Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 BMW M3.

The rumormongers at AutoZeitung are reporting that BMW plans to unveil a stripped-out, track-ready M3 at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The E90-based M3 CSL will use many of the same tricks BMW employed on the E46 model in an effort to shave the coupe's curb weight. Luxuries like air conditioning, stereo and navigation won't be included, while the hood, bumper, trunk and fenders will all be swapped out in favor of carbon fiber pieces.

In addition to keeping the pounds down, BMW will reportedly boost the output of the M3 CSL by an additional 50 horsepower, for a total of 470 bhp. That should allow the E90 CSL run to 60 in around four seconds, on its way to a top speed of around 185 mph.

Production of the 2010 BMW M3 CSL will be limited to 100 units and pricing is estimated at 90,000 euro, or just over $140k.


[Source: AutoZeitung via EGMCarTech]

Now that all of its siblings have been introduced over the past two years, the plain Jane BMW 3-Series sedan has slipped off for a nip/tuck rejuvenation session. Not much will change, but the car is expected to get new headlights with more prominent "angel eyes," a higher hood, LED tail lights, and a revised interior. It will also get a wider grill, a feature from the CS Coupe that's been finding its way on BMW concepts and redesigns.

Under that higher hood will be a new selection of engines that won't include BMW's start/stop technology just yet, but should up the stakes in the frugality department in terms of gas and CO2. Expect a variable twin turbo 204 bhp 4-cylinder diesel that puts out 138g of CO2 per km.

[Source: World Car Fans]

E90Post has several spy shots up that show the facelifted 3-Series sedan due around a year from now as an '09 model. While the car is still wearing camo, some things immediately jump out, like the more rounded grilles and sportier-looking lower front fascia. If you click through to the thread, you'll see that the taillamps are partially covered as well, suggesting a reshaping of the parts that reside on the trunklid. Changes to the hood and front bumper are also in store, but they're sporting disguises that still mask their updated shapes. To summarize, it looks like a more athletic look for the 3-Series sedan is in the works, which isn't a bad thing at all. For several more shots showing additional angles of the car, head on over to E90Post by clicking the image above or the "Read" link below.

Thanks for the tip, Lars!

[Source: E90Post]

Think back to your first time hitting black ice. Remember that surge of adrenaline? That sensation of impending doom and the all-encompassing focus you seemed to gain as the world slowed around you? Now imagine that experience, and all the accompanying sensations, drawn out for 20 minutes. That's the feeling you get when sliding around the wet tarmac of a skid pad.

While sightings of the upcoming BMW M3 Coupe have been near prolific, glimpses of Bavaria's bomber in sedan form have been harder to come by. We found one for you back in July, but that mule hardly told us anything about what the M3 Sedan would look like since it was wearing the stock front clip of the 3-Series sedan. As far as we know, the shots we link to above are some of the first of the M3 Sedan showing its production front clip, which appears to be nearly identical to the front fascia we expect to see on the M3 Coupe.

What does this mean? It means the M3 Sedan's gonna be a hot number, foh sho. The standard 3-Series sedan, while not exactly uggo, is creased and stern looking, much like the mugs of the many business people who'll buy one. The coupe, however, is long, lean and graceful with a face that could launch a thousand ships. To see that visage on the M3 Sedan is a good thing, along with the 400-hp V8 that will be located directly behind it.

Thanks for the tip, Jason!

[Source: M3Post.com]

How do you improve on a car as good as the E90 BMW 3-Series? There are several tuners in the aftermarket that would be happy to take your money. Some are better than others; G-POWER is one of the best. When it comes to BMW tuning, G-POWER customers benefit from the wealth of experience it has acquired since opening the doors in 1971. For 2006, they have taken liberties with the BMW E90, enhancing every aspect of the bimmers already competent performance.

Starting with a "discreetly-sporty" aerodynamics program with "hybrid" (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic) components produced at their own plant, the body is enhanced with a front bumper, side sills, and a carbon fiber rear diffuser. There is also a wide body kit called "Extremo" that has wheel arch extensions, plus wing spoilers. Wheels are also a part of the package, with several 19 or 20" lightweight styles available.

The range of power options for the G3 is stunning. G-POWER is capable of providing any level of performance the customer requires. Starting with enhanced four and six cylinder engines up to 3.3 liters and it only gets better from there. A 5.2 liter V8 with 420 BHP, a 470 BHP 5 liter V8 and the ultimate, a 5 liter V10 with 550 BHP. More power is also available for diesel fans through their G-POWER D-TRONIK engine tuner. The chassis and exhaust are also tested and tuned on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife to extract every last ounce of potential. The interior can also be enhanced to provide both safety and comfort levels that will only make the driving experience that much better.

[Source: worldcarfans.com]

See more pics after the jump!

The BMW 3-series has been the benchmark sports sedan for over three decades. We're not obsessive Bimmer-philes, but we know a good thing when we drive it and it's a rare occasion when we're let down by BMW's smallest sedan. This 22 minute PR-ified exploration of the 3-series, traces its origins, beginning with the beloved 2002, all the way through the current E90 series. Well worth the watch, but do take certain BMW talking head commentaries with a grain of salt.