Geneva Auto Show: BMW debuts M3, 5 Series, 1 Series; Mini shows D, One

Bill Howard, BMW CCA
March 6, 2007
Thursday 3/8: More M3 photos. See below.
http://forum.nccbmwcca.org/files/3013.jpg
Andy Priaulx, WTCC champ for the BMW UK team, with the new M3 "Styling Concept." (Bill Howard photo)
GENEVA - BMW's next-generation M3 rolled onto center stage a lot faster than the reworked 5 Series and energy-efficient 1 Series that were also introduced today on the first press day of the 77th International Motor Show Geneva. And no wonder: Andy Priaulx, two-time World Touring Car Champion, was at the wheel for its hundred-foot introductory run. </p> At this point, BMW calls the newest M3 the "M3 Concept Car" as if (wink-wink) anything will change before fall. Most everyone expects this is the final design that will get a formal launch in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Most observers agreed it's a stunning design. You’ll be hard pressed to see some of the controversial design features of the current BMW line. In particular, there's little or none of the big butt trunk bulge. The quirky (to some) sheet metal angles around the front parking/headlamp lamp cluster blend more smoothly.


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