2nd dyno test

 

Its better to understate it than overstate it and face a group of angry customers as a result.

 

They don't want to step on the toes of the E46 M3...

 

if they wouldve said the new 3 series coupe would be more powerful than the M of the 3 series, that would hurt wouldnt it?

 

No I wouldn't agree. The E46 M3 model is no longer in production. The HP in the new 335i has more HP and has the ability for more HP. The new E92 M3 will be the next line up for BMW which will sport a V8 and is estimated at 400+HP.

The appeal of the M3 is not only it's Horse power but in it's handling. The 3 series line up has some minor differences in it's design between each model, w/ the exeception of the M line. That is a completely different beast. I've researched ways to build up a 330i/325ci....It will be a very difficult and EXPENSIVE process to match the ablities of a Stock M3. That is why a majority of buyers will continue to purchase the M3.

 

not really. the e46 m3 is a discontinued car. even if the power output of the e92 335i is the same or higher than that of the m3, the driving dynamics of the 2 cars are different. the m3 is more sportscar orientated in tune, whereas the 335i is noticeably less so. anyone who can't look beyond the power outputs produced by the 2 cars and see and understand the differences in driving characteristics of the 2 cars are buying fast powerful cars merely for bragging rights. personally, even if the 335i is actually rated at 360hp, i would still prefer to drive and own the e46 m3 over the 335i.

 

They learned from the RX-8 disaster.

 

Since when did BMW take ownership of Mazda?

IMO, insurance reasons maybe? But most probably they don't want a regular 3-series coupe within 100 hp of the M3. 400+ hp on the V8 M3 is just rumors, who knows if that's confirmed?

 

Yeah you're right, they don't own mazda so they probably didn't hear about that.

 

They also do this for insurance reason...
INsurance companies charge you X amount for a 300 hp car... but like
X x 100 for a 350 hp car.....

So.... all companies go by are the numbers on the spec sheet...LOTS of us muscle is rated this way.