New BMW V8 M3

Price:
$65k

Specs:
First-ever V8 M3 3,999 cc weight of motor:445 lb
New engine weighs 33 lbs. less than the outgoing M3's six-cylinder
420 horsepower/295 lb-ft at 3900 rpm, 8400 rpm max
0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds, 155 mph top speed (electronically limited)
6-speed manual tranny
All-new aluminum suspension
Carbon fiber reinforced roof
Regenerative braking used to power the car's on-board network
Variable camshaft control, low-pressure double-VANOS for an
optimum charge cycle, system offering full power and performance even with normal engine oil pressure.
Eight individual throttle butterflies
Ion flow technology recognising and distinguishing engine knocking phenomena as well as misfiring and miscombustion by measurement of ion flow in the combustion chambers.
Consistent and reliable oil supply with longitudinal and lateral acceleration up to 1.4 g ensured by two oil pumps and wet sump oil lubrication


Interesting Facts:
-The engine block of the new eight-cylinder comes straight from BMW's light-alloy foundry in Landshut near Munich, where BMW also builds the engine blocks for the Company's Formula 1 racing cars.
- Ion Flow Technology
A particular highlight in engine management is ion flow technology detecting any knocking in the engine as well as the risk of misfiring or miscombustion. Contrary to conventional processes and technologies, this function is
now performed directly where it counts, that is right there in the combustion chamber itself. To provide this highly efficient control, each cylinder is monitored and controlled via the spark plug to determine any knocking tendency. At the same time the system checks the ignition for smooth and correct operation, and recognises any misfiring.The spark plug therefore serves as an actuator for the ignition and as a sensor observing the combustion process, distinguishing in this way between miscombustion and misfiring. And through this double function performed by the spark plug, diagnostic requirements in maintaining and servicing the engine are also facilitated.

-Brake Energy Regeneration.
To further enhance the efficiency of the new V8 power unit, Brake Energy Regeneration ensures intelligent engine current management concentrating the generation of electric power for the on-board network on the overrun phases and the application of the brakes. This serves to charge the car's battery without tapping on engine power and, accordingly on the energy contained in the fuel burnt. As long as the engine is running under power, on the other hand, accelerating and pulling the car, the alternator generally remains disconnected.
Apart from particularly efficient generation of electric current, this also helps to provide more drive power when accelerating, making the car even more dynamic and agile on the road.


My Opinion:
I think the new v8 E92 M3 is fantastic. No only does it have more power than the old inline 6 but it's lighter even sporting the two extra cylinders.The amount of new technology put into this car is amazing better yet the craftsmanship of the motor/body/interior/suspension etc. are nothing short of the word phenomenal.I mean I really wouldn't expect anything less from a BMW wearing an "M" badge.From what I've gathered through articles on M3 the handling is superb on the track and the high revving v8 makes it that much better. With some minor modifications such as full exhaust,CAI,Headers and a tune you should see some significant gains, in my eyes it has been restricted a good amount to conform with regulations here in the states.

Here are some pictures of the "PowerHouse Amuse Ericsson E92 M3"
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106439