BMW M3 2014 News

The new car market may not be performing but sports cars are.The latest VFACTS figures show Australians are racing to performance vehicles in record numbers and are happy to spend more than $100,000 to drive their dream car.The $80,000-$200,000 sports car segment is up more than 20 per cent so far this year and dedicated sports vehicles overall account for about one in 20 new cars sold.That doesn’t include go-fast versions of regular models, an area where the Germans continue to dominate.The move isn’t limited to prestige European brands: HSV is on track to eclipse 3000 sales in 2014. HSV marking boss Damon Paul says there’s still strong momentum forthe Gen-F range.Range Rover Sport sales have doubled this year to 2200, while Jaguar sales are up 15 per cent.Iconic sports car maker Porsche has had 44 per cent growth, with 2224 vehicles.The German trio — Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz — are all posting records.Audi’s S and RS models are the fastest movers and are likely to rival HSV in terms of overall sales this year.More than 2400 buyers have chosen Audi performance models, against about 800 sales at the same time last year. That number should surge over the next couple of months with the introduction of the S1 Sportback, which at $49,900 is the cheapest quattro model in the four-ringed line-up.Benz has shifted more than 2200 of its AMG-badged cars and can likewise expect a surge in sales after last month’s GLA45 AMG compact SUV launch.It is a similar story at BMW, despite a gap between the run-out of its old M3 and the launch of the new M3 sedan and M4 coupe/convertible.BMW has sold 1142 M-badged cars to October’s end, a 75 per cent increase on 2013.

No plans for a smaller M6 Gran Coupe sibling on the BMW M GmbH horizon.

German prestige brand's tuning arm will concentrate on power-to-weight ratio. The boffins at BMW's motorsport-inspired M Division have turned out some of the best performance cars any keen driver could want, and the M badge has become a byword for great handling and high power.But it seems the power part of the equation may have hit a plateau, with BMW saying that future developments will focus on trimming weight from the cars rather than uprating the engines.“We want to be in a different league for power-to-weight, but we prefer to have a car that weighs 1000kg rather than one with 1000 horsepower,” M-Division’s head of product management, Carsten Pries said.It's true that the M cars could stand to lose a few kilos -- as they've grown in size and increasingly added new cabin technology and safety equipment over the years, they've also stacked on extra weight. And the new strategy will not only produce cars that handle better, but are also more fuel-efficient -- not that many M buyers care about the fuel bill, but efficiency is the latest Holy Grail for the European car industry, with the favoured answers being lighter cars with smaller turbocharged engines.As Carlist points out, the new strategy can already seen in the new 2014 BMW M3 and M4, which are trimmer and carry a smaller turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine compared to the V8-powered E92 it replaced. And who wouldn't applaud a move that could leads to more lightweight, driver-focused and agile cars like the E30 M3.

The Hoff's KITT for saleBased on a 1982 Pontiac Firebird, KITT was the car sidekick everybody wanted to roll with. And somebody will get a chance to do just that with the one owned by The Hoff.Holden Commodore sales surge puts it in fourth positionThe Holden Commodore has made a surprising recovery in the March sales race with a staggering 85 per cent sales increase compared with the same month the prior year -- narrowly missing a place on the podium as the nation's fourth most popular car. Preliminary figures show it was the Commodore's third-best monthly sales tally since the new VF model went on sale 10 months ago, as the Holden brand overall posted a 19 per cent sales surge.BMW M3 and M4 | videoBMW shows off the coming M3 sedan and M4 convertible -- arriving in Australia in June -- with some action footage.Mazda joins the demo derby, moving masses of 'dealer demonstrator' carsThe Mazda3 may be Australia's top-selling car so far this year according to official sales data -- but a special investigation by Carsguide has unearthed the industry secret that is driving its sales. A staggering one-third of Mazda3s sold in January and February were so-called “dealer demonstrator” models -- more than four times the industry average for “demo” vehicle sales, which is 7 per cent.Road safety expert slams 'revenue raising' speed finesA leading road safety expert has called for all revenue from speeding fines to go directly into building safer roads -- and warned the government's constant focus on speed is blinding us to other causes of car crashes. The national road toll fell to its lowest level in 89 years in 2013 but more than 200,000 people are expected to be injured on Australian roads between now and 2020. Injury rates are not falling as dramatically and are a bigger financial burden on the community because of the ongoing medical treatment.PlusRenault Kangoo stands up to crash test 2014 Toyota HiAce | new car sales price2014 Nissan X-Trail pricing and specifications 

Watch the BMW M3 and M4 video on our desktop site.

