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Hot new BMW M3 saloon - first pics

08 October 2007

by Vijay Pattni

Click here to see more pictures of the all-new BMW M3 saloon

BMW has unveiled details of the hotly anticipated four-door M3 – the most potent M3 saloon ever produced.

Power is supplied by BMW’s new 400bhp 4-litre V8 engine, propelling the compact saloon from 0-62mph (100kph) in just 4.9 seconds – only 0.1 seconds behind the coupe.

BMW’s M division has shunned the seven-speed automatic currently used in the mind-blowing M5 and M6, fitting the new M3 saloon with a six-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels.

And the motorsport engineers have installed a complicated differential which can transfer all 400bhp to the wheel with the most grip.

This is only the second M3 saloon to be offered in the car’s four generations, with the last one being introduced in the mid 90’s.

And according to BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme, the new four-door M3 can return 22.8mpg on the combined cycle.

The Munich-based manufacturer has harnessed its engineering expertise and made the new V8 powerplant a full 15kgs lighter than before – despite having increased the capacity – weighing in at just 202kgs.

Inside, the M3 saloon features an M Drive Manager which allows the driver to personalise suspension, traction control and power settings.

And once these have been set, the driver simply has to push the MDrive button which, BMW claim, will ‘transform the M3 from a car suitable to collect the kids from school into a supercar-beater’.

The new M3 saloon will share the coupe’s standard detailing, including 18-inch Dark Graphite double-spoke alloy wheels and the M Division’s trademark twin double exhaust pipes from the rear.

Prices have not yet been announced but expect to pay in the region of £50,000.

Click here to see more pictures of the all-new BMW M3 saloon

See the new M3 saloon in action.