The new BMWM3 will be lighter, more
powerful and faster than the model it replaces, and will also spearhead a wave
of new turbocharged M cars, Auto Express can reveal.
A company insider told us how the four-door
saloon (the coupé will be called the M4) “will take the brand’s most popular
and famous performance model to new heights with the latest body and engine
technologies”.
Our exclusive images show how BMW will
transform the 3 Series saloon into a street racer, with a lower ride height,
blade front bumper and other cues such as M3-badged vents on its flanks and
intricate mirrors.
The
new BMWM3 will be lighter, more powerful and faster than the model it replaces
Under its bulging bonnet, the M3 will use a
new six-cylinder 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine. Unlike the M5’s reworked version
of BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, the new engine will be used exclusively in M
models, not appearing in any lesser cars.
Performance figures are still secret, but
our insider told us to expect around 450bhp - an increase of 30bhp over the
4.0-liter V8 in the current car. There will be an even bigger increase in the
torque figure - potentially as much as 150Nm -taking the total to 550Nm at just
2,000rpm.
Despite offering more standard equipment than
its predecessor, and superior comfort, the new car will weigh about 100kg less
than before. BMW will achieve this by using a raft of lightweight body
materials in construction.
Under
its bulging bonnet, the M3 will use a new six-cylinder 3.0-liter twin-turbo
engine.
Just like the current M3 Coupé, the new
saloon will get a carbon fiber roof, but the lightweight material will also be
used for the bonnet and boot lid. Meanwhile, the front wings will be made from
composite plastics.
All of this should result in scintillating
performance. Our insider said BMW is expected to quote a 0-62mph time of 4.3
seconds - three tenths quicker than the current M3. He also warned that
official figures are usually conservative and it could be even quicker in the
real world.
And while top speed will be limited to
155mph, the new M3 should be able to hit 180mph when electronically
derestricted.
Of course, M cars aren’t just about
straight-line performance - the new M3 must be as engaging to drive as its
predecessors. Less weight will improve agility, while the latest M Division
limited-slip differential will boost traction when exiting corners. The car
will also feature hydraulic steering, rather than the electrical set-up of the
normal 3 Series, and will run on normal tires, not run-flat rubber, to further
improve feel.
M
cars aren’t just about straight-line performance - the new M3 must be as
engaging to drive as its predecessors.
The driver can still alter the weight of
the speed-sensitive steering, as well as the stiffness of the adaptive dampers,
the severity of the throttle response and the shift speed of the seven- speed
dual-clutch transmission.
Enthusiasts will be pleased to hear a
manual version will still be offered, and that BMW is also working on tuning
the acoustics of the turbocharged engine to ensure it suitably charismatic.
The new M3 is expected to appear later this
year at the same time as the M4 Coupé - possibly at November’s LA Motor Show.
It’ll go on sale in the UK next summer,
priced from around $82,500 and increase of about $4,500 over the current car.
An M4 Cabriolet is set to follow in early 2015, while an extreme GTS version is
also expected.
