SPY PICS: Next-gen M3 spotted

BMW’s next generation M3 is hitting public roads in paisley disguise as the development process churns towards a public unveiling of the all-new 3 series dubbed F30 in 2012.

Indicators that this is the M3 sedan version and not a regular 3 Series include the hunking wheels, pushed-out wheel arches and what look like quad exhausts poking from each side of the rear bumper panel.

The dizzying disguise does an effective job of making identification of real features difficult, but the lack of any evident bonnet bulge – which is a defining feature of the current M3 – bolsters suggestions that a return from V8 to (turbo) six-cylinder power for the iconic model may indeed be the case.

BMW has proven what is possible with turbo sixes in applications such as the 3.0-litre Twinpower engines. An expansion of the power figures already applying to the likes of the 1 Series M model (250kW/450Nm-500Nm), maybe via a jump in capacity, would seem a responsible thing to do, given the fact that hi-po turbo sixes are generally more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly than similar-power V8s anyway. The current normally aspirated 4.0-litre M3 V8 produces 309kW and 400Nm of torque.

Some observers are suggesting BMW may apply as many as three turbochargers to provide the next M3 with an always-accessible power band, but with the current 335i engine now relying on one twin-scroll turbo to do pretty much the same job as the original twin-turbo configuration, that may not be necessary.

Reverting to a six might have other ramifications for M3 too. Its Benz nemesis, the C 63 (which outsold M3 last year at a rate of approximately three to one), employs its monster 6.2-litre atmo V8 to good effect with 335kW and 600Nm, already significantly more than the current M3. A return to a turbo six M3 would broaden an already discernible gap between BMW and Benz, which would not necessarily be a bad thing given the fuel consumption/emissions advantages of a turbo six.
 
Indications of what will happen with the next 3 Series in terms of bodily proportions are no clearer in these latest Carparazzi photos, but there seems to be no disputing it will be chunkier than the current model, with a few 5 Series influences giving a more substantial look.

It’s also understood the next 3 Series will continue with sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon variants – with the convertible continuing in its current full-metal configuration. The hardtop convertible is understood to be the most successful open-top 3 Series ever.

— with Carparazzi

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