Slicing two cylinders off BMW's hot M-Series mid-size machines has had a remarkable effect - not only does it boost performance but it also slashes fuel consumption. Replacing the 4.0-litre V8 with a bi-turbo 3.0-litre inline six, the BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe arrive in September in their fifth generation with lightweight cladding and race-tuned drivetrain.They were shown at last week's Geneva motor show - though, strangely, set at the back of the stand to give prominence to the i8 and the front-wheel drive Touring hatchback. The M3/M4 six-cylinder replaces the V8 introduced in the 2007 E90 model, returning the cylinder count to that of the E36/46 that started as a 210kW 2.0-litre.Model designations now pick up BMW's ostensibly clearer coding of odd numbers for sedans, evens for coupes and convertibles - hence M3 for the sedan and M4 for the two-door. BMW Australia says it's champing at the bit to get the pair. No prices or final specs are available though it's unlikely they'd be an increase on the existing models.The current entry-level Pure coupe costs $131,945 as a dual-clutch automatic. Developed for the M3 and M4, the new bi-turbo engine pumps 317kW and, more importantly, 550Nm of torque - up 40 per cent on the outgoing V8-engined M3.It will be available as a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, with the latter being as quick as the manual but more frugal.The optional dual-clutch auto includes an integrated launch control and a "smoky burnout" function to allow some rear-wheel spin while the car is moving at low speeds. The BMW also engages the clutch when the car is understeering, to return it to the cornering line. The dual-clutch versions claim 8.3L/100km (8.8L for the manual), down 25 per cent on the current model.The 0-100km/h sprint takes 4.1 seconds in both variants, down from 4.6 seconds. Both cars have carbon-fibre roof panels and components to reduce weight. The coupe, for example, is only 1497kg which is down about 80kg on the existing two-door M3.For the first time, the track-specification cooling setup keeps the engine, transmission and turbochargers at the optimum temperature. Externally, the cars carry the wider stance of the donor models and add subtle aerodynamic aids to maintain downforce and ease fuel consumption.The M3 has a larger rear spoiler than the boot lip of the M4. Both have a smooth underbody and large front spoiler, both succeed in reducing lift equally at the front and rear axles.BMW M Division head of development Albert Biermann says air is channelled through the grille, then the oil cooler to create a Venturi effect that reduces front-axle lift and improves steering feel. Even the distinctive side mirrors, unique to these models, are on twin stalks to reduce drag.This reporter is on Twitter: @cg_dowling

The M3 sedan and M4 coupe will take on Benz's bahn-storming C63 AMG and already have the on-paper victory. The duo rocket to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. That's 0.1 of a second quicker than the M-B 507 Edition and 0.4 of a second faster than a standard C63.Mercedes still holds the outright power edge with 336kW and 600Nm but concedes about 100kg in weight to the BMWs. Beemer has dropped the 4.0-litre V8 (309kW/400Nm) and reverted to an in-line six-cylinder engine with a pair of turbochargers to boost outputs to 317kW and 550Nm while trimming fuel use by 25 per cent. Claimed fuel consumption is down to 8.8 litres/100km for the manual models and 8.3 seconds for the auto. The outgoing Benz uses 12.1L/100km.BMW has used carbon-fibre reinforced plastic to help trim weight and improve handling. The roof, drive shaft and front strut brace are all crafted from the high-strength composite, while the bonnet, front side panels and suspension components are aluminium.An electric power-steering unit has three in-built driving modes that regulate steering wheel heft and responsiveness. Adaptive dampers with three-way adjustment will also be offered as an option.BMW Australia spokesman Scott Croaker says the cars will arrive in Australia in the third quarter next year. "Visually the M3 represents the biggest change from the donor car," Croaker says. "The 4 Series coupe is already fairly aggressive and has a wide rear track so the changes to the M specification aren't as pronounced."In another first for BMW both cars will arrive simultaneously. "Previously there was around a six-month gap between the sedan and coupe," Croaker says. 'Now we have two separate models that doesn't apply." Croaker says final specification and pricing for Australian models has yet to be determined but prospective buyers will need $150,000 based on the cost of the current car.The vehicles will be built on the production lines of their respective family models, so M4s will be sourced from Munich and the M3 will arrive from Regensburg.BMW M3/M4 Price: $150,000 (est)Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: NoService intervals: 12 months/25,000kmResale: 57 per cent (est)Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl twin-turbo, 317kW/550NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 7-speed dual-clutch auto; RWDThirst: 8.3L-8.8L/100km, 194g-204g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.7m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: 1537-1635kgSpare: None 

