As I write this, BMW is showing the media its new M5 in Munich, though we're not allowed to tell you anything about it yet. As a sop the Bavarian firm has rolled out a new M3 derivative, based on the four-door saloon. Details are scant, with BMW telling us that the new four-door model will slot between the standard M3 and the very orange, very quick
M3 GTS.
To achieve its greater performance - and no doubt quicker Nürburgring lap time given its forthcoming public debut at the M festival at the track's 24-hour event - BMW has stripped out some weight, added stopping power and revised the suspension. It's unlikely that the output from the 4.0-litre V8 will change much from the 414bhp of the standard car, but a freer-breathing exhaust might liberate a few more ponies. There's a slightly revised rear wing sat on the boot lid, too.
More details will follow at the car's official debut in June, though we hope that all the production cars come in the same combination of dark blue, black wheels and tinted windows. The perfect companion in your M garage for when your M3 GTS is just a bit too extreme. And orange.
The M3 lightweight saloon was revealed on the same day BMW released details on two other variants, the incredible
M3 pickup and the (check the date)
M3 Coupé Royal Edition.
Kyle Fortune - 1 Apr 2011