Photo: BMW
Just as we thought, since BMW invited journalists to go for a ride inside the new BMW F80 M3 and BMW F82 M4, the unveiling of technical specs was bound to happen, and soon.
So, here we are, letting you know exactly what to expect from the new cars. The engine will be an inline 6-cylinder turbocharged unit that develops 'approximately' 430 HP and 'far beyond' 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, impressive numbers for a 3-liter unit. Furthermore, the redline for this S55 engine will sit somewhere above 7,500 RPM.
In order to achieve such numbers not one but two single scroll turbochargers were used, somewhat similar to the N54 engine used on the 1M Coupe. Other technology used includes Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC, Double-VANOS, closed-decked crankcase and twin-wire arc-spray coating in cylinder bores to further reduce weight.
Just as the Bavarians said before starting work on these two cars, a major concern was weight saving. With CFRP at their disposal, it was bound to see the new material incorporated throughout the car.
The kerb weight of the new M3 will be of around 1,500 kg (3,306 lbs), 80 kg (176 lbs) lighter than its predecessor, 100 lbs (45 kg) lighter than the E46 M3 and 600 lbs (270 kg) lighter than the C63 AMG. The power to weight ratio will therefore be around 286 HP per tone.
CFRP was used almost everywhere. The drive shaft is now made of the new material, being 40% lighter than the one on the E90 M3, stiffer and offers better acceleration and throttle response.
The roof of both cars is now made of CFRP alongside the roof bow and front strut brace, whilst the trunk is made out of pure carbon fibre (for the M4).
Going over the transmission, just as we reported, both cars will have manual 6-speed gearboxes available with automatic throttle blips on downshift and carbon fiber friction linings in synchronizer rings.
For those that prefer automatics, a 7-speed DCT unit with launch control is also available. The rear differential will be Active with constantly variable locking similar to the ones on the M5 and M6 model and the crankshaft is forged.
One possible problem with the new cars might be the electric power steering that is going to keep the three driving modes currently available: Comfort, Sport and Sport+.
To top it all off, Ceramic Brakes will be available as an option whilst the exhaust will have electrically controlled flaps before the rear silencer for better sound and minimal back pressure.
Just as expected, the weight distribution will be perfect, 50:50, air curtains have been integrated into the design alongside air breathers behind the front wheel, therefore reducing the fuel consumption by almost 25%.
The two models were developed and tested with the help of BMW DTM Race car drivers, Bruno Spengler and Timo Glock and they will be introduced, side by side at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2014.
In order to achieve such numbers not one but two single scroll turbochargers were used, somewhat similar to the N54 engine used on the 1M Coupe. Other technology used includes Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC, Double-VANOS, closed-decked crankcase and twin-wire arc-spray coating in cylinder bores to further reduce weight.
Just as the Bavarians said before starting work on these two cars, a major concern was weight saving. With CFRP at their disposal, it was bound to see the new material incorporated throughout the car.
The kerb weight of the new M3 will be of around 1,500 kg (3,306 lbs), 80 kg (176 lbs) lighter than its predecessor, 100 lbs (45 kg) lighter than the E46 M3 and 600 lbs (270 kg) lighter than the C63 AMG. The power to weight ratio will therefore be around 286 HP per tone.
CFRP was used almost everywhere. The drive shaft is now made of the new material, being 40% lighter than the one on the E90 M3, stiffer and offers better acceleration and throttle response.
The roof of both cars is now made of CFRP alongside the roof bow and front strut brace, whilst the trunk is made out of pure carbon fibre (for the M4).
Going over the transmission, just as we reported, both cars will have manual 6-speed gearboxes available with automatic throttle blips on downshift and carbon fiber friction linings in synchronizer rings.
For those that prefer automatics, a 7-speed DCT unit with launch control is also available. The rear differential will be Active with constantly variable locking similar to the ones on the M5 and M6 model and the crankshaft is forged.
One possible problem with the new cars might be the electric power steering that is going to keep the three driving modes currently available: Comfort, Sport and Sport+.
To top it all off, Ceramic Brakes will be available as an option whilst the exhaust will have electrically controlled flaps before the rear silencer for better sound and minimal back pressure.
Just as expected, the weight distribution will be perfect, 50:50, air curtains have been integrated into the design alongside air breathers behind the front wheel, therefore reducing the fuel consumption by almost 25%.
The two models were developed and tested with the help of BMW DTM Race car drivers, Bruno Spengler and Timo Glock and they will be introduced, side by side at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2014.
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