...the photos have teased everyone, with BMW coyly referring to the car as a concept M3 when all and sundry knew that in all intents and purposes, this was bavaria's latest shot across the bows of the upstart Audi RS4...and now, the engine details are out!
this is gonna be a stonker of a car, this E90 M3 V8...and it surely has to be, in order to beat (or even match up) to the wonderful RS4...
i am anxiously awaiting the head to head in EVO UK magazine...
here's more on the engine and the specs...
Toying with us for a couple of weeks, BMW has finally revealed the specifications of the M3 motor. As reported by AutoZine, the 90-degree V8 motor produces 420 horsepower and 295 lbft of torque. The displacement is 3999cc, thanks to a 92mm bore and 75.2mm stroke – the same as the V10 engine of M5 from which it is derived.
The V8 produces its max power at a sky-high 8300 rpm and has the cut-out set at 8400 rpm. It is the highest revving production V8 in the world – provided you do not count Ferrari F430's 8500rpm V8 as a production engine. Its max rev is 150 rpm higher than Audi RS4 and 400 rpm higher than the last generation M3. This high revving character is made possible by the short stroke, Nikasil cylinder coating and lightweight connecting rods made of steel / magnesium alloy (titanium is too expensive to BMW).
Less impressive is the torque figures, although BMW said its peak torque arrives at only 3900 rpm, at least 90% of which (or 265 lbft) available between 2500 and 8000 rpm and 85% of which (or 251 lbft) available from 2000-8400 rpm, it is still eclipsed by Audi RS4, which produces 317 lbft at 5500 rpm and at least 90% of the peak torque (or 285 lbft) from 2250-7600 rpm. Admittedly, the RS4 has an advantage of 200 extra c.c. and direct injection.
The V8 is very compact. With a cylinder spacing of 98mm, only 6mm is left between adjacent cylinders. This shortness allows the forged crankshaft to be made lighter and stronger. The fully dressed engine weighs 202 kilograms, some 38kg lighter than the V10. It is also 15 kg lighter than the last generation's 3.2-liter inline-6, mostly thanks to the switch to aluminum alloy cylinder block instead of cast iron block.
Like the V10, the M3's V8 runs a very high, 12.0:1 compression which is made possible by the use of advanced ion-current knock control system and a powerful 32-bit engine management system (this version calls MSS60). Individual throttle butterfly for each cylinder are also shared with the V10. The Double Vanos variable valve timing mechanism here has been modified to run at the regular oil pressure of the engine rather than requiring a high-pressure oil system. This saves weight as well as quickens its response.
The M3's new engine follows the 1-Series to introduce Brake Energy Regeneration. It disconnect the alternator normally and engage it to the engine only on demand. This lighten the load on the engine a little thus saves engine power. During braking, the alternator engages and charge up the battery for used by the electrical systems of the car.
Now we know the V8 is considerably more powerful (if not considerably more torquey) than the old straight-6 while it is also lighter. How much extra performance can these advantages translate into? Time will tell...once we have the full specifications of the M3, especially its kerb weight.
Model - M3 E90
Engine type - V8, 90-degree
Material - All-alloy
Valvetrain - Dohc 32V, dual VVT
Fuel system - Indirect injection
Capacity - 3999 cc
Bore x stroke - 92 x 75.2 mm
Compression - 12.0:1
Power - 420hp / 8300rpm
No comments:
Post a Comment