Rumors are rifle that BMW will be producing a lightweight version of the new M3 later this year. The M division has identified that a total of around 150kg can be shed by removing the bulk sound deadening linings and the deletion of some of the luxury items, such as electric windows and the entertainment systems.
Air conditioning will still feature to keep the high-speed driver cool, while most of the deleted equipment will still be available on the options list. The leather upholstered, electrically adjustable seats will be replaced by more enveloping, manually adjustable carbon race items. But the best news of all is that the total up to around 350bhp, from the 338bhp the standard car already has. Expected the 0-60mph dash to dip below 5 seconds. Suspension modifications are also likely. The new SMG semi-automatic gearbox will also be included on the options list and a highly specified example is to likely to cost close to £50,000.
Now does everyone here feel that this price (£50,000) is worth it?
Depends on what you want. I for one would be mad if a car that costs about $50000 didn't have electric windows. I think the M3 today provides the perfect balance between M(acho)-car and comfort. I think more or less luxury would destroy some of the M3's appeal... But again: That's my opinion. Weight is only an issue when talking of accelerating, not when talking about top-speed. And I don't think 150 kg off will make the M3 to a F-1 car.
They might as well just upgrade all the 02 model year engines to 350 and leave the extra 150kgs on the car. If people really want to lighten it, they can do it themselves aftermarket or whatever..
Yes, I myself do not feel that the Lightweight version is worth the money. I rather purchase a fully loaded M3 and take out the parts myself. Then if I changed my mind, I can always put the parts back in. I was hoping that BMW will do some major changes to the engine's components to decrease the weight further, but it looks like they are taking the easier path by unloading all the neat gadgets inside the M3.
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