The wait for the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and
M4 Coupe is almost over as the automaker has confirmed the two high-performance
models will debut in mid-September. This means there’s not much time left for
testing, which is why BMW M is running on all cylinders at the moment
performing driving dynamics tests under racetrack conditions. This is a crucial
phase of the series development process and BMW M is not just relying on the
Nürburgring Nordschleife for the job.
The automaker is currently testing
camouflaged 2021 M3 and 2021 M4 prototypes on the 3,670-meter long
Sachsenring, the long-standing venue of the German Touring Car Masters (DTM)
racing series. The challenging track’s hairpin bends, long straights and the
downhill passage before the Queckenberg bend are ideal conditions to fine tune
the longitudinal and lateral driving dynamics of the two cars.
Alongside the photo gallery of the
camouflaged prototypes, BMW has also confirmed engine specifications of the
2021 M3 and 2021 M4, which promise “a significant increase in performance” over
the predecessor models. That’s because the new models offer increases of 49 PS in base spec and 60 PS in Competition guise over the outgoing
BMW M3 and M4.
Power comes from a twin-turbocharged
3.0-liter straight-six engine sourced from the BMW X3 M and X4 M SUVs. There
are two performance levels to choose from. In base specification, the unit
delivers 480 PS and it comes with a standard six-speed manual
transmission and rear-wheel drive, much to the delight of BMW M purists.
There is also the choice of a Competition
model with 510 PS and 650 Nm, offered as standard
with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and rear-wheel drive.
Later on, the M3 Competition and M4 Competition will also be available with the
latest version of the M xDrive four-wheel-drive system.
Elsewhere, the new BMW M3 and M4 will
feature an M-specific suspension setup, as well as “comprehensive innovations
in the areas of drive, wheel suspension, springs, dampers and braking
technology”.
