If you were hoping the 2021 BMW M3 would
eschew the massive grille used on the M4, we have some bad news for you as a
prototype has been spotted with a sizeable schnoz. There’s no getting around it
either as the grille dominates the entire front end. However, it’s flanked by
sweptback headlights and sporty air intakes.
The rest of the car is far less
controversial as the model adopts an evolutionary design which closes echoes
the standard 3-Series. That being said, there’s a bulging hood and a
four-tailpipe sports exhaust system. We can also see sporty side skirts, a rear
spoiler and lightweight wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking
system.
BMW teased the upcoming M3 and M4 earlier
this month and said they will be unveiled in September with a new straight-six
engine that produces 473 hp. The base model will be offered
with a six-speed manual, while the Competition variant will have an eight-speed
automatic. The latter will also have an increased output of 503 hp.
Both are a significant improvement over
their predecessors as the base model gains 48 hp, while the
Competition jumps 59 hp. Thanks to this, the M3 Competition
will be as powerful as the Mercedes-AMG C63 S although it will have less toque.
Of course, the big news is the addition of an all-wheel drive system. BMW
hasn’t said much about it, but all-wheel drive will become available shortly
after the rear-wheel drive model is launched.
The company is keeping additional
information under wraps, but has previously said the M3 will have “inspiring
agility, outstanding dynamics and precisely controllable handling even in
extreme sporting situations.”
