SIX generations of evolution and refinement have led to this, the brand new 2021 BMW M3 Competitors (G80). A far cry from the unique E30 M3 of 1986, this newest iteration is the perfect of the breed in nearly each means.
Extra highly effective and succesful than any of the mainstream M3 fashions that got here earlier than it, the G80 M3 scores an all-new engine, which produces 353kW and 550Nm, which is then upped to 375kW and 650Nm within the Competitors model we examined.
It’s the torque that tells the story right here although, as we skilled on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and its close by skid pan. Peak torque is obtainable from 2600rpm by to 6130rpm within the base mannequin, and 2700rpm to 5510rpm within the Competitors.
What this successfully means is you’ll be able to pull out of a nook, like Flip Two, 4 or 5, at Phillip Island, one and even two gears above what you’ll usually anticipate, and the M3 surges out on a seemingly endless wave of torque.
As soon as on the straight nonetheless, the M3 by no means provides up. Restricted to a 200km/h (ish) prime pace, we had been barely on the entrance straight earlier than we would have liked to again off, that’s the charge at which the M3 accelerates.
Carry the reigns nonetheless and a terminal pace upwards of 270km/h earlier than you’re braking for Flip One is well achievable. It’s a relentless push which appears like it’ll by no means finish.
As is predicted of an M3, energy is just not the one taking part in card up its sleeve. Why else would BMW Australia convey us to Phillip Island racetrack for the launch of one in every of its final hero automobiles.
With its lovely undulation and mixture of nook sorts, it’s the good proving floor to place the G80 M3 by its paces. Evidently, the brand new M3 is very succesful on the observe.
It provides an enormous quantity of grip because of its M-specific chassis and very stiff physique construction. Further chassis bracing and Adaptive M suspension all package deal collectively to offer the M3 a steadiness and poise that will probably be extraordinarily arduous for its opponents to match.
Sadly, we didn’t get to pattern BMW’s new M Carbon bucket seats on the observe, solely on static show.
Saving 5kg of weight per seat, the M Carbon bucket seat additionally has integral head restraints which will be dismantled for observe driving to permit additional room for the motive force’s helmet. If you’re seeking to buy an M3 for observe days, these seats are an absolute no brainer.
It’s not that the usual seats aren’t any good, however the additional lateral help which the M Carbon seats will supply will probably be of nice profit on the observe. They may also be useful do you have to want to strive BMW’s new M Drift Analyser.
Handled to a moist skid pan, with the M Drift Analyser activated on the brand new M3, you instantly realise how a lot mechanical grip this automotive has. Simply attempting to unstick the automotive requires critical provocation and dedication because of the sheer grip it provides.
Break the shackles of grip nonetheless and you’re handled to a steadiness and finesse that’s uncommon this aspect of a supercar.
M Drift Analyser measures and ranks your sliding abilities through 4 standards; drift time, drift size, finest drift angle and at last a rating out of 5 stars. Whereas it could be considerably of a gimmick, it additionally signifies BMW’s recognition of the M3’s dynamic skills.
Though our time with the brand new BMW M3 was temporary and dynamically targeted, we can have a full assessment quickly too. For now, know that the brand new G80 M3 is the perfect it has ever been. BMW has created one hell of a automotive.
Our check automobile was supplied by BMW Australia as a part of a track-based launch occasion on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. To search out out extra concerning the 2021 BMW M3 Competitors, contact your native BMW supplier.
