The duel for this year’s...
The duel for this year’s Dunlop British Touring Car Championship has intensified after Fabrizio Giovanardi cut Jason Plato’s series lead following three rounds at Snetterton.
The next-generation...
The next-generation M3 is the first V8-engined 3-Series, and offers 400bhp - so expect it to race from 0-60mph in a fraction over five seconds, and go on to a limited top speed of 155mph.
Power will be fed to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or the latest SMG sequential manual, possibly with seven ratios. The new car should maintain the M3"s reputation for outstanding handling. The V8 will be more compact than the current in-line six-cylinder model, while a longer wheelbase will help with weight distribution.
Externally, the car takes many cues from the M5, with twin-exit exhausts, front wing vents and discreet "M" badges, while the look of the all-new 3-Series - first revealed in issue 819 - means an aggressive nose and deeply sculpted flanks. Expect to see the M3 in UK showrooms at the end of 2006.