BMW M3 Coupe

On sale 8th September

Put together the sound of a 420hp engine, 19” alloy wheels, two sets of twin exhausts and a racy red exterior and it attracts a lot of attention. Add a blonde haired woman behind the wheel and I have it on very good authority that both will receive more than a passing interest from the French gendarmes.

The new BMW M3 Coupe which goes on sale on 8th September is the most powerful production M3 ever produced and when you are behind the wheel, it’s easy to get carried away with the thrill of the drive. So be warned, that if you want to experience its 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds and a top performance of 155mph it is best undertaken on a racing track.

At its launch in France, I took the five door saloon on the Pau Arnos Circuit. Supported by the most sophisticated and advanced stability control systems, the M3 Coupe has some of the most dynamic traction capabilities in the automotive world. At high speed, some wheel screeching and lots of tyre smoking, the M3 stuck firmly to the tarmac, even on unsuspected blind corners. Selected via the iDrive menu, MDynamic Mode permits a greater degree of performance and wheel slip before the DSC+ system intervenes. It allows for lots of spirited driving.

The new fourth generation BMW M3 Coupe uses extensive lightweight technology which makes the car much lighter and so much faster. The most obvious sign of this is the carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof, a first for the segment. Many of the suspension components are made from aluminium. Other lightweight materials used include thermoplastics for the bumpers and front wings and a bonnet made of aluminium.

The exterior of the car is eighty percent different from the 3 series group. The muscular front end and side gill with repeater lights and M3 branding gives the car a real road presence.

The interior is a practical four seater and there are lots of storage spaces and a good size 430 litres boot. The seats are sculptured and fit very snugly. They are multi adjustable; as is the steering wheel so it’s simple to find a comfortable driving position. Getting in and out of the rear is simple because the front seats slide forward by pressing a button and despite being a coupe there is enough head room for a person over six feet tall. Available as an option, Electronic Damper Control allows three different stages of ride set up – Comfort Normal or Sport.

The interior is plain black with very good quality trim and includes several unique attractive features such as blue and red stitching around the steering wheel.

The use of lightweight materials is only one strand of the Efficient Dynamics ethos employed on the new M3 Coupe. The eight cylinder engine is 15kgs lighter than the six cylinder engine it replaces. The car is eight percent more fuel efficient than the outgoing model recording 22.8mpg on the combined cycle. Emissions have also been cut by nine percent from 323g/km to 295g/km. Brake Energy Regeneration helps achieve these savings. Previously engine power produced during deceleration was lost, but now it is recycled to charge an Absorbent Glass Mat battery. Under acceleration, the alternator decouples to avoid being a drain on engine performance.
Power is transmitted to the road via a slick changing six speed manual gearbox.

The two French gendarmes who pulled me over for a better look at the BMW M3 Coupe converted the otr price at £50,625 to euros. By their facial expressions and European gesticulations it seemed they were suitably impressed. In addition to the on the road price, buyers of the 700 cars allocated for 2007, have each spent an average of £4,700 on extras.

There is a waiting list until 2008 for this very desirable car, which can sometimes, attracts the wrong sort of attention!

Facts at a Glance
Model: BMW M3 Coupe
Price: £50,625
Engine Options: V8
Performance: 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph.
Combined fuel consumption: 22.8mpg
CO2 emissions: 295g/km

By Sue Cooke