The latest incarnation of the BMW M3 coupe, the E92, was launched in September 2007. The E92 M3 is a departure from previous M3's by way of the fact that is now powered by a V8 unit, as opposed to a V6. The four litre V8 serves 414 bhp, 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds, and an electronically restricted top speed of 155 mph.
However, the increased engine capacity does come at a cost, specifically fuel consumption. Although official figures from BMW suggest it is possible to achieve almost 23 mpg, there has been a multitude of reviewers that have witnessed fuel consumption as low as 11 mpg. Furthermore, the retail price of the E92 M3 is approximately £10,000 higher than the E46 M3.
Virtually all of the E92 M3 body panels are unique to the vehicle and differ from those seen on the BMW E92 Coupe. Like the BMW E46 M3 CSL, the E92 M3 sports a carbon fibre roof to reduce weight. The M3 also differs from the standard 3-Series by possessing an agressive bulge in the bonnet. The bulge is not merely a styling addition, but is in fact necessary to house the large V8 engine.
In October 2007 the BMW E90 M3 saloon was launched. There are also plans to launch the E93 M3 convertible - convertible M3's attributed to approximately 30% of E46 M3 sales. However, like the standard 3-Series convertible, the E92 is likely to come equipped with a folding hard-top, the weight of which will probably lead to reductions in performance.
By the end of 2008 BMW will offer a dual-clutch (DCT) transmission for the M3. The clutch will operate in the same way as those seen in the Audi TT and the Volkswagen Golf R32, with one clutch in use whilst the other clutch automatically pre-selects the next gear.
To commemorate the launch of the E92, BMW released a freeware racing game, 'BMW M3 Challenge'. To download your free copy click here.