[Jimjamz]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Well I did expected the F8X to become the "new norm" in terms of weight reduction effort over the base series. With the G8X going up in size, I for sure expected some level of weight gain, albeit not in the realm of what we are seeing here. It sure seems BMW ///M spent very little effort in keeping the weight down for this gen.

And here is the rub of my think when I started this thread. It looks to me that there is a fundamental philosophy shift at BMW with these newest cars.

The IX, M3 are under new direction. The loved drivers cars they are releasing were set in train some time ago (M2C/M2CS/M5C etc).

This thread's taught me more about the engine bay geometry and philosophy differences in Audi to BMW that may still count for something that the headlines don't reflect. If that's the case perhaps BMW needs to get more sophisticated in their marketing. RWD vs AWD etc clearly can't be used any more. Sticking a M in front of everything isn't going to either as people get a little cynical about what that means.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by Jimjamz

And here is the rub of my think when I started this thread. It looks to me that there is a fundamental philosophy shift at BMW with these newest cars.

The IX, M3 are under new direction. The loved drivers cars they are releasing were set in train some time ago (M2C/M2CS/M5C etc).

This thread's taught me more about the engine bay geometry and philosophy differences in Audi to BMW that may still count for something that the headlines don't reflect. If that's the case perhaps BMW needs to get more sophisticated in their marketing. RWD vs AWD etc clearly can't be used any more. Sticking a M in front of everything isn't going to either as people get a little cynical about what that means.

It doesn't mean anything any longer

[Jcali86]

Originally Posted by Scorp!on

All this discussion here...and i'm just sitting here totally excited to get my G80. If you like it, buy it. If not, don't. In the end it's easy as that...

Same. I wouldn't worry, people who feel negatively are more likely to express that than someone who is happy; misery loves company.
This car will sell incredibly well, there will not be a grille revision and it's going to be an awesome car!

[solstice]

A lot of waiting time with a lot of speculations and anxiety mixed with hope and excitement. I’m really curious what the discussions will look like 6 months from now when professional driving reviews are available and the first member deliveries have happened. Likely surprises to be had for both haters and fans.

Will it mainly be accepted as an advancement of the M3 concept or a betrayal? This saga isn’t over yet

[karguy95]

Originally Posted by solstice

A lot of waiting time with a lot of speculations and anxiety mixed with hope and excitement. I’m really curious what the discussions will look like 6 months from now when professional driving reviews are available and the first member deliveries have happened. Likely surprises to be had for both haters and fans.

Will it mainly be accepted as an advancement of the M3 concept or a betrayal? This saga isn’t over yet

My guess, this car will perform so well we will forget about the looks although im one of the few who loves it. (after seeing it in person) unfortunately i hate depreciation and a bit frugal so ill most likely get it 2nd hand unless the lease deals are too good to pass
my dream spec isle of man green/tornado red with orange int. black wheels black calipers. AWD cant wait

[Hegge]

I think market launch is around March so probably driving reviews in January/February.

[///AVM]

Originally Posted by Hegge

I think market launch is around March so probably driving reviews in January/February.

Good call Hegge . . . and January isn't that far away.

My first BMW has been the M2C and I absolutely dig it.

I am confident BMW will knock it out of park with G80 . . . so I already placed M3C build with dealer.

///AVM

[CT_M3]

@///AVM

Report back with driving impressions. I'm sure it'll feel faster etc. But if one takes it to the track or drives it hard enough on canyon roads, I suspect that it won't be as good.

FYI M2C is the last car designed by Biermann and co. Not this one.
One reason I came back to BMW was that the last gen M2c, M3/M4 then were designed with a motorsport philosophy, less weight, durability etc.

This is the opposite. More weight, less substance and lots of marketing. I will be keen to see the results of this empirical test of physics.

[///AVM]

Originally Posted by CT_M3

@///AVM

Report back with driving impressions. I'm sure it'll feel faster etc. But if one takes it to the track or drives it hard enough on canyon roads, I suspect that it won't be as good.

FYI M2C is the last car designed by Biermann and co. Not this one.
One reason I came back to BMW was that the last gen M2c, M3/M4 then were designed with a motorsport philosophy, less weight, durability etc.

This is the opposite. More weight, less substance and lots of marketing. I will be keen to see the results of this empirical test of physics.

CT_M3

I suspect we are looking at March/April delivery of G80 in U.S. . . but happy to provide driving impressions once available.

I will say this to kind of keep things brief . . . 718 CGTS is the best sport car I have ever owned. M2C is the best/favorite car I have ever owned. I am not a tracker, but I am very spirited on the roadways.

Where will the G80 M3C fall . . . really not sure? However, am really looking forward to finding out.

I still have my eye on G87 M2C, as I think that will be an awesome encore to the F87 M2C . . .

///AVM

[CT_M3]

CanAutM3 and others,

All this talk about weight distribution, I wondered if the tires were specced with the weight in mind?

