The engineers over at BMW‘s M division have their hands full with a variety of upcoming projects, one of which is the new M3 captured here in a sedan body style.
The first thing you’ll need to know about the next M3 saloon and its two-door siblings (rumor has it they may be named M4), is that the current model’s 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 will give its place to a smaller displacement six-cylinder engine that will follow the example of the M5 employing the use of turbochargers.
It remains to be seen if the straight-six will feature two or as some reports have claimed, three-turbochargers. Either way, the new engine should push out around 450-horsepower, up from the current V8’s 414hp, while also being cleaner and more fuel-efficient.
A six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed dual clutch transmission will handle the transfer of power to the rear wheels.
Like all M models, the F30-based model will benefit from a specially tuned suspension and steering wheel system along with uprated brakes and electronic driving assistance systems.
We’ve also heard that BMW plans to use aluminum materials and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic to reduce the car’s weight and improve handling.
You’ll be able to tell that it’s an M3 by its beefed up wheel arches housing wider tires and an assortment of mild aero parts such as the new front bumper, side skirts, rear diffuser and the quad tailpipes.
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