BMW M GmbH, the high-performance arm of BMW responsible for development of all of the BMW M versions showed a concept study based on the BMW 3-Series Coupe.

Nearly every body panel of the car has been changed to maximize the performance potential of the car, including wide fender flares, lightweight construction and a carbon fiber roof, similar to the roof of the M6.

While officially only a concept, the M3 Concept exterior design is thought to be very representative of the next-generation M3 production car that is expected to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007. The new M3 will likely be powered by a high-revving V8 engine and the M3 Concept is powered by a V8, but BMW did not disclose any powertrain details.

The front of the M3 Concept is very functional and purposeful, with large air intakes and the front apron pushed forward, elements that both add to the sporty character of the car but also increase functionality. A new design feature is the raised “powerdome” in the center of the hood that seems to indicate that the next M3 will have a more powerful engine than any previous version.

The profile reveals gill-like openings in the front fenders typical of other M cars with a horizontal chrome bar, directional indicator and an M3 badge. The bulging fender flares, rocker-panel extensions and mirrors add to the aggressive look. The 19-inch light alloy wheels have with a Y-shaped spoke design also characteristic of other M models.

At the rear, the powerful stance of the M3 is further emphasized with horizontal lines to accentuate the wider track, a rear diffuser that follows design elements from the front and two sets of dual exhaust pipes located near the center of the vehicle. The M3 Concept is lightweight, due in part to the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the roof of the car that is left exposed as a design element.

Drivetrain and performance details are not revealed at this time and details of the interior are also not available, but the M3 Concept does give a glimpse of what the exterior of the next M3 could look like.

Other World Premieres

Geneva was also was the setting for three other world premieres from BMW: the new 1-Series, the updated 5-Series and the M5 Touring.

The 1-Series is a popular rear-wheel-drive compact car from BMW that is not currently sold in the U.S. The new 1-Series receives design updates at both the front and the rear and a 3-door hatchback version has been added to the lineup. At the front, the kidney grille has been enlarged, the headlights receive new contours for the headlight surrounds while the air intake in the lower section of the bumper is wider.

New common-rail fuel-injection systems for the diesel versions and second-generation High Precision Injection for the gasoline engines add additional power and improved fuel economy for the 1-Series. Engine choices range from a 115-horsepower gasoline engine to a 265-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder, including diesel engines.

Manual transmission versions of the 1-Series offers optional Start/Stop functionality with either four-cylinder gasoline or four-cylinder diesel engines. The engine shuts off when the driver moves the shift lever to neutral and releases the clutch at a stop—the engine restarts when the driver steps on the clutch again.

The 5-Series sedan and touring receive interior updates with a new higher quality of materials and the exterior receives minor styling updates including restyled headlights. The gasoline six-cylinder engines now feature High Precision Injection direct fuel injection which improves operating efficiency.

The M5 Touring makes its world debut in Geneva, offering all the high-performance capability of the M5 sedan in an even more practical package. Developed by BMW M GmbH, the M5 Touring is powered by same BMW M 10-cylinder engine as the sedan that develops 507 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque which will propel the M5 Touring from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.