Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, BMW

Our friend Jason tipped us off to several photos at M3post.com, purportedly showing a prototype of the E92 M3 CSL making the rounds at the ‘Ring. While we’re not entirely convinced that this particular mule is the CSL, some cues, like the ducktail spoiler and what appears to be a wider track, make us think thrice.

If it is the M3 CSL, which BMW has practically admitted is coming, expect it to drop a few pounds and come equipped with more track-friendly accoutrements. Realtor’s wives need not apply.

[Source: M3post.com]

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, BMW

The expansion of BMW’s M3 lineup is expected to take place sooner than we anticipated, and a new version of the Bavarian bomber will finally put the oft-maligned sequential gearbox to rest. According to Auto Telegraaf, BMW will be debuting the M3 sedan at a major Stateside auto show, likely L.A. or Detroit, and along with an extra set of doors, it’ll be sporting the automaker’s new dual-clutch gearbox. Rumored to be dubbed “M DCT,” the new ‘box will get seven forward gears that can be controlled by either a new shift lever, much like the one found in the new X5, or steering-wheel mounted paddles shifters. BMW also plans to offer a traditional six-speed manual for those who prefer to row their own gears.

The regularly spied convertible version of the M3 is also on its way, which is proving to be an engineering challenge for the M-division due to the extra tonnage the retractable hardtop tacks onto the curb weight. We’ve heard that a track-bred CSL is also under development, and that its debut is likely to take place some time in 2009.

[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]

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Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Euro, BMW, Police/Emergency

Click image for gallery

Dutch speeders take note: the police have a new weapon in which to chase you down and write you tickets. And with its 420-horsepower V8, it’s more than capable as a pursuit vehicle. The car, of course, is the new 2008 BMW M3, and if the burnout shot at right is any indication, the officers who get to drive the car are probably going to have a little more fun with it than the average patrol car. That’s what we call a favorable work environment. And here we think it’s cool when our local police departments get Chargers.

Thanks for the tip, Lou.

[Source: M3Post]

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows

The Essen Motor Show in Germany has become one of the major outlets for Europe’s aftermarket tuners to show their wares to a dedicated fan base. Among the many models set to make their modified debut in the land of schnitzel and spatzel is the AC Schnitzer BMW E92 M3.

Details are scarce on what’s been done to the suspension and under the hood, but if the exterior enhancements are any indication, we’d expect the folks at AC to bring their trademark blend of functionality and style into a comprehensive whole. Carbon fiber adorns the front splitter and side skirts, and we’d suspect that a C.F. rear diffuser is mounted out back - all of which ties in nicely to the exposed weave on the roof. The larger rolling stock (20s?) is typical Schnitzer style and the lowered ride height is likely a coilover system derived from their standard E92 setup.

As soon as AC Schnitzer releases its official details, we’ll have more.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Filed under: Car Buying, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, BMW

Click the image above for plenty of high-res pics.

If you’ve got a hankering for a V8-powered, carbon fiber-roofed über 3-series, BMW has finally named its price for the M3 coupe and sedan. $57,275 will buy you entry into the M3 Coupe, and bargain hunters willing to settle for an extra pair of doors can get the M3 Sedan in their driveway for $54,575. The M3’s come a long way since it’s E30 homologation-special roots. The cylinder count has now doubled from that original car, the long serving six cylinders having been jettisoned in favor of a 414 horsepower V8. The interior of the new M3s is a level of luxury unknown to the E30, too. The optional wheel-mounted M-Drive control will allow the driver to customize engine and chassis responses, and iDrive shuffles media and navigation chores. These prices will likely be less than what typical M3s roll off the lot for, as most buyers will want to add some options, and in the world of BMW, options cost.

Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Detroit 2008: BMW announces M3 pricing

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Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Tech, BMW

click above for more high-res images of the BMW M3 Convertible

Honestly, we could care less about BMW’s recent introduction of the M3 convertible. What did get our attention is the long-awaited addition of a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox on every vehicle donning an M3 badge.

The M DKG setup uses two clutches with 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th (plus reverse) on one shaft and 2nd, 4th and 6th on the other. Both clutches are oil-cooled and, like the systems offered by other manufacturers, the dual-clutch setup offers both quicker shifts and better fuel economy.

In typical BMW fashion, you’ll have the option to select several different drive settings both in automatic and manual mode. Five shift programs can be selected when running around in the standard work-a-day auto setting, while six shifting selections can be made in manual, including the always entertaining launch control setting.

There’s no doubt that all of this will be an improvement over BMW’s SMG transmission, but we’ll have to wait until next month to see how the DKG setup handles the rigors of track duty, the daily grind and performance tests.

BMW’s full press release is posted after the jump.

Continue reading Getting greasy with BMW’s M Dual Clutch transmission

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