It never was. But it was always something that other cars weren't, on top of the fact that it is a luxury car. It makes certain drivers feel different and invincible.

In a way, it created its own genre of cars, that only it and a few others were a part of. A luxury car with very SPORTY CHARACTERISTICS, and a fast engine. Only issue now is that the new M3 has more competition and consumers have more option to meet that criteria. In the end, it will still be that car, and so will many others...

Appreciate it.

 

Define "benchmark".

And the new M3 and IS-F won't be out for months, so we cannot accurately judge either of them just yet.

 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/benchmark

bench·mark /ˈbɛntʃˌmɑrk/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[bench-mahrk] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. a standard of excellence, achievement, etc., against which similar things must be measured or judged: The new hotel is a benchmark in opulence and comfort.
2. any standard or reference by which others can be measured or judged: The current price for crude oil may become the benchmark.

[...]

 

it makes something like 85% of its peak torque from 2500 to 6500 (forgot exact numbers). But yea Id expect some more torque, but if the torque curve is going to be as claimed above then its still going to be pretty quick

Im estimating the IS-F to have around 350 ft lbs with a 5.0 if a 3.5 is making 277 already

But I think the coupe version looks hideous and out of proportion as a coupe, the last M3 coupe was much better proportioned and better looking. This M3 will probably look better as a sedan

 

That's not what I meant. Specifically define "benchmark" in the context of the M3. How exactly is it a benchmark? And what is it a benchmark in?

In terms of being a benchmark OVERALL, that it is not. On interior alone, it alreadly loses out to the IS-F and RS4.

 

The M3 is the benchmark that all of the media basically compares the other cars in its class to. The IS-F cannot be the benchmark since it has never been release. Sure, this M3 isn't out yet, but based on the previous generation M3, it is the incumbent champion IMO. Interior really isn't that big of a deal to me in a GT/Sports coupe. We'll see if the new IS-F still drives as relatively boring as the other Lexus models.

 

It looks like it's getting air from the front air dam and the hood. I like it!

 

First, I found this statement contradicting itself.

Now, get back to your original question. (ff, may I.) A benchmark doesn't necessarily has to be the best in what it's trying to be compared or judged with. It only has to have a consistent reputation of solid records. An M3 may not be the best in its segment (entry level sports GT) in some people's mind, but we hardly hear anybody saying "This car is better than the RS4" or "Compare to the legendery IS-F" or "it's going to take away the crown from the AMG C-class". Everybody is using M3 as the measuring stick, because that's the one car everybody is going after, trying to build a better car than what BMW can build.

 

Well done (and yes, you may )

 

I don't like the controls on the top of the seat.
-hass

 

The M3 also has the benefit of being around the longest to justify itself as the benchmark. The IS-F hasn't even come out yet so it has a long way before it could be considered the benchmark.

History plays a big roll for being the "benchmark".

Other benchmarks include Camry/Accord, and the MB S-Class. Doesn't mean they're always the best (in their segments), but they remain the benchmark.

 

To clarify, I was asking if this discussion was referring to the M3 as a benchmark in terms of sales in the segment, it's sporting and handling characteristics, or as a benchmark overall.

Clearly, it's obvious that historically the M3 has been, and is a benchmark simply because it's been one of the only cars in this segment. It's also quite clear the M3 has been a benchmark in sporting in handling characteristics.

But right now, it's not so clear anymore. Many argue the RS4 has become the benchmark for sporting and handling characteristics. As a sales benchmark, we must wait until the new M3, as well as the IS-F come out to judge that.

Some would also say (including myself) that the E46 M3 was a styling benchmark. The new M3 has controversial styling, and a lot of people, including BMW fans are not liking it all that much.

 

I think again, the drivetrain and engine and suspension will be fantastic. It is again, wrapped in a questionable cover. There is NO WAY anyone can clown the IS-F for its look and not clown this car.
This has validified the E46 M3 as a classic looking car. This has so many weird lines and angles and creases. Sigh........

I bet its gonna be one helluva drive though.

 

When I saw the E46 M3 pictures for the first time, I was literally blow away how good the car looked back in the days. Long Live E46 M3! Still my favorite BMW to this day.

This E92 production pictures tho, underwhelmed me. I was actually very impressed after seeing the concept pictures. But what the hell happened here.

I agree with 1SICK. BMW guys will have tough time clowning the hood budge on IS-F, and quad exhaust. They have it worse, much worse, IMHO. LOL!

 

be aware that this V8 engine is lighter than most of the V6's out there!!!

so its understandable that it does 290 ft.lbs of torque as long as the car is light enuf to be moving nimbly
i think this M3 will be lighter than IS-F until lexus does an IS-F carbon fibre light edition

btw since u wanted to get into the details, its ft*lbs for the units of the torque, not lbs/ft