BMW will give the next M3 and M4 models more power,
less weight and a manual transmission according to the latest reports. Power will be provided by a
revised version of the outgoing model’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six
engine, which will reportedly produce 465 hp. The additional horsepower will most likely come from the adoption of a
water injection system, similar to that in the limited M4 GTS.
BMW also focuses on making the new model lighter
than the M3 CS’s 1585 kg; the weight savings already achieved with
the new platform of the G20 3-Series will be complimented with the increased
use of carbon fiber parts, including the roof panel.
This focus on making the car lighter is part of the
reason BMW didn’t go for a standard all-wheel drive system, like the one on the
M5, or any form of electrification as they would add weight, complexity and
cost. This generation however is thought to be the last M car without some form
of electrification and it is going to get an all-wheel drive variant after all
sometime during its career, according to BMW board member and head of
development Klaus Fröhlich.
The more powerful twin-turbo straight-six engine will be combined
with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, with
the former confirmed by Fröhlich, who spoke to Road & Track.
