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Confirmed: F80 BMW M3 Getting 450 HP Straight-6, Not V6

We’ve been wondering for some time now why BMW introduced the tri-turbo technology to the diesel 3.0-liter and not the gasoline N55 block in the 335i. However impressive the new super-diesels might be, they sound like a dilution of a sporting brand, as diesels are now on par with petrol engines in some models of the BMW range, not mentioning the fact that Audi is also doing the same thing with its V6s.
BMW M3 Rendering 1 photo
Photo: Roger Lighterness
It looks like the reason was the next M3, as this car is now looking likely to become a tri-turbo inline-6 monster. Yes, you heard right, not a V6 monster.

BMW North America President, Mr. Ludwig Willisch, reportedly told BimmerPost that the next F80 M3 sedan and F82/83 two-door will actually be built using an inline-six cylinder engine.

The automaker has not decided if they should make it a twin-turbo or a tri-turbo model, but it seems obvious that the latter solution will be adopted, as BMW showed it want to increase efficiency with the M5, thus more low-end torque is a must.

Whatever the case, the new engine is likely to displace “around” 3.0-liters and produce 450 PS (331 kw or 444 hp), though other reports suggest it’s going to be a bespoke block, not a conversion of the existing N55 turbocharged straight-6.

Despite having two less cylinders than the current M3, the F80 will be filled with superlatives - lighter, faster, more powerful, and more efficient than the current model.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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