumper fascia. Unfortunately this prototype is not having a full dress rehearsal since M3 styled front and rear fascias are absent as standard 3 Series bumpers take their place.



Original Story from 02/28/2005



In 2006 BMW will kick it up a notch in the sports coupe market with the much anticipated next generation E90 M3. Both Coupe and Cabriolet models are planned with a new addition of a 4 door sedan not seen since the E36 platform.



The initial idea considered was a 4 door M3 saloon and a 2 door M4 coupe. But recently BMW has changed their minds and keep the legendary M3 coupe alive. Internal pressure from the BMW board was too great to kill it off. Therefore, the M3 coupe, M3 saloon and an M3 cabriolet in addition to an M4 2 door coupe/cabriolet will be developed. Did you get all that?



(Edit: The M4 will be a coupe/cabriolet = 2 door coupe with folding hardtop)



The M3 coupe will feature a 6 Series like glasshouse with the possibility of a new distinct interior. The front will sport a new aggressive yet subtle bumper while the rear will display quad exhausts like the new M5. Power will come from a new lightweight V8 producing around 400hp and uses the latest dual-VANOS variable valve timing system. New engine building technology and lightweight materials mean the engine should amazingly weigh the same as the outgoing 3.2 liter in-line 6 cylinder from the current E46 M3 but with considerably more power.



During early testing of the cabriolet version of the 3 series BMW experimented with both a normal canvas roof and a hard folding top but decided on the canvas due to weight savings and maintenance.



The new M3 is slated to arrive in early 2006 with a 2005 Frankfurt debut and the cabriolet will have a Geneva 2006 debut with sales beginning in summer 2006. The SMG transmission will come standard and a CSL version of the coupe with excess of 420hp is being planned as well.



The M4 will also feature theV8 engine mentioned above in the M3 and should go on sale later. No further details are known. A concept for the regular 4 Series is slated for Frankfurt in September.



Editor's note:

Originally published as: "During early testing of the cabriolet version of the 4 series..." Edited 03/24/05 to read "During early testing of the cabriolet version of the 3 series..."

 

Oh boy, I think I like the M3 again.....

M4? Please don't do it BMW.

 

what's the RS4's HP numbers now? Should be an interesting HP war.

 

As I look down the page, the car looks good until I see the rear end with those tail lights.
Still, this M3 should be a beast I'd hit it

 

Nice numbers the M3 is putting up. I think the current M3 looks much better, but the more I look at this car the more I like it. Not sure if I like the 4 door though. I think 2 door would be better.

 

Yeah, can't wait to see the M3 coupe . I have much less interest in the M3 sedan/convertible & the M4.

 

I don't like the new 3-series body, it's too big and bulky. The 3 has always been the smaller more compact model, I don't like where BMW's exteriors are headed. But the numbers look great!

 

bmw is really doing it well man.... engine wise. v8 with that kind of power, it's going to blow other manufacturers easy again. they are doing so great

the taillights are definitely a big problem like andrew said, but i still don't dig that front bumper which is pretty much like the one on the m5. i think it looks very weird

 

BMW can make a really nice attractive car. Both luxurious and sporty but NOT reliable at all.

 

A four door m3 again. I like the looks of it and the power makes it even better

 

Wait till y'all see the 4door IS500. It's in the current Road/Track SPEED mag. I was too cheap to buy it to scan for all y'all cuz I thought some hardcore Lexus dude like 1SICKLEX probably would've beaten me to it.

 

That's hot, but the black hides some of the funkier design elements.

Did anyone see that the new 3 series has an *8* inch 16:9 screen for nav now? I think that's the biggest screen out there right now.

 

According to the latest from Toyota engineers reported, that's just a possibility under consideration, it's still not a sure thing that an IS460 or IS500 would be produced. : https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=171153

 

umm, i could be wrong, but i thought the new tl (since 04) already had 8 inch touch screen? that's one hell of a screen that's for sure

 

After seeing that the M3 will have 412hp, I hope Lexus is smart enough to use the 5Liter instead of the 4.6L. Especially since the Bimmer will be underated as usual. My prediction is Yamaha is already hard at work on the head to go with whatever version Lexus has planned for the upcoming IS V8. Since Toyota has finally gotten serious about the HP war, I hope new IS will be a high revver and have 425hp and 360ft lb to start.