Taken from the web:G8x tire dimensions:
275/40 ZR18 103Y XL // 285/35 ZR19 103Y XL

18 in the front and 19 in the rear? I'm thinking 18 in the front to balance out the added weight in front with the rear? Its a rather odd tire spec.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by CT_M3

CanAutM3 and others,

All this talk about weight distribution, I wondered if the tires were specced with the weight in mind?

Taken from the web:G8x tire dimensions:
275/40 ZR18 103Y XL // 285/35 ZR19 103Y XL

18 in the front and 19 in the rear? I'm thinking 18 in the front to balance out the added weight in front with the rear? Its a rather odd tire spec.

It could be an effort to reduce the impact of weight imbalance. Here’s a quote from Porsche during an interview about the 992’s staggered wheel diameter. I’m not sure though if it works the same for both rear weight and front weight biased cars...if not that G8X front axle really must be a marvel of grip and crisp turn in to benefit from the same rear end grip improvement as a 911.

“Handling becomes more neutral because the bigger rear wheels provide greater rear end stability and grip without having to go with a wider tire.”

[CT_M3]

That was what I was thinking. Though to spec an 18 on the front and 19 on the rear is something I’ve not seen, which tells me that the weight has increased enough that they have to do away with a 19 in the front.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by CT_M3

CanAutM3 and others,

All this talk about weight distribution, I wondered if the tires were specced with the weight in mind?

Taken from the web:G8x tire dimensions:
275/40 ZR18 103Y XL // 285/35 ZR19 103Y XL

18 in the front and 19 in the rear? I'm thinking 18 in the front to balance out the added weight in front with the rear? Its a rather odd tire spec.

Originally Posted by CT_M3

That was what I was thinking. Though to spec an 18 on the front and 19 on the rear is something I’ve not seen, which tells me that the weight has increased enough that they have to do away with a 19 in the front.

There are in fact three OE wheel size combos for the G8X, all of them in staggered diameters: 18"/19", 19"/20" and 20"/21", with the later one being the M-Performance offering.

IMO, the reason for this staggered setup is to improve front end grip with improved rear end stability, just as they did on the F8X GTS and CS.

[DecemberStorm]

in canada the 18/19 set up is not available at all.. standard is the 19/20 staggered setup ... pics of the 20/21 M Perf wheels in question. Looks like the render has the front tire at 285/30/20, does it mean 295/25/21 in the rear?

but one good thing about 18s being the standard spec is the hope to fit 18s winter rims which is a plus

The eye-catching new 20"/21" M Performance forged wheels cross-spoke 1000 M are available in Frozen Gold and Jet Black matt. This modern interpretation of a spoked rim captivates with its unique, three-dimensional design

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by DecemberStorm

in canada the 18/19 set up is not available at all.. standard is the 19/20 staggered setup ... pics of the 20/21 M Perf wheels in question. Looks like the render has the front tire at 285/30/20, does it mean 295/25/21 in the rear?

but one good thing about 18s being the standard spec is the hope to fit 18s winter rims which is a plus

Yes, the rear is a 295/25R21. You can see it on the sidewall in one of the pictures.

[Wills2]

295x25 is a seriously skinny sidewall

[seis-speed]

Wanting a review of the manual....

Really hoping once we start getting some reviews they are not all Comps.

Also, I am not a fan of the new grilles, but if it drives well, the sooner I can move on and just order in a darker color, until then all we have is the looks.

Surprising to me that BMW is not getting these to people who can talk about how the cars drive and get people like me excited again.

[Powerslide]

Originally Posted by jkap27

a weight increase to add a configurable awd system that can be completely turned off to a car in which traction will overpower grip that you do not need to purchase in the first place is a universal con? lol Not to mention this same system was universally praised in the M5. The delay in AWD availability has absolutely nothing to do with reviews.

Exactly. The correct phrase should be: "All factors being equal (or close to equal), more weight is a con."

Assuming you could afford both, who would buy a Miata over a 911 GT3 for the simple fact that the Miata weighs less???

[CanAutM3]

I am seeing a lot of M440i driving reviews recently. Maybe they are just waiting a bit for the M3/4 not to overshadow the M440i

[M-SP0RT]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I am seeing a lot of M440i driving reviews recently. Maybe they are just waiting a bit for the M3/4 not to overshadow the M440i

I believe M440i driving reviews started around the same time deliveries to customers where being made, or slightly before that.

That makes me doubt we'll see any M3/M4 driving reviews before mid or late January if deliveries will start in February

[danf72]

It's gonna drive like the X3M. But like lower to the ground and stuff...

[Germanauto]

Cute seeing all these G8X preorder guys dismiss any legitimate criticism against their dear car.

I get it, you've worked hard over the years to afford such a car and should rightfully enjoy it. But spinning it's 4000 curb weight into not a big deal or even into something positive (lol @ "more grip") is a joke.