Now that the all-new 2019 3 Series is out in the
open, the folks from BMW M can relax and drop some camo from their M3 G80
prototypes. Carscoops spy photographers snapped a 2020 BMW M3 at the Nürburgring
wearing a lighter wrap than before. Compared to earlier sightings when the M3
featured temporary prototype lights, this one sports the production headlights
and taillights.
We also get a better idea of what the finished item
will look like as there’s less plastic padding under the foil and some details
become more visible. While the car remains heavily camouflaged, we can spot
bits and pieces of the M aero kit. Those include the significantly wider
fenders and sharper side skirts.
Although still disguised, the front bumper will
certainly feature three massive air intakes. The rear one will be dominated by
a sizable air diffuser flanked by the M3’s trademark quad exhausts. Other
typical BMW M elements include the blue brake calipers and generous ventilated
discs.
The 2020 M3 clearly looks within its element on the
Nürburgring and that’s no surprise given what’s beneath the muscular bodywork.
The high-performance sedan is expected to use an upgraded version of the
current model’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine.
Rumor has it the power plant will deliver between
465 and 493 hp, channeled to the rear wheels via a
standard six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic transmissions. Some
say the M xDrive AWD system from the M5 will be optional as well. Add to that
the lower, stiffer M suspension, as well as the lighter weight, and the 2020 M3
should set the bar even higher than its predecessor.
Expect the all-new BMW M3 to debut at the 2019
Frankfurt Auto Show in September and go on sale in early 2020.
