BMW to unveil "Back to Roots" M3

[Saaber]

From CNN.com BMW's M division brand manager Tom Salkowski reported to the press today that his division has been working on a limited-production run of the world renowned E30 chassis M3 for a mid 2004 release as the "E30 M3".

 

 

 

Salkowski told the press, "We wanted to bring back the car that made us famous," and "If it wasn't for the E30 M3, BMW would not be where it is today." One of the most successful touring cars of all time, the E30 M3 has been a cult car since it's introduction in Europe in 1986.

 

 

 

Salkowski stressed that the car would be very close to the original, while being completely redesigned from the ground up. The interior and exterior will reflect the original in almost every detail. Salkowski noted "We wanted to make it a lightweight true to it's purpose race car that can be driven on the street."

 

 

 

We are told the car will be motivated by an updated version of the car's original S14 engine, to be named the S16. "We wanted to keep it's character" Salkowski stated. He didn't go into details, but suggested that through the use of many of the new technologies in the current M engines and the new V12 in the 760 sedan, they have been able to get over 300 horsepower from this 2.5 liter 4 cylinder motor. Weighing under 2800 pounds, this car will be a real rocket, possibly the fastest vehicle BMW will have produced.

 

 

 

The head of BMW's design division Chris Bangle noted that the design for the vehicle would be basically unaltered, with the same "quirky" lines and "boy-racer" look that keeps the car so original. "It was a unique process" Bangle said, "We had to work within the lines of this vehicle from the mid-eighties and update it without losing it's original look. Bangle, when asked about the criticism he has garnered from many of his recent designs, stated that it was not a redesign, just a freshening.

 

 

 

The car will be unveiled this coming April at the New York International Auto Show to the anxiously awaiting public.

[GDIzen]

I've always liked the E30 design when I first came across BMW in younger days. That E30 M3 bulging fender look is truly very 'garang'. Hope Chris Bangle doesn't f*** it up again!

[Saaber]

Wonder how much it will cost when it come out....