[EnI]

Originally Posted by SCOTT27

No. BMW M have gone on record that the production car will debut at the IAA in Frankfurt next September. After international launch in July ,
The car will be in Geneva but only as a teaser "BMW Concept Car M3" similar to the "BMW Concept Car M5" in Geneva in 2004. As is the
"BMW Concept car M3" on the E46 back at the IAA in 1999. Before World debut of production car in Geneva in March 2000.

With the M3 entering the FEP programme
engineers are also using their allocated time frame to thoroughly iron out any production problems which as plagued early production of M cars.

BMW M will also get to back-back the M3 with the new Audi R8 which will be another competitor for the M3 In terms of output which the new car has been benchmarked with diverse sports cars not only the Audi RS4 , but the Aston Martin V8 Vantage , Mercedes CLK63,Porsche 911 amongst others.
The timeframe will allow BMW to make some additional updates or adjustments.

European sales will begin towards the end of 2007 , USA sales expected Summer/Fall 2008. The USA M3 has the same timeline to the M6 as market adaption requirements will fall in with this time scale.

Exclusive Price lists and optional and standard equipment specifications which have been doing the rounds on Motoring sites and enthusiast forums are completely false because BMW marketing have just started on the European specifications. BMW dealers do not get official notification until nearer offical launch.

[CAR-NNOSSEUR]

yaah right, BMW needs to worry about competing with the RS4 before talking about 911's & R8's! Good try BMW i'll believe it when I see it! R8!!

[warot]

Originally Posted by CAR-NNOSSEUR

yaah right, BMW needs to worry about competing with the RS4 before talking about 911's & R8's! Good try BMW i'll believe it when I see it! R8!!

To be honest, the RS4 was probably first on their list. I doubt they would come out with a car that can't beat the Audi. Now they are aiming higher

[CAR-NNOSSEUR]

Come on now, let's be honest, BMW is merely trying to create publicity for there next M3! It has no business in the same sentence with such vehicles!

[PC Valkyrie]

Originally Posted by SCOTT27

European sales will begin towards the end of 2007 , USA sales expected Summer/Fall 2008. The USA M3 has the same timeline to the M6 as market adaption requirements will fall in with this time scale.

So in other words, it sounds like the next M3 will be introduced as a 2009 model in 2008.

This will likely mean the M3 will be introduced at the same time as the next C-AMG car. We know that the W204 C-class will make its debut as a 2008 model. It is likely the AMG version will come out a year later.

[PC Valkyrie]

Originally Posted by CAR-NNOSSEUR

yaah right, BMW needs to worry about competing with the RS4 before talking about 911's & R8's! Good try BMW i'll believe it when I see it! R8!!

Originally Posted by CAR-NNOSSEUR

Come on now, let's be honest, BMW is merely trying to create publicity for there next M3! It has no business in the same sentence with such vehicles!

I think you may be underestimating BMW and their plans for the next M3. When the E46 M3 came out, it pretty much blew away all of the competition. In fact, it performed almost as well as the Porsche 911 Carrera of the time (996). It remained the benchmark in its category for quite a number of years too, until the RS4 came out last year. That's pretty impressive for a car introduced in 1999/2000.

I have very high expectations for the next M3. V8 power will help bring HP up to where it needs to be, and we already know the new E92 chassis is quite impressive already (335i). I wouldn't be surprised at all if the next M3 will rival the current 911 (997) in terms of performance and even the new Audi R8.....

I am really looking forward to this car.....

[CAR-NNOSSEUR]

Please post the track times in which a M3 was close to rivaling a 911! And while your at it, PAST THE JESUS JUICE!

[Just_me]

Originally Posted by CAR-NNOSSEUR

Please post the track times in which a M3 was close to rivaling a 911! And while your at it, PAST THE JESUS JUICE!

M3, Nordschleife: 8.22 min
996 Carrera 4: 8.23 min
996 Carrera 2: 8.17 min

M3, hockenheim, 1.16,3 min
996 Carrera 4: 1.16,6 min
996 Carrera 2: 1.15,9 min

Source: Sportauto

[PC Valkyrie]

Thanks Just_me. I knew I could depend on you to take this guy down!!!

Remember, I never said the M3 BEATS the 911 overall, but it is close, and a much cheaper car too.

[PC Valkyrie]

Oh and one other thing, CAR-NNOSSEUR, those times also show that AWD 911 may not necessarily improve track laptimes when you have a pro driving the RWD 911 car. Any other bubble of yours you want get popped??