With the new M3 and M4 now into the focus of the auto industry, it’s easy to forget about the old ones. I remember when they first came out, one of the first reviewers said, ever so arrogantly that ‘the old one is still better’. Why you ask? Beats me.
Other tests proved later on that the E92 M3, no matter how good it was, couldn’t hold a candle to the new one. Yes, we had the old 4-liter V8 naturally aspirated unit to play with but there was so much more lacking on that car that we couldn’t just ignore.
For example, its weight never worked in its favor and that was noticeable especially around a track. Chip in the steering that felt a bit too heavy at times and you can easily see why the old M3 is not close to what the new one is offering.
And since we’re talking specs, let’s take a look at the S65 engine, shall we? At its top end (that arrived over 8,000 RPM which is an impressive feat) it delivered 420 HP and only 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It does seem rather little today, doesn’t it? That’s because it was!
The new one has 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) to play around with and there’s virtually no turbo lag present, as some would immediately claim. Yes, the S55 is a worthy successor. If only it had that V8 sound.
Well, for those looking for both torque and a proper sound, G-Power might have the solution. Their Hurricane G3 model takes the 4-liter V8 up to no less than 720 HP and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque thanks to the wonder called ‘supercharging’. That’s right, with it, you’ll be turning your M3 into a proper supercar. Don’t believe me, take a look at the numbers:
0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds
0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.5 seconds
top speed of over 340 km/h (211 mph)
Good enough? Well, these things aren’t cheap either. The starting price (including the donor car) is €161,177 excluding VAT and that’s probably why meeting one in real life is a rare occasion. Therefore, the video below is a truly rare spot. Not only that but this one actually wears the number 001 plate on it, meaning it's the first one ever made! Enjoy the V8 sound!
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