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 and 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 and at least 650 Nm of torque. If those numbers are correct, we’re
looking at a gain of 49 hp and 100 Nm of torque.
That’s a pretty sizable increase and report also suggests engineers have been
able to cut 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. This was reportedly done because BMW doesn’t have a six-speed
manual that can cope with more than 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. Further down
the road, there could be an M4 CS with 530 hp and an M4 CSL
packing approximately 550 hp. 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.