The BMW M3 is one of the finest driver's cars ever made, and I was finally lucky enough to spend a week with one.
The heart of the M3 is an exquisite 4.0L V8, making 414hp at a wild 8300rpm. Peak torque is 295 lb-ft, but that entire figure is available at just 3900rpm, a stunning mark of tractability in such a high-revving screamer.
Our test car was equipped with a 7-speed DCT (BMW's name for the fancy dual-clutch gearbox), and the transmission-like other vehicle characteristics like throttle response and suspension-can be adjusted from 'nice and easy' to 'neckbreaking.'
2011 M3s equipped with this transmission have gone as low as 3.9 sec to 60mph, and 12.5 sec in the 1/4-mile. Yet due to the engine's powerband, it's remarkably civilized around town.
Gearing is perfect; even in 7th gear, the car is never caught flat-footed. In fact, at 2000rpm in 7th the car will be going just 50mph! That is great for acceleration, bad for fuel economy: the M3 manages just 14 mpg city and 20 highway and gets slapped with the gaz-guzzler tax.
That's really the only chink in the car's armor, and the M3 instantly became the car by which I measure all sports cars by.
-Ross Rapoport, Road Test Editor and Video Host
Download the window sticker and see additional photos of the M3 at roadflytv.com
Vehicle: 2011 M3 Coupe
Base Price: $58,400
Price as tested: $69,925
Engine: 4.0L 32V V8
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DCT)
Horsepower: 414 @ 8300 rpm
Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm
0-60 MPH: 3.9-4.5 sec.
Warranty: 4 years, 50,000 miles w/free maintenance
Fuel Economy: 14 city / 20 highway MPG
Roadfly.com - www.roadfly.com
Car Forum - www.roadfly.com...
RoadflyTV - / roadflytv
Facebook - / roadfly
Twitter - / roadfly
IMDB - www.imdb.com/ti...
Негізгі бет 2011 BMW M3 Road Test & Car Review - RoadflyTV with Ross Rapoport
Пікірлер: 877