With a vehicle as powerful and dynamic as this, styling is never an aim in itself. Form will always be driven by functional considerations. The expressive front is designed to accommodate the V8 high-rev engine. The muscular rear allows for the wider track and four tailpipes. Even the shape of the exterior mirrors adds to the overall aerodynamics. Only the interplay of all these measures ensures the desired effect: sports car performance that is ideally suited to everyday driving.
Driving pleasure starts in the driving seat. This is why the interior of the BMW M3 Coupé has been designed with the person sitting behind the M steering wheel in mind. The trademark dual M circular dials, the M design iDrive Controller, the ergonomically optimised M seat with memory function, the innovative carbon structure leather trim. All these features combine to create an ambience that is designed to make drivers feel good - and inspired to take control
The optimised aerodynamics in the BMW M3 Coupé ensures that down force is both cooled and increased at the same time. The left opening near the powerdome channels additional air to the intake air plenum. The M rear apron with diffuser ensures controlled airflow along the car’s underbody. And the M front air dam with integrated air inlets cools the engine. The result? Added downforce for added thrills.
Combining racing technology with everyday usability, the V8 high-rev engine is full of BMW M3 Coupé personality. Every component has been carefully optimised to result in this impressive set of figures: maximum output of up to 8,400 rpm, 420 bhp and top torque of 400 Nm at 3,900 rpm. And that’s not all, individual throttle butterflies, normally only found in race cars, allow for faster response and additional performance benefits - an absolute engineering highlight for a road car engine.
The BMW M3 Coupé offers ultra-fast, ultra-precise shifts every time. Its 6-speed manual gearbox ensures optimum transmission of engine power throughout the rev range, resulting in smooth acceleration on demand. Even downshifts are a pleasure - especially when followed by a bend. A redesigned, more lightweight, ventilated clutch makes for improved heat dissipation.
The DSC system prevents loss of roadholding in extreme situations. When activated, it stops the vehicle from veering off track by applying the brakes to those wheels which keep it on course. Together with the M Dynamic mode, DSC gives your sports ambitions free rein as drive slip for both longitudinal and transverse dynamics increases at all speed levels. And the optional Electronic Damper Control system, with three different settings, is perfectly matched to the BMW M3 Coupé to provide an unbridled driving experience.
A little extra traction can make all the difference, and the torque-sensitive, variable M differential lock identifies exactly when traction is needed. Even when wheel grip varies enormously, such as on bends taken at high speed, roadholding remains excellent as the locking power between the left and right rear wheels can be raised to 100%. Drivers who expect the most from their cars know what this feature delivers: it optimises handling, improves safety and enhances the thrust provided by the BMW M3 Coupé’s rear-wheel drive.
Sports-style driving requires exceptional safety. Of central importance in the BMW M3 Coupé’s comprehensive protection package: driver, front passenger, side and head airbags. All airbags are controlled by the perfectly calibrated safety electronics system - this intelligent coordinator ensures that each bag is inflated to the correct degree to minimise the effects of an impact. The same system can also activate the seatbelt tensioners, deactivate the central locking or cut the fuel pump’s activity.