Next-Gen M3 Kicks Up Its Heels, Cackles
Published: November 22nd, 2011
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With engine management technologies creating ever-more refined, well-behaved engines, the snap-crackle-pop overrun at the beginning of this video is an increasingly rare throwback to the time when men were men and engines could blow up at any second. Sure, such playfulness will probably be managed out of existence by the time the F30 M3 hits dealerships, but it seems like a good omen for the M3’s return to six-cylinder power. In fact, it might even be possible that the backfire heard here has something to do with the electric turbocharger that’s rumored to give the new M3 lag-free turbo performance… but then you’d probably be a better judge of that than I.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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Cackles? Snap, Crackle, Pop indeed. I'll see your BMW Rice Krispies and raise you Dick Harell's Camaro funny car's real cackling. Since a lot of drag strips won't let vintage cars run, vintage drag racing enthusiasts have "cackle fests" that basically involve firing up the engines and blasting out people's ear drums. http://www.carsindepth.com/?p=2384 (Click on the 3D icon in the video player menu bar to turn off 3D or change 3D format)
The N55 will crackle with a Dinan, BMW Performance, etc. exhaust.
Engineered in theatrics aren't new. Mazda had to intentionally design the MX-5's exhaust to give it the proper tone. The Z4 has that diaphragm that carries engine noise into the cabin. And yes, it's obvious upon hearing it that the MINI has been designed for exhaust noise, as no car with a turbocharger and a catalytic converter should actually sound like that. Take it as engineers knowing what pushes our buttons and obliging us. And unlike cosmetic carbon-fiber trim in-cabin, which is just north of tacky, this is one enthusiast-pandering move that I approve of.
After replacing the exhaust on my E92 M3 with a header-back system employing race cats I noticed popping and minor backfires while the car is cold. I am highly suspicious that the F body (ha ha) M3 won't be as entertaining as the current one.