For those who wonder how the new M3 would look like
#1
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M3 OR IS-F?
M3
![](http://forums.detnews.com/pix/autos/sneakpeek/bmwm3.jpg)
BMW M3 coupe to debut at German show; convertible may follow later
Expect the BMW M3 coupe to officially debut at the car show in Frankfurt, Germany, this September, but a convertible version may not make it to market until 2008. Powered by a plus-400-horsepower V-8, the M3 should include an SMG sequential transmission and possibly a double-clutch transmission later. Just like on the 3-Series drop-top, the M3 convertible will be a four-seater with a retractable hardtop roof.
The M3 version will stand out with its wider fenders, newly designed bumpers with bigger air intakes and the four-pipe exhaust system. This picture of the M3 convertible prototype was taken during a winter test in northern Sweden.
-- Scott Burgess
VS
![](http://www.lexus.com/lexus-share/images/gallery/fcvs/IS-F/photos/exterior/g_2.jpg)
Designed, tested and refined on the world’s most challenging racetracks, the Lexus IS-F is a high-performance sport sedan that will grab the eye, seduce the ear and stir the soul. Its aggressive exterior will accompany impeccable handling, intense speed and unlimited exhilaration. Inside you will find more than 400 horsepower [1], the most powerful gasoline engine we’ve ever made. [2] You’ll hear what’s in store the instant you turn the ignition and bring the IS-F to life. Its 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 engine delivers over 350 lb-ft of torque [1], along with a 0-to-60 time below 4.9 seconds [1] [3]. To keep the driver in synch with so much power, the IS-F comes equipped with the world’s first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission with paddle shifters that snaps quickly and crisply between gears. To insure seamless shifting, the transmission will also feature a throttle “blip” on downshifts to help match the engine rpm. All the while, a specially tuned suspension delivers impeccable road feel. Drivers will particularly enjoy this while riveted—very comfortably, of course—to front sport seats featuring larger side bolsters. Closer to the ground lie massive six-piston caliper front brakes that are more than adequate to the task of restraining the 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels [4]. Along with a lower profile and wider stance, the rear of the IS-F features quad exhaust tips. Their unique staggered, vertical design assures that this pure performance sedan is every bit as intimidating outside as in.
THE ANSWER: IS-F
M3 OR IS-F?
M3
![](http://forums.detnews.com/pix/autos/sneakpeek/bmwm3.jpg)
BMW M3 coupe to debut at German show; convertible may follow later
Expect the BMW M3 coupe to officially debut at the car show in Frankfurt, Germany, this September, but a convertible version may not make it to market until 2008. Powered by a plus-400-horsepower V-8, the M3 should include an SMG sequential transmission and possibly a double-clutch transmission later. Just like on the 3-Series drop-top, the M3 convertible will be a four-seater with a retractable hardtop roof.
The M3 version will stand out with its wider fenders, newly designed bumpers with bigger air intakes and the four-pipe exhaust system. This picture of the M3 convertible prototype was taken during a winter test in northern Sweden.
-- Scott Burgess
VS
![](http://www.lexus.com/lexus-share/images/gallery/fcvs/IS-F/photos/exterior/g_2.jpg)
Designed, tested and refined on the world’s most challenging racetracks, the Lexus IS-F is a high-performance sport sedan that will grab the eye, seduce the ear and stir the soul. Its aggressive exterior will accompany impeccable handling, intense speed and unlimited exhilaration. Inside you will find more than 400 horsepower [1], the most powerful gasoline engine we’ve ever made. [2] You’ll hear what’s in store the instant you turn the ignition and bring the IS-F to life. Its 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 engine delivers over 350 lb-ft of torque [1], along with a 0-to-60 time below 4.9 seconds [1] [3]. To keep the driver in synch with so much power, the IS-F comes equipped with the world’s first eight-speed direct sport-shift transmission with paddle shifters that snaps quickly and crisply between gears. To insure seamless shifting, the transmission will also feature a throttle “blip” on downshifts to help match the engine rpm. All the while, a specially tuned suspension delivers impeccable road feel. Drivers will particularly enjoy this while riveted—very comfortably, of course—to front sport seats featuring larger side bolsters. Closer to the ground lie massive six-piston caliper front brakes that are more than adequate to the task of restraining the 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels [4]. Along with a lower profile and wider stance, the rear of the IS-F features quad exhaust tips. Their unique staggered, vertical design assures that this pure performance sedan is every bit as intimidating outside as in.
THE ANSWER: IS-F
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LOL... You're comparing a car with masking still on it to a car that has already made its debut.
Wonder why there is masking? To hide all the good stuff they don't want you to see. Maybe that mule is for testing purposes only..
Wonder why there is masking? To hide all the good stuff they don't want you to see. Maybe that mule is for testing purposes only..
#5
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IS-F vs. M3.
There is no right or wrong, good or bad. It is really all down to personal wants and preferences.
The facts are, the IS-F will be way more hassle free, but the M3 will have way more status for the badge snobs. They will have very similar performance on paper, same engine configuration/same power, same weight. But they will drive totally different. The Bimmer will be way more sporty, harsh and loud while the IS-F will be smooth, quiet and isolated.
My choice is the IS-F, I want reliability, isolation and smoothness.
Price wise, of course the BMW badge is an extra $10k
There is no right or wrong, good or bad. It is really all down to personal wants and preferences.
The facts are, the IS-F will be way more hassle free, but the M3 will have way more status for the badge snobs. They will have very similar performance on paper, same engine configuration/same power, same weight. But they will drive totally different. The Bimmer will be way more sporty, harsh and loud while the IS-F will be smooth, quiet and isolated.
My choice is the IS-F, I want reliability, isolation and smoothness.
Price wise, of course the BMW badge is an extra $10k
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#8
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All in good time... both are gonna be HOT!
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#10
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Isolation? I think the IS-F is going to be a kidney busting ride with
that tire/suspension setup.
The new M3 looks worse to me than the 335 coupe, which is the
first BMW design I actually like in quite a while. Then again, many
would say the same thing about IS-F versus regular IS.
Edit : I guess it is just a mule, so I can't really draw conclusions
about the M3.
that tire/suspension setup.
The new M3 looks worse to me than the 335 coupe, which is the
first BMW design I actually like in quite a while. Then again, many
would say the same thing about IS-F versus regular IS.
Edit : I guess it is just a mule, so I can't really draw conclusions
about the M3.