[Jason]

Still no M3 bodywork, but you can tell quad tailpipes.



Seen here driving on the German Nürburgring is the first prototype of BMW's much anticipated M3. These photos confirm our original report (see story below) of a 4 door M3 being brought back into the model range since the E36 platform. We also reported the M3 would receive a V8 engine. If you look closely at the hood you'll notice the entire center has been sectioned out and replaced with a specially fabricated cover. It cannot be determined from these photos if the cover is steel or another material, however, it is clear that the purpose of this modification is to compensate for a larger engine. Other indicators of this prototype's intentions can be seen in the massive cross-drilled front and rear brake rotors as well as dual split exhaust pipes carefully hidden under the rear bumper fascia. Unfortunately this prototype is not having a full dress rehearsal since M3 styled front and rear fascias are absent as standard 3 Series bumpers take their place.

[F32Fleet]

hmmmm....Das Interesting.

[E90Fleet]

I like how they are trying to hide the exhasts

"wee will fool them all, wee will turn the exhast dowwn and they will notz know whot it is"
"OOPS von braun youz fortogz to shorten them so they dont sticks outz zee bottom"

[nexus66]

Strange that the tailpipes point down - diesel style! Could this simple be because of the rear bumber, or is it possibly a performance diesel?? 335d with twin-turbos??

[CC 330i]

I think I see a bulge in the hood on that car. It appears to be very low key, and probably will be different in production. I like how they make it look like a stock E90.

If you look closely at the top photo, it almost looks like the entire center section of the hood is a separate material (slightly more matte finish and you can see supports underneath in an V pattern starting at where the BMW emblem would be). If you look closely at where the hood emblem should be also, you will see a seam that runs around the entire center section).

[Jason]

Good eye, this is what the report says from above:

If you look closely at the hood you'll notice the entire center has been sectioned out and replaced with a specially fabricated cover. It cannot be determined from these photos if the cover is steel or another material, however, it is clear that the purpose of this modification is to compensate for a larger engine.

[maq]

Originally Posted by nexus66

Strange that the tailpipes point down - diesel style! Could this simple be because of the rear bumber, or is it possibly a performance diesel?? 335d with twin-turbos??

Quad-pipe is now an M trademark. Don't think they will give the treatment to a 335d. I think they were just trying to be low key

[CC 330i]

Originally Posted by jwocky

Good eye, this is what the report says from above:

If you look closely at the hood you'll notice the entire center has been sectioned out and replaced with a specially fabricated cover. It cannot be determined from these photos if the cover is steel or another material, however, it is clear that the purpose of this modification is to compensate for a larger engine.

Oops, I guess it pays to read the article rather than just looking at the pictures!

I was so distracted by the

[coco]

Awesome man can't wait to see the actual M3 bodywork (fenders, etc.!!)

[davinet78]

the new m3 is just going to be awesome