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Not only is the M3 Sedan the ultimate answer to BMW
enthusiasts’ dreams but it is also the first time a V8 engine has been made
available in the iconic 3 Series Sedan.
The thirty-year benchmark in the compact premium sport class,
the BMW 3 Series has been a paragon of performance with straight six and
four-cylinder engines up to now.
Australia’s love affair with high-performance V8 engines
continues unabated, so BMW decided to import the M3 Sedan as a regular model to
complement the existing and highly successful M3 Coupé and soon to be released
M3 Convertible.
With 309 kW on tap and 400 Nm from the 4.0-litre Formula
One-inspired V8 engine, BMW M3 Sedan customers can expect to reel in the horizon
at an astonishing rate, and be entertained aurally in the process.
The unique high-revving engine has an 8,400 rpm redline, and
reaches 100 km/h from rest in just 4.7 seconds, yet consumes only an average of
11.9-litres of fuel per 100 km on the European cycle.
The BMW M3 Sedan will be offered in Australia with both a
conventional six-speed manual gearbox and the all new seven-speed M
double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic; the latest twin clutch arrangement
that delivers even faster acceleration in a completely seamless manner.
The exterior of the M3 Sedan will carry over many of the
unique M features seen on the M3 Coupé and Convertible models such as the
aggressive front mask (albeit subtly modified), bulging bonnet with air intake
grilles, mudguard gills, sport side sills, rear air diffuser and of course the
trademark quad-pack exhaust pipes.
There are 18-inch light alloy M design wheels and hugely
powerful brakes, capable of reigning in the M3 from its electronically limited
250 km/h top speed.
The M3 Sedan chassis carries over only one component from the
standard E90 Sedan, and in all, between 70 and 80 percent of the M3 Sedan is
unique when compared with the E90 Sedan range, underlining the fact that the M3
Sedan is a race-bred sportscar in road car drag.
The new V8 will also be the first M3 model of the current
generation to offer seating for five, making it the most practical and fun way
to enjoy M3 motoring.
BMW will announce pricing closer to the launch of the car in
Australia but the M3 Sedan is expected to be priced in line with 3 Series family
policy, that is, at a level slightly below that of the comparable Coupé or
Convertible models.
The new E90 generation car is the first M3 four-door to be
sold in Australia but the model has been exceptionally popular in other markets
where it was previously available in the 1990s in its E36 generation
guise.
The new BMW M3 Sedan was recently voted the sportiest
car in its class by renowned German magazine ‘sport auto’, and joined five other
BMW models as class champions.
The M3 family is the most successful of all M cars, with more
than 180,000 examples built since 1987. Around 12,500 E36 M3 Sedans were
sold.
The BMW M3 Coupé was judged Drive.com.au website’s overall car
of the year in 2007 on debut, continuing a series of significant awards for the
nameplate throughout its history in Australia which began with the E36 Coupé.
The very first generation (E30) M3 was never officially imported to
Australia.
“The arrival of the BMW M3 Sedan in Australia will make
Christmas really special for an exclusive band of our enthusiastic customers
this year,” said Tom Noble, General Manager Marketing at BMW Group
Australia.
“The M3 Sedan is a dynamic, muscled and toned machine that
sets hearts pumping.
“We have been asked for some time to bring this car in so we
are delighted we are now able to deliver on the wishes of our most ardent
supporters.
“The refined, engaging performance and handling, the five-seat
practicality, and the unique visual appeal of the M3 are sure to make it a
winner. Of course the concept of a light-weight V8 engine in the already agile
and perfectly balanced 3 Series Sedan guarantees a stimulating drive each time
you climb in.”
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