The first-ever BMW M3 with an eight-cylinder engine will go on sale from 11 October, immediately after its debut at the Australian International Motor Show.

“With over 1,200 examples of the E46 generation coupé sold in Australia, the BMW M3 is undoubtedly Australia’s most useable and sought after super coupés,” said Tom Noble, general manager Marketing, BMW Group Australia.

“The key to all BMW M3’s is the car’s supreme agility. High cornering grip means plenty of fun for drivers.

“It seats four in comfort over long or short distances, has a practical luggage compartment and of course the power and performance to put many much more expensive cars to shame.

“The new M3 will provide drivers with more fun and more performance than ever,” said Noble.

Developing 309kW at 8,300rpm, the new high-revving V8 engine features eight individually controlled throttle butterflies, normally found on race cars and each weighing just 22 grams, for faster response and additional performance, as well as variable double-VANOS camshaft control.

Peak torque of 400Nm arrives at 3,900rpm with the new engine management system capable of processing more than 200 million operations per second.

Weighing 15 kilograms less than the six-cylinder engine in the former model, the 4.0-litre V8 continues the BMW M tradition of high-revving engines and lightweight engineering and is capable of revving all the way to 8,400rpm.

Some 85 per cent of the engine’s peak torque remains available throughout the enormous speed range of 6,500rpm.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox interacting with a brand new final drive.

The engine block comes from BMW’s light-alloy foundry in Landshut which builds the blocks used in Formula One by BMW Sauber.

Accelerating from zero to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds, the new high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH is the first M product to feature EfficientDynamics technologies including Brake Energy Regeneration and an optimum gear change indicator located in the instrument panel. These measures, coupled with the extensive use of light-weight materials, result in an eight per cent improvement in fuel efficiency with the new M3 posting a respectable12.4l/100km in the combined cycle.

The M3 will be the first BMW introduced to the Australian market with Brake Energy Regeneration.

The new M3 is also the first production vehicle in its segment to feature a carbon fibreroof, serving to reduce the weight of the car by 5kg and improve handling thanks to the lower centre of gravity. Compared to a conventional steel roof incorporating a sunroof, the weight advantage is 22 kilograms.

The highly dynamic driving experience of the new BMW M3 is the result of 50/50 frontrear weight distribution, rear wheel drive, newly developed chassis with special, weightoptimised components, characteristic BMW M axle kinematics, forged aluminium track control arms, compound high-performance brake system and Electronic Damper Control (EDC).

With the exception of one small detail, the lower trailing link, the five-link rear suspension has been completely redesigned.

Ensuring that power is used and not wasted, especially during fast cornering, the new BMW M3 benefits from the class leading Variable M Differential Lock, providing up to 100 per cent locking action.

Drivers of the race-bred BMW M3 can also tailor the car’s behaviour and performance thanks to MDrive, which is positioned on the steering wheel for immediate access to the vehicle setup saved in the MDrive menu. Steering forces can be varied between Normal and Sports settings, Electronic Damper Control can be adjusted with three different settings – Normal, Comfort and Sports, and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) can be completely deactivated, all at the touch of a button.

For the first time, Australians can order their new BMW M3 with Melbourne Red or Jerez Black paintwork, which like other M colours, is named after famous Formula One circuits around the world, including Interlagos Blue and Silverstone. Other paintwork options include Alpine White and Black as well as Sparkling Graphite and Space Grey metallic.

An aluminium bonnet with striking power dome, large front end air intake scoops and muscular, powerfully flared wheel arches underline the athletic and authentic BMW M look of the car.

Due to the increased demand for air by the naturally aspirated V8 engine, the intake air plenum is located under the power dome and receives air from behind the kidney grille, front air dam and left side of the bonnet channelling up to 400 litres of air per second into the engine. At maximum speed, the V8 engine requires around 17 cubic metres of air per minute.

Air intake gills in the front side panels, M-specific side-sills accentuating the rear-wheel drive concept, discreet spoiler lip, and roof in clearly visible carbon-fibre look as well as four impressive tailpipes arranged in two pairs typical of BMW M, round off the exterior design.

Highlights of new standard equipment, compared to the previous model, includes the new V8 engine, Novillo leather upholstery, Electronic Damper Control (EDC), MDrive, Adaptive Headlights, High-beam assist, Voice recognition, Comfort Access system for keyless entry and starting with Start/Stop button, front as well as rear Park Distance Control (PDC), BMW Assist, sunroof (available at no additional cost), heated front seats, Brake Force Display, as
well as metallic paintwork.

Pricing and options
M3 Coupé six-speed manual: $157,000

Electric sunroof – glass: No Cost Option
Electric rear roller blind: $550
BMW Individual High End audio system: $1,900
19-inch forged M light-alloy wheels: $3,800

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