BMW fans are waiting for the M version of the F30 3-Sereis sedan like a long overdue Christmas, mixed with Easter, a birthday and wedding day (bad example, we know). Really, this car is that important!
Two prototypes were spotted testing in Spain’s Sierra Nevada region undergoing hot weather testing. They reveal very precious information about the look of the M3, which for the first time shows us a production grille and headlight assembly. The design is svelte and much less boy racer-ish than the old M3, something that’s also emphasized by the lack of a bonnet hump.
Speaking of the bonnet, a brand new six-cylinder engine is expected to be under there. Some reports speculated it’s a 3.3 engineered with parts from the M5’s V8. But we believe BMW will use a 3.2-liter block like in the old E46 M3. This will have at least two turbochargers to reduce lag and provide better fuel economy. A third one is possible, as BMW has yet to use the electric turbo in a petrol engine.
But perhaps the most interesting tidbit of information revealed by these spyshots is the interior. We don’t know if this is a complete M3 interior, since it’s mostly the same as a 3-Series. However, the gearshift lever is indicative of an M-tuned 7-speed DCT, while the steering wheel is also an M design.
Speaking of the bonnet, a brand new six-cylinder engine is expected to be under there. Some reports speculated it’s a 3.3 engineered with parts from the M5’s V8. But we believe BMW will use a 3.2-liter block like in the old E46 M3. This will have at least two turbochargers to reduce lag and provide better fuel economy. A third one is possible, as BMW has yet to use the electric turbo in a petrol engine.
But perhaps the most interesting tidbit of information revealed by these spyshots is the interior. We don’t know if this is a complete M3 interior, since it’s mostly the same as a 3-Series. However, the gearshift lever is indicative of an M-tuned 7-speed DCT, while the steering wheel is also an M design.