Will the M3 have the 7 speed SMG transmission?
#17
#18
It won't be an SMG type tranny. It'll be a dual-clutch type tranny. Rumors up to last week was that it'll be available at the U.S. launch but dealers are now finally getting the order form for options & specs for the e92 M3. The order forms as well as my dealership has confirmed no SMG/DCT will be available at the U.S. launch. I was on the list & put down a deposit at the local BMW dealership for an M3 but I'll wait for the SMG/DCT version to come out. I guess I was one of the few who actually liked SMG on the e46 M3.
#19
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This is so far from the truth its not even funny. Haven't heard the M3 V-8 yet but the 5.0 V-8 on the IS-F sound very deep and wonderful. One of the best stock sounds I have ever heard of any V-8 car.
#20
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The IS-F had wonderful sound also. Maybe not quite as tame as the M3 but it certainly did not sond like a Econoline. It sounded great IMO.
#21
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#22
Lexus Fanatic
It won't be an SMG type tranny. It'll be a dual-clutch type tranny. Rumors up to last week was that it'll be available at the U.S. launch but dealers are now finally getting the order form for options & specs for the e92 M3. The order forms as well as my dealership has confirmed no SMG/DCT will be available at the U.S. launch. I was on the list & put down a deposit at the local BMW dealership for an M3 but I'll wait for the SMG/DCT version to come out. I guess I was one of the few who actually liked SMG on the e46 M3.
#23
LOL, like I said I guess I was one of the few that liked SMG. Drove it hard for the 3 yrs I had it & never once did I have an issue w/the tranny. Only time I disliked SMG was in auto-mode since your description was exactly how it felt like in that mode.
#24
Perhaps if they had proper tips connecting to the muffler they could've squeezed the extra 80HP.
Attachment 113602
Attachment 113602
#25
Lexus Test Driver
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I think the sound coming from both cars will be great. It is just a matter of opnion which sounds better to the individual. I personally like the big block V8 rumble of the old school muscle cars, but I also love the high reving sound of high strung engines like the M3, NSX, S2000 and such. I don't think there is anything wrong with either approach as long as the end performnce is good.
#26
Lexus Test Driver
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You have to admit though that the fake exhaust is kind if disappointing and needless. For starters, I hate the look of that style. Now to learn they didn't even need it and it is fake? I wish they went with a traditional exhaust. I could have lived with the exhaust tips if it was needed for performance, but now I I just shake my head.
If anyone can explain why that style exhaust tip was needed for performace gain I'm all ears. If not, why do people make fun of mods that add no performance and call it "Rice", but actually like this fake double stacked tips?
#27
Man, I could not have said any better myself.
You have to admit though that the fake exhaust is kind if disappointing and needless. For starters, I hate the look of that style. Now to learn they didn't even need it and it is fake? I wish they went with a traditional exhaust. I could have lived with the exhaust tips if it was needed for performance, but now I I just shake my head.
If anyone can explain why that style exhaust tip was needed for performace gain I'm all ears. If not, why do people make fun of mods that add no performance and call it "Rice", but actually like this fake double stacked tips?
If anyone can explain why that style exhaust tip was needed for performace gain I'm all ears. If not, why do people make fun of mods that add no performance and call it "Rice", but actually like this fake double stacked tips?
#28
I wouldn'd call it fake exhaust. The entire exhaust system is real. It's just that the tips at the bumper do not connect to the muffler tips.
If you look at any cars with the exhaust tips going through the rear bumper, there has to be some clearance between the tips and bumper itself due to vibration and heat. This creates a gap (some are bigger than others) between the tips and the bumper. With this gap, it does not look "clean" so instead of having this big holes in the bumper, Lexus chooses a different design that serves the same purpose but hidding it behind the bumper where people can't see (except for that guy who took that picture). Everyone has their preferrences. Personally, I don't like exhaust going thru the bumper especially the stacked design on the IS-F. (yes, I have seen school buses with the exhaust tip going through the bumper so this design is not 'cool'. However, Ferrari executes it very nicely.
I do see one problem with the IS-F design though. From looking at the picture, the "real" tips and the "fake" tips DO NOT line up. With the hot exhaust gas blowing directly at the bumper (especially after many hot laps around the track), this may be a problem.
If you look at any cars with the exhaust tips going through the rear bumper, there has to be some clearance between the tips and bumper itself due to vibration and heat. This creates a gap (some are bigger than others) between the tips and the bumper. With this gap, it does not look "clean" so instead of having this big holes in the bumper, Lexus chooses a different design that serves the same purpose but hidding it behind the bumper where people can't see (except for that guy who took that picture). Everyone has their preferrences. Personally, I don't like exhaust going thru the bumper especially the stacked design on the IS-F. (yes, I have seen school buses with the exhaust tip going through the bumper so this design is not 'cool'. However, Ferrari executes it very nicely.
I do see one problem with the IS-F design though. From looking at the picture, the "real" tips and the "fake" tips DO NOT line up. With the hot exhaust gas blowing directly at the bumper (especially after many hot laps around the track), this may be a problem.
#30
Lexus Fanatic
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that the sound of the M3 V8 is anything like that of a muscle car. IMO, it sounded tame. At WOT, it certainly opened up it's vocal chords but nothing like that of a classic muscle car.
The IS-F had wonderful sound also. Maybe not quite as tame as the M3 but it certainly did not sond like a Econoline. It sounded great IMO.
The IS-F had wonderful sound also. Maybe not quite as tame as the M3 but it certainly did not sond like a Econoline. It sounded great IMO.
1970 Plymouth Roadrunner w/ 426 Hemi
http://youtube.com/watch?v=M-e0_9MiyGw
2008 BMW M3 (coutesy of Winding Road)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RaUrTidXR0s
2008 Lexus IS-F (courtesy of Winding Road)
http://www.windingroad.com/multimedi...-27&file=lexus
Last edited by DASHOCKER; 10-31-07 at 03:34 PM.