The Race Car Inspired BMW M3

German premier automotive maker BMW continuesclosely guarded secret until very recently.
to maintain its hold as the top selling luxury autoCamouflaged spy shots of the all new BMW M3 have
brand in the world. Battling with archrivalbeen circulating on the internet for some time now
Mercedes-Benz year in and year out for the highestbut only since June has a pre-production version of a
laurels, BMW continues to constantly tweak itsfully unclothed BMW M3 been spotted. It was seen
existing line and add new vehicles to its line in a bid tonavigating the twisting roads of Southern California
stimulate and strengthen customer interest. One areaaccording to The Car Connection, the vehicle
where BMW has found much of its recent success isinformation and shopping site.
with its race car inspired line of vehicles, the M Series.For BMW enthusiasts, news of a BMW M3
Since 1979 various Motorsports [M} tags have beenpre-production sighting means one thing: BMW will
affixed to vehicles that have been developed by thesoon announce the date in 2007 when its latest M
BMW Motorsports division, including the BMW M3 aSeries car will be available in dealer showrooms.
car based on BMW's popular 3 Series. Today, BMWRight now, the current BMW M3 is still based on the
engineers are hard at work on developing an all newfourth generation 3 Series which was replaced in
BMW M3 and, if all of the auto buzz is correct, very2006. The new BMW M3 will be based on the latest
few cars will be able to keep up with this 400 hpgeneration body frame and feature some notable
road commander. Please keep reading for a closerimprovements over the previous BMW M3 model
look at the all new, soon to be released, BMW M3.including:
A pitched battle in autodom continues to gatherA larger, more potent V8 engine with an output of
force pitting German automaker against German400 horses. Currently, the BMW M3 features an inline
automaker. Legendary Mercedes-Benz is taking onsix engine with a 333 horsepower output. The new
heralded BMW for the right to call themselves themodel is expected to rocket from start to 60 in
top selling luxury brand in the world. For years, theunder 5 seconds, topping out at 155 mph.
honor belonged exclusively to Mercedes-Benz, but aA six or possibly seven speed manual transmission.
recent stumble on Mercedes' part coupled with aA longer wheelbase for better weight distribution.
surge of new products from BMW has placed BMWStyling cues from the BMW M3 will find its way to
in first place. Not far behind the two is Lexus, thethe new model from front wing vents to twin exit
luxury division of Toyota, but for now the battleexhausts along with the ubiquitous M series
remains a fight between these two Germanrecognized emblems.
automakers.For Mercedes enthusiasts they can point to the soon
For luxury car enthusiasts, the BMW-Mercedes rivalryto be released 2007 C Class, which is the direct
has been a win-win battle as both automakers havecompetitor for the BMW 3 Series, as evidence that
been pouring engineering funds into their vehicles.DaimlerChrysler will not let BMW out of its crosshairs
Neither automaker is resting on their pastanytime soon. A new AMG [motorsport] version of
achievements; instead both are pressing forward tothe C Class will follow, ratcheting up what is certain
add the latest safety features including Mercedes'to a pitched battle to be enjoyed by compact luxury
Night Vision Assist and BMW's impact absorbingcar devotees worldwide.
bumpers which absorb stronger impacts withoutAdditional competitors to the BMW M3 include the
damaging the vehicle's main body. Safety is one ofCadillac CTS-V, the Audi RS4, and the Lexus IS.
the chief concerns for consumers when selecting aPrices have not been set for the new M3, but they
particular luxury brand according to all of the leadingcan be expected to top out at around $60,000 fully
automotive industry surveys.equipped.
For BMW, its latest automotive project has been a