Barracuda

Barracudas occur in subtropical and tropical oceans worldwide. However, such rumors have yet to be substantiated, and the issue won't be definitively settled until BMW officially releases the new "3" convertible. Known incidents generally involve spearfishing or hand feeding. Some believe the E90 convertible may be a retractable hardtop, similar to the Mercedes-Benz SLK. While barracudas sometimes follow snorkelers and scuba divers across the reef, which can make one feel uncomfortable, there exist no substantiated reports of unprovoked attacks. It is rumored that the next-generation M3 will have a 425 hp (315 kW) 4.0 L V8, and there is much speculation as to whether or not it will be marketed in coupe or convertible form as the M4. There have been a few isolated cases where barracudas attacked a human thinking that part of it was a fish, but these incidents are extremely rare, especially considering the number of times that barracudas and humans encounter each other. BMW was expected to announce an all-new M3 based on the E90 platform at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show (to be released in 2007), but this did not happen.

They rely on surprise and short bursts of speed to overrun their prey, sacrificing maneuverability. The available SMG transmission, a Formula 1-style elctrohydraulic manual gearbox with no clutch pedal and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, is also a highlight. They are voracious predators and hunt using a classic example of lie-in-wait or ambush. This was the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW, producing 343 PS (333 SAE net hp (252 kW) in North America) and 365 N·m (262 ft·lbf) of torque. Barracudas occur both singly and in schools around reefs, but also appear in open seas. The 2001 E46 M3 appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54B32 engine. . The US-Spec E36 M3 was named Best-Handling Car by Car and Driver in 1997.

They are caught as food and game fish (however, barracuda flesh can occasionally contain ciguatera toxin). Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999. The lateral line is prominent. Starting in model year 1997, it was also available as a sedan with a convertible in 1998. The two dorsal fins are widely separated, with the first having five spines and the second having one spine and nine soft rays. The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, with 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) which is the same engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. The barracuda body is elongated, with the lower jaw of the large mouth jutting out, and displaying prominent fang-shaped teeth. The reasons for the tamer car were largely due to excessive costs for the US market with the original engine and possible difficulty in getting the Euro engine to pass emission tests.

The one genus of the family includes about 25 known species. The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which got a tamer 3.0 L engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 305 N·m (225 ft·lbf) (S50B30US) and a different suspension. The barracuda (Sphyraenus, family Sphyraenidae) is a ray-finned fish notable for its large size (up to 1.8 m or 6 ft) and fearsome appearance. The 3.2 Euro is also known as the M3 "Evolution" or "Evo". Sphyraena waitii. These models are often described as the "Euro" models to differentiate them from the models sold in the US which were quite different. Sphyraena viridensis (Yellowmouth barracuda; Latin name 'greenish'). The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option.

Sphyraena tome. For the 1996 model year the M3 was upgraded to a new 3.2 L, 321 hp (236 kW) engine (S52B30),a six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. Sphyraena sphyraena (European barracuda). This E36 coupe model got the 3.0 L S50B30 straight-6 engine, which produced 286 hp (210 kW). Sphyraena qenie (Chevron or Blackfin barracuda). The replacement for the original M3 appeared at the 1992 Paris Auto Show. Sphyraena putnamae (Sawtooth barracuda).
In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.

Sphyraena pinguis (Red or Brown barracuda). The E30 M3 is also a multiple winner of Macau Grand Prix, 24 Hours Nürburgring and Spa 24 Hours. Sphyraena picudilla (Southern sennet; Latin name 'little woodpecker'). The M3 was (and is) a successful racer, winning the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, European Touring Car Championship and even the one-off world title in 1987. Sphyraena obtusata (Obtuse barracuda). Production of the original M3 (E30 coupe) ended in 1991. Dutch Brazil). Evo III) some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, and more power to keep the car competitive in racing folowing homologation rules.

Sphyraena novae-hollandiae (Shortfinned barracuda; Latin name 'of New Holland', i.e. Special editions and later homologation specials included the Evo I, Evo II and Sport Evo (AKA. Sphyraena lucasana (Lucas barracuda). The M3 had larger brakes and shared wheel bearings with the E28 5-Series. Sphyraena langsar (Shortjawed barracuda). It also had three times the caster angle of any other E30. Sphyraena jello (Pickhandle barracuda or Indo-malaysian barracuda). The M3 was equipped with flared fenders to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires.

Sphyraena japonica (Japanese barracuda). The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 lineup in many ways. Sphyraena idiastes (Pelican barracuda). 786 cabriolets were also produced. Sphyraena helleri (Heller's barracuda). The first version produced 195 hp (143 kW), and later versions upped displacement to 2.5 L and 238 hp (175 kW). Sphyraena guachancho (Guachanche barracuda). One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing, as an answer to the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 which was introduced in 1983.

Sphyraena forsteri (Bigeye barracuda). Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series body, the first M3 was first introduced with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the M10 straight-4. Sphyraena flavicauda (Yellowtail barracuda). . Sphyraena ensis (Vicuda or Mexican barracuda). The first M3 was based on the 1986's E30 range, and there has been an M version of every 3-Series since. Sphyraena chrysotaenia (Yellowstripe barracuda). The BMW M3 is a sports version of the popular compact BMW 3-Series automobile, made by BMW Motorsport.

Sphyraena chinensis (Striped barracuda; Latin name 'Chinese'). Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited). Sphyraena borealis (Northern sennet). (3.2l-24v I6) - 343 PS (US model = 333 hp / 252 kW) 0-62 mph - 4.8 s. Sphyraena barracuda (Great barracuda). Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited). Sphyraena argentea (Pacific barracuda; Latin literally 'silver'). (3.2l-24v I6)Euro Version - 240 kW/321 bhp 0-60 mph - 5.5 s.

Sphyraena afra (Guinean barracuda). Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited). Sphyraena acutipinnis (Sharpfin barracuda). (3.0l-24v I6)Euro Version - 210 kW/286 bhp 0-60 mph - 6.0 s. Top Speed: 150 mph. (2.5l-16v I4) - 175kW/238bhp 0-60 mph - 6.2 s.

Top Speed: 140 mph. (2.3l-16v I4) - 143kW/195bhp 0-60 mph - 6.9 s.