New ///M3 is still more than a year away

[LeMansX5]

BMW's next-generation M3 coupe won't arrive for over 12 months, according to Australia's Drive. BMW ///M boss Ulrich Bruhnke reportedly told the magazine the M3 will appear at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2007. "It will be there definitely", Bruhnke said. "The Frankfurt International motor show is so important (to BMW) we must show it there." According to the report, the car will go on sale in early 2008.

The next-generation M3 - based on the new 3-Series coupe - will feature a new naturally aspirated V8 engine with well over 400 horsepower couple to a seven-speed SMG transmission. Bruhnke wouldn't say much more about the car, but he said "you will know more before the auto show." Many enthusiasts had hoped the car would show up at the Paris Motor Show this week. There is some speculation a "concept" version might be shown in the next few months.