BMW E30 M3 INCLUDING EVOSPORT
The BMW E30 M3 INCLUDING EVOSPORT
To legalise technical develop-ments for use in motor racing, the so-called process of evolution, the international sports rules imposed by the Federation Internationale de 'Automobile (FIA), Call for the production of 500 identical units to qualify for Group A motorsport.
So the new M3 Sport Evolution owes its existence to these rules. Rather than just a special model, it is a new stage in the develop-ment of the M3, already success-ful on the race and rally circuits.
Unlike most of the BMW range, the M3 Sport Evolution is not equipped with a six cylinder power unit, but a four cylinder, in line engine with a displacement of 2467cc. This 16-valve unit's out-put has been increasing over the original M3 by increased both bore and stroke, now 95mm and 87mm respectively.
The improved cylinder charge allows a reduction in compression ratio from 10.5 to 10.2:1. This gives a maximum output of 238bhp at 7000rpm while torque is an impressive 1771b/ft at 4750rpm. Intake valves are now a larger diameter, 38.5mm against the previous 38mm. The camshaft has a longer duration at 282 c, increased from 264 c.
Pistons are cooled by oil injec-tion and sodium filled outlet valves maintain a stable thermal balance. BMW's technology has even extended to the standard fit metal catalytic converter which generates much lower counter pressure within the exhaust sys-tem, resulting in virtually no loss in performance while maintaining emission control efficiency.
Front suspension comprises single pivot spring struts with castor angle offset, small positive steering scrub radius, lateral force compensation and brake dive reduction. The front has also been lowered by a further 10mm.
The rear is independent with semi-trailing arms, separate springs and shock absorbers, squat compensation and sports suspension tuning. Single piston floating caliper disc brakes with vented discs are employed at the back and front, linked to a stan-dard ABS system.
The striking external features of this car are the front and rear spoilers, adjustable manually to three different positions. In addi-tion, the venturi front section builds up an underpressure beneath the car when accelerat-ing, creating a ground effect on the road. Where fog lamps are fitted to the standard M3, the Sports Evolution features extra large cooling ducts for keeping the brakes cool. The light alloy wheels are increased from 15" to 7.5Jx 16" cross spokes, shod with Michelin MXX 225/45 ZR 16 tyres.
For those used to the quiet, smooth running of the BMW six cylinder, the Sport Evolution's four pot comes across as very buzzy and excitable. Rather than the usual, progressive build up of power, this engine has to be revved to get into the power band.
Once there, performance is exciting, a 0-60mph time recorded at 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 138mph. Like all the other cars in this test, it uses the Getrag 5-speed, dog leg first, transmission with its superbly spaced ratios. This requires some practice at first in coming to terms with the operation of the shift.
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