The US car industry has come full circle and returns to old-fashioned horsepower at this year's Detroit motor show, with large pick-ups and "America's Ferrari" set to steal the limelight from imported exotica.Centre of attention at the show, which opened overnight Australian time, is Ford's new F Series truck, which has for decades held the title as the planet's favourite vehicle and makes a watershed move to aluminium construction.The bold decision, aimed at cutting fuel consumption, takes aluminium mainstream and makes Forda pioneer in volume production using the metal.Demand for pick-ups has rebounded since the global financial crisis and Ford sold more than 760,000 of the outgoing F Series last year, up 18 per cent.It has kept details of the redesign secret and will hope it can upstage its rival from General Motors, the Chevrolet Silverado, tipped to win Truck of the Year.US buyers strongly favour full-size pick-ups but last year GM broke ranks and offered a version of the smaller Colorado, described as "mid-size" in the US. At a preview event for the show, GM unveiled the GMC Canyon, a more upmarket version of the Colorado with a bull nose and acres of chrome.It marked the first appearance for Mary Barra since she was named chief executive - the only woman to lead one of the car giants. "I'm honoured to stand here tonight and humbly lead this team," Ms Barra said. "It's a team of men and women doing unbelievably great work."It comes just weeks after GM shed its "government motors" tag, with Washington selling the last of the shares acquired during the GFC. As well as a truck award, GM is also in the running for Car of the Year with two out of the three finalists -- a Cadillac and its reborn Chevrolet Corvette. The new Corvette has earned a reputation for delivering Italian sportscar performance at a fraction of the price. A track-focused version, called the Z06, will be GM's show star.The Z06 will compete for crowd attention with the Ford Mustang, which makes its first public appearance after private unveilings last month.GM's recovery milestone has a parallel at Chrysler, after Fiat recently acquired complete control.The smallest of the US "Big Three" is now wholly foreign-owned but rebounding thanks to a focus on Americana, with its controversially redesigned Jeep Cherokee SUV winning over sceptics. It too is in the running for Truck of the Year.Unlike the F Series and Corvette, it will be shipped to Australia starting mid-year. Hometown drawcards will force foreign brands backstage despite an impressive line-up.German and Japanese carmakers are also stressing traditional petrol-driven horsepower with an exceptional crop of performance cars. BMW debuts two halo junior executives in the M3 sedan and M4 coupe, which drop V8s in favour of six cylinders but have more power and better efficiency thanks to turbocharging.Lexus has the M4 in its sights with the RC F, a V8 coupe based on its mid-size luxury sedan. Meanwhile, Mercedes rolls out its next generation C-Class and a tuned version of its small off-roader, the GLA 45 AMG; Porsche shows a retro-flavoured 911 Targa sportscar; and Mini a concept that previews the upcoming John Cooper Works go-fast edition.Audi will attract attention for a crossover concept. It is expected to preview its smallest SUV yet, likely to be called Q1. The Detroit show has yet to return to its glory days of over-the-top presentations and for-the-fun-of-it concept cars, but the industry has been bolstered by 15.6 million sales last year and newfound confidence after the economic storm of four years ago.   

