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NEWS
SPY PICS: Next-gen BMW M3
BMW's next-gen high-po compact sedan edges ever closer to being a production reality. Get set for a leaner, meaner sedan that adopts turbo six powerBMW’s next-gen F30 M3 has been spied in icy climes by the Carparazzi lenses, but precise technical details relating to the four-door hotshoe still remain a closely guarded secret.
The generally held view is that the existing E90/E92 M3’s 4.0-litre atmo V8 will make way for 3.0-litre straight-six unit with three turbochargers – a combo that will reportedly be good for 330kW (compared with 309kW for the current car).
The blown six will be hooked up to the latest iteration of BMW’s M-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with the whole lot clothed in a bodyshell that makes extensive use of
carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) to keep weight down.
Some pundits are tipping a kerb weight around the 1550kg mark, which would represent a sizeable saving over the existing E90 M3’s 1690kg girth.
As per the latest F10 M5 (which ditched its predecessor’s high-revving atmo V10 in favour of a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8), the emphasis with the new M3 will be on low consumption/emissions and strong torque delivery throughout the rev range – making for a more relaxed (yet quicker) daily drive.
The test mule pictured in these images sports the familiar quad tailpipes protruding from its rump, and you can make out the huge brake discs nestled behind the large 10-spoke alloys that fill out the wheelarches.
And although the psychedelic camouflage conceals much of the details, it’s possible to make out the general outline of the bespoke front spoiler that extends to within four or five inches of the tarmac. Also evident is the bonnet bulge that carries over the precedent set by the E90/E92 model.
As previously reported, the successor to the two-door M3 is set to gain M4 badging (along with the designation F32), and it will be distinguished by more rakish styling previewed by the 4 Series Concept unveiled at the recent Detroit motor show.
Expect the M4 to have a more driver-focused feel than its M3 sibling, which means ‘sport plus’ suspension settings that will favour outright grip and steering responsiveness over the high refinement that will be dialled into the four-door.
Also in the pipeline are a convertible version of the M4, plus a four-door Gran Coupe variant, mirroring the strategy adopted by the current 6 Series range.
– with Carparazzi
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Written byGautam Sharma
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