Manual fans can relax as spy
photographers have snapped a 2021 BMW M3 with a six-speed manual transmission.
While the news isn’t terribly surprising as BMW M boss Markus Flasch has
repeatedly confirmed plans for a manual transmission, it will likely come as a
relief to fans who have seen manuals slowly being phased out.
Besides the six-speed gearbox, we can
see a leather-wrapped M steering wheel with contrast stitching. The model also
sports a familiar 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch
infotainment system.
Spy photographers also snapped photos
of another M3 prototype and it’s decidedly more hardcore as it features carbon
fiber shelled sport seats with leather and Alcantara upholstery. That
particular model also has special seat belts with BMW M stripes.
The exterior is less revealing, but
previous spy photos and leaks have shown the M3 will get a massive grille just
like the one featured on the controversial Concept 4. The model will also have
aggressive bumpers, aerodynamic mirror caps and wider rear fenders. Other
highlights include sporty side skirts, lightweight alloy wheels and a
four-tailpipe sports exhaust system.
Flasch has
already confirmed the M3 will use the same 3.0-liter M Twin Power Turbo
six-cylinder as the X3 M and X4 M. He added it will produce 473 hp in the standard model and 503 hp in the Competition
variant.
Besides being more powerful than the
current M3, the new car will be offered with all-wheel drive. The latter
variant will come with an automatic gearbox, while rear-wheel drive models will
be the only ones to offer a stick.