Licence-threatening burnout modes could well be the new launch control if the new BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe are anything to go by, with confirmation of the optional new feature coming just days after reports of the 2015 Ford Mustang also boasting the pyrotechnic function.While ‘Smokey Burnout Mode’ might be handy at Summernats or when recreating 1980s music videos, BMW’s new hi-po mid-sizers are also more powerful, faster, lighter and more efficient than the M3 Sedan and Coupe they replace.Watch the desktop version of the BMW M3, M4, 2 Series, i8 and i3 at Detroit video here.Also watch the official M3 and M4 video here.  The looks of the new M3 and M4 come as no surprise though, with the enhancements over the garden variety 3 and 4 Series models a predictable facsimile of the impressive M4 Coupe concept unveiled at Pebble Beach in August.Also no surprise is the new models’ return to a six-cylinder configuration after the 4.0L V8 E90/92 series, the new M3 and M4 use a twin-turbo dry-sump 3.0L straight six that revs to a 700rpm fewer 7600 redline, but power climbs from 309 to 317kW and torque jumps from 400 to 550Nm. The flexible turbo layout makes max power from 5500-7300rpm, and max torque is available across a Nullarbor-like 1850-5500rpm. Such figures promise to rectify the tractability missing from the naturally aspirated V8, which achieved peak torque at 3900rpm and power at the stratospheric 8300rpm redline. Another bonus from the reduced-capacity turbo layout is a 25 per cent fuel consumption improvement over the current models’ 11.2 (auto) and 12.4L/100km (manual) combined figures, with both M3 and M4 recording 8.3 (auto) and 8.8L/100km (manual) on the European cycle.Both models are at least 80kg lighter than their forebears thanks to greater use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminium, and the Sedan now matches the Coupe’s carbon roof panel for the first time.These improvements result in a claimed 0-100km/h figure of 4.1 seconds for both models, an improvement of at least half a second over the previous M3. Top speed is limited to 250km/h, or 280km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.Thankfully, the choice of either six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch DCT auto options remain for the new M3 and M4, and the new manual joins the DCT in blipping the throttle on downshifts.Power is sent to the Active M Differential via a 40 per cent lighter one-piece carbon fibre driveshaft, and the Nurburgring-honed M3 and M4 boast their track readiness with a sophisticated integrated cooling system for the engine, turbochargers and transmission.Also preparing the new models for the track is an M-specific suspension setup with standard lightweight forged 18 inch alloys. Staggered widths of 9 and 10 inches front and rear are wrapped in 255 and 275mm tyres, while heavier 19 inch rims and a carbon ceramic braking package remain optional.One detail unique to the new M3 and M4 is a serpent-like carbon-fibre strut brace draped between the suspension towers for chassis rigidity, and its one feature that’s destined for Ebay replication. The new BMW M3 and M4 are expected to arrive on Australian shores some time after mid-year. 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000LUXURY CARSAudi A8: Audi will refresh its A8 flagship sedan lineup by mid-2014, with subtle styling tweaks and interior details, along with shuffled drivetrain options. (Approximately $188,000-$249,000)Audi RS7 Sportback: Essentially a five-door hatch version of the existing RS6 Avant, the RS7 will arrive in February with sleeker Sportback styling than the wagon, and the same 412kW/700Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. 0-100km/h is the same 3.9 seconds too. (Approximately $240,000)Bentley Continental GT S: While Bentley prepares its first SUV model, there’s not much else in store for 2014 from the legendary Brit aside from powered-up new S models added to the V8 Continental GT lineup. (Approximately $380,000)Jaguar XJR: Jaguar will add the new XJR to its XJ big sedan lineup in the first quarter, with the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 performance flagship to sit above the existing Supersport range-topper. (Approximately $350,000)Lexus RC: Lexus’ new RC coupe should arrive before the end of 2014 to take on the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, with a choice of petrol V6 and hybrid drivetrains likely to expand to include a high-performance 5.0-litre V8 RC-F soon after. (Approximately $70,000-$130,000)Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli: 2014 is set to be a big year for Maserati, with the new Quattroporte (Approximately from $250,000) arriving in V6 form in January, and V8 form in February, with the return of the smaller Ghibli sedan ( Approximately from $150,000) in March.Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Mercedes will cap its local S-Class sedan lineup in January, with the arrival of the $385,000 S63 AMG high performance model. The 430kW/900Nm twin-turbo V8 S63 will sit above the existing S350 and S500 models, and be joined by the diesel-electric S350 BlueTec hybrid and twin-turbo V6 S400 variants by June. (Approximately $250,000-$385,000)Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe: Mercedes’ upcoming S-Class Coupe is expected down under before the year’s end, with the yet to be officially revealed new model replacing the existing CL coupe models. A drop-top version is also planned, and a V8 and V12 petrol-only lineup is expected with an entry price north of $300,000 likely.Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid: The plug-in Panamera E-Hybrid is also due early in the year, with a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and 70kW electric motor to enable 3.1L/100km fuel use with 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds. (Approximately $296,900)SUV/4WDLand Rover Range Rover: Before mid-year, Land Rover will add a range-topping lineup (Approximately $250,000) with new hybrid versions of it and the Sport expected before the end of the year. (Approximately $102,000-$182,000)Porsche Macan: Porsche will add the new sub-Cayenne Macan SUV to its Australian lineup from June, with the cheapest diesel model forming a new entry point to Porsche ownership at $84,900. Twin-turbo 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6s will sit further up the price scale, with the 294kW top-spec capable of 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds. (Approximately $84,900-$122,900)SPORTS/PERFORMANCEAston Martin V12 Vantage S: Aston will add its fastest model this side of the ultra-exclusive One-77 in the first quarter of this year, in the form of the track-ready V12 Vantage S coupe. (Approximately $450,000)BMW M3 and M4: BMW’s new M3 and M4 mid-size performance heroes are set to arrive after mid-year, with the move to twin-turbo six power resulting in the fastest M3 to date, and matched by the renamed M4 coupe. (Approximately $124,000-$180,000)BMW i8: The i8 plug-in hybrid sports car is expected to arrive before the year’s end, blending grand tourer luxury with 4.4 second 0-100km/h acceleration and 2.5L/100km fuel economy. (Approximately $200,000)Ferrari 458 Speciale: The first of 60 Australian examples of Ferrari’s hardcore 458 Speciale are set to arrive before mid-year, with the lighter, more powerful track-focused special able to lap Fiorano 1.5 seconds faster than the old Enzo flagship. (Approximately $550,000)Jaguar F-Type Coupe: Jaguar will add the recently unveiled Coupe version of its stunning F-Type in the third quarter, with the 20kg lighter V6, V6 S and V8 S variants also expected to slightly undercut their soft-top counterparts on price. The Coupe-only F-Type R will sit at the top of the hardtop range, with the 404kW/680Nm spec V8 promising 0-100km/h acceleration in the order of 4.2 seconds. (Approximately $125,000-$200,000)Lamborghini Huracan: With the Gallardo now officially out of production, Lamborghini is keen to follow with its Huracan replacement to sit beneath the V12 Aventador models before June. The V10 Huracan is set to challenge Ferrari’s 458 with an uprated version of the Gallardo’s 5.2-litre V10 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. From $428,000Nissan GT-R: Nissan will bring its latest incarnation of the GT-R performance coupe down under from March, with cosmetic upgrades the key changes for 2014. New LED headlights and taillights are changed for the first time since 2007, and mesh wheels keep Nissan’s giant-killer a fresh opponent for Porsche’s new 911 Turbo models. (Approximately from $170,000)Porsche 911 Turbo and GT3: Porsche will launch several key hi-po versions of the 991 911 to its Australian lineup in the first half of 2014, with the $359,800 Turbo and $441,300 Turbo S arriving first in coupe and convertible ($29,000 premium) guises, with the $294,000 track-oriented and now PDK-only GT3 soon after.Porsche 911 Targa: The new semi-convertible unveiled in Detroit will touch down in Australia before mis-year, with a new folding roof mechanism and all-wheel drive 4 and 4S versions. Both manual and PDK auto will be available, and prices will sit $2,300-$3,300 over existing Cabriolet models. (Approximately $247,900-$291,050)CONVERTIBLESAston Martin Vanquish Volante: For those who prefer their V12 Astons roofless and with a back seat, Aston will bring the Vanquish Volante to Australia in the first quarter of 2014. (Approximately $510,000)Bentley Continental GTC S: Like the hardtop GT, the soft top Continental GTC is set to score a powered up S model in 2014. (Approximately $420,000)BMW 4 Series convertible: The folding hardtop version of BMW’s 4-Series coupe is expected by March, and echo its hardtop sibling with 420d, 428i, and 435i drivetrains. (Approximately $85,000-$120,000)