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Future BMWs : M3 and Z3 evol. French news

Hi all,

I just read the following in 2 french car's magazines :

- - NEW sequential 6-speed gearbox for 97' Euro M3. You can use it in two
  modes : auto (like others auto. cars) or Sport mode. In that case, you
  only have to push (shift down) or pull (shift up) the lever, and THAT'S
  IT. And you can do it while your accelerator pedal is still 'full open'.
  It has some refinements like :
  - automaticly shift to 1st gear when you stop
  - you can shift from 5 to 2 for instance, if you do 3 impulses
  - automatic double-declutching when you shift down
  
  Technically, it uses hydraulic stuff (so, no more clutch pedal), and 
  needs 0.25 second for shifting.... Seems like perfect !
  
- - Winter 96/97 :
                 Z3  6-cyl. 2.8 liters 193 hp     and
                 Z3  6-cyl. 3.2 liters 321 hp    (....  = Euro-M3)
				 
One magazine tested ALL sports-car sold around the world. They were
classified in 10 categories. Here are the winners :

- - Compact     : Audi A3 1.8 Turbo
- - Small-sedan : BMW 328i
- - Big-sedan   : Mercedes E50
- - Limo.       : BMW 740i
- - 2-door      : Renault Megane Coupe 16V
- - Roadster    : Mercedes SLK230
- - Supersports : BMW M3 3.2 
- - Convertible : Porsche 911 Carrera
- - GT          : Ferrari 456 GT
- - Supercars   : Ferrari F50

Just want to add that M3 was racing against Aston-Martin DB7, Viper GTS, 
Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Corvette LT1, Honda NSX, Lotus Esprit, Mitsubi-
shi 3000GT and Porsche 911 Carrera 4S ...


Damien Veyret.