2020 BMW M3 Could Get A “Pure” Variant With RWD And Six-Speed Manual

BMW unveiled the 2019 3-Series at the Paris Motor Show, so attention is naturally turning to the upcoming M3.

Expected to debut eight months from now in Frankfurt, the 2020 M3 promises to a major improvement over the current model which has a 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine that produces 425 hp (316 kW / 430 PS) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque.

There have been countless rumors about the output of the M3’s new twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, but Car Magazine says the sedan will have 474 hp (353 kW / 480 PS) and at least 480 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. If those numbers are correct, we’re looking at a gain of 49 hp (36 kW / 49 PS) and 74 lb-ft (100 Nm) of torque.

That’s a pretty sizable increase and report also suggests engineers have been able to cut 143.3 lbs (65 kg) of weight. This is pretty impressive considering the model is slated to have a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and a defeatable all-wheel drive system just like the larger M5.

Purists haven’t been too happy about the M3 getting all-wheel drive and it appears BMW has been listening. According to the publication, there will be a so-called “Pure” model which is aimed at driving enthusiasts.

The car will reportedly have a six-speed manual transmission which sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. This should enable the model to be lighter than plusher versions of the M3, but it will reportedly have a reduced output of 454 hp (338 kW / 460 PS). This was reportedly done because BMW doesn’t have a six-speed manual that can cope with more than 480 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. That being said, the report doesn’t say how much torque the M3 Pure will have.

The car’s special status will reportedly be reflected inside and out as the model is rumored to have unique bumpers, special wheels and an optional paint color that is exclusive to the rear-wheel drive variant. Drivers cna also expect special upholstery and a revised instrument cluster with unique graphics.

The M4 is also rumored to have a Pure variant and drivers looking for even more performance can expect an M4 Competition with around 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS). Further down the road, there could be an M4 CS with 530 hp (395 kW / 537 PS) and an M4 CSL packing approximately 550 hp (410 kW / 557 PS).

The report also suggests previous rumors about M3 Touring were just that – rumors. Instead, the publication says an M4 Gran Coupe will effectively fill the role of a more practical M3.