We’ve just spied this afternoon this F80 M3 sedan prototype showing a power dome / hood bulge for the first time. The M3 may have now entered the FEP (Final Evaluation Phase) stage of testing. Until now some M enthusiasts have been disappointed to see the lack of a power dome on previous prototypes, but this mule confirms that the F80 M3 and F82 M4 will feature an aggressively shaped hood.
The rest of the camouflage remains as concealing as on prior mules. As seen clearly, the M3 kidney grilles are sportier than the F30 3 Series, yet not as thin nor wide as the recently exposed F82 M4 coupe grilles (pictured below for comparison). The headlights underneath the camo may (unconfirmed) also be a sleeker version … CONTINUED
We brought you the first photos of the 2015 M4 Coupe prototype earlier today, now have a first live look and listen at the prototype in action on the Nurburgring.
What you’re seeing and hearing is the F80 M3 / F82 M4’s anticipated inline 6 cylinder engine with multiple turbochargers, pushing approximately 450 horsepowers. The engine has been rumored to be an extensively reworked and reinforced N55 6-cylinder engine with a strengthened aluminium block with a heavily modified cylinder head. The Induction technology is said to be completely new as will be the latest bi-vanos variable valve timing. But, we also think that there may be a possibility that the engine turns out to be a reworked/enhanced version of a successor engine to the N55 (which has … CONTINUED
We’ve heard rumblings in the past weeks that the F82 M4 coupe had begun its public testing rounds and our spies have now spotted it for the very first time!
The prototype wears the typical heavy camouflage of early stage mules, but there’s plenty to analyze. There’s little doubt this is the M version of the upcoming 4 Series coupe. There are the signature M quad exhausts, the flared fenders, signature blue M brakes, wide tires, and M6 steering wheel.
Both the front and rear fenders on the M4 coupe are significantly flared and stretched compared to the F32 4 Series prototypes we have spotted. The rear flare is easy to spot, while the front is less conspicuous. But one can easily tell in photo #5 where the … CONTINUED
The F32 4 Series Coupe and F33 4 Series Convertible have finally shown one of its most important signature design elements (and on any BMW) - the kidney grilles!
As expected, the kidney grilles of the coupe are sportier (thinner, shapelier and wider) than that of the F30 3 Series sedan. A close look reveals a different number of slats and differing designs for the grilles on each side - 11 flatter slats on the driver side versus 9 ‘kinked’ slats on the passenger side. We are likely looking at the separate grille designs for the different ‘lines’ that the F32 and F33 will be offered in (just like the F30 sedan). The closeup image of the hood and front end also reveals extra camouflage panels on … CONTINUED
A mystery BMW model appeared at the BMW Museum a bit over a month ago, shrouded under a big blue tarp. It’s yet to be positively identified, but could this possibly be the next generation F80 M3 sedan or F82 M4 coupe?
There’s not much to go off of by way of the sparse photos, but the one part of the car that can be partially seen - the wheels, happen to match the wheels that have been spotted on the F80 M3 sedan prototypes from our spy photos.
It’s premature for any F80 M3 concept to be shown, much less an F82 M4 coupe (the F32 4 series coupe upon which the M4 will be based has not even debuted yet), but is it just our hopeful … CONTINUED
Lovely Spring days bring warmer weather but it also returns BMW prototypes to Nürburgring testing, and we’ve just spied on video the king of all current BMW prototypes - the much-anticipated [B]F80 M3 Sedan[/B]. Powered by an inline 6 or V6 displacing more than 3 litres good for roughly 450hp and featuring up to 3 turbos (with possible electric turbo), the new M3 is set to be better than its predecessor in any and every regard, as usual. BMW will again offer both a 6-speed manual and an (optional) 7-speed double clutch transmission for the M3.
As we’ve oft repeated, the new 2014 F80 M3 may be the only M3 model BMW will offer for the next generation as rumors suggest that the F82 … CONTINUED
After a few months of cold weather testing in the frozen climate of Sweden, the 2014 M3 F80 sedan has returned to further honing where it most belongs and excels - on the Nurburgring track. As we approach the warmer months we should begin to see it undergo hot weather testing where it will hopefully shed some more camouflage for the sake of adequate cooling.
In this sighting, we get some good close looks at the F80 M3 kidney grilles which we’ve pointed out before as being sleeker/sportier than that on the F30 3 Series. The production side view mirrors (which also be sportier in shape) have not yet been installed on any prototypes.
4 piston fixed brake calipers stop the front wheels while 2 piston fixed brakes … CONTINUED
We’ve posted plenty of spy photos and videos of the next generation M3 sedan (F80) but this is the first high speed chase video we’ve seen, and the chase car is no slouch. Watch as a tuned BMW 1M coupe (with 420hp) pushes a F80 M3 prototype to 240+km/h on the Autobahn.
The F80 M3 is due to debut in the second half of 2013, likely for market release in Europe at the end of 2013 and in the US early 2014.
We continue to spy the BMW F80 M3 sedan conducting winter testing in the frozen surroundings of Northern Sweden. This time we’ve got 3+ minutes of footage on the next generation 2014 M3.