Photo: BMW
It's getting pretty obvious that BMW worked really hard to get the M3 and M4 where they should be: the top of the 'food' chain. This week, the Munich-based company decided to let us in on a couple of vital information about the new cars.
After discussing the suspension and engine of the new models, it's time to take a look at the powertrain of the two beasts. As we told you earlier, for the new models, BMW decided to use CFRP almost everywhere it was possible, in order to keep the weight down.
In this regard, the engine's impressive torque is sent to the wheels using a forged crankshaft with high torsional rigidity. Furthermore, thanks to its construction process and the materials used, it's also significantly lighter and smaller than its predecessors, resulting in a reduction of rotating mass.
The standard ZF 6-speed manual gearbox will also be lighter and more compact. The weight savings add up to around 12 kg (26 lbs) thanks to innovative new carbon friction linings n its synchronizer rings. Dry sump lubrication provides an efficient supply of oil to all parts of the gearbox which is now more quiet and blips the throttle on downshifts.
The most impressive innovