Here’s some fresh spy footage of the upcoming, fifth iteration of BMW‘s highly successful M3 series that dates back to the classic E30 model of the mid-1980s.

The video, which comes to us courtesy of F30 Post, shows the new M3 in four-door sedan configuration running a few hot lamps around the Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack, as BMW M’s engineers fine tune the car’s F30 chassis and its new turbocharged straight-six engine, the first of its kind to be used in the series.

The new powerplant, which will differ from the brand’s present-day twin-turbocharged ‘N54’ and twin-scroll turbocharged ‘N55’ 3.0-liter engines, will surpass the current model’s 414hp (420PS) and 295 lb-ft (400Nm) unforced induction 4.0-liter V8 in both output and more importantly, in peak torque figures.

The next M3’s change of heart will be paired to significant weight savings made possible by the new platform and the more liberal use of carbonfibre and aluminium components.

The car is likely to be offered with two transmission choices, a manual six-speed gearbox and a seven- or possibly even eight-speed dual clutch DCT transmission, both sending power to the rear wheels.

VIDEO