BMW has revealed details of their upcoming M3 sedan and the M4 coupe. Both cars are scheduled to debut in January 2014 at the Detroit Auto Show. BMW will reserve the M3 badge for the saloon, and M4 for the coupe.
We wanted to know what the engine is going to be like and BMW has just revealed these details. BMW had used a naturally aspirated V8 engine in the previous M3 car. The new one marks the return of the straight-six and we are sure that M fans worldwide are already rejoicing.
The new engine in the M3 is a 3.0-litre, straight-six engine which will be turbocharged and produce approximately 424bhp and around 500Nm of torque. BMW has also said that a 6-speed manual transmission will be offered while a 7-speed M double-clutch transmission will be provided as an option. The 6-speed manual will blip the throttle and rev-match on downshifts.
We're also promised a keen engine note, "in keeping with the motorsport level performance of the BMW M3 and M4", helpfully provided by a flap in those famous twin-pipe exhausts. When this electronically-operated flap is activated, BMW reckons it'll produce a "BMW M sound which is striking and unmistakable".
BMW is keen to point out its excellence in CFRP (thanks to the innovative new i3) which has helped keep that weight at 1500kg - around 80kg less than the outgoing model. Weight has been reduced by using carbon-fibre for the roof and drive-shaft, using aluminium suspension components has helped reduce a further 8kgs and the gearbox is around 12kgs lighter.
An all-new Active M Differential with an electric actuator which constantly varies the locking effect will be used in the M3 and the M4 instead of the mechanical unit of the older cars. Steering assist is now electric with three settings- Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Braking duties will be taken care of by lightweight compound brakes while carbon ceramic brakes will be offered as an option.
The aerodynamics of the cars are taken care of by specially designed bumpers, a smooth underbody and a spoiler lip. Air curtains and ‘M gills’ have also been incorporated to direct airflow away from the front wheels and there are also specially side mirrors to help reduce drag. We cant wait to get our hands on these monsters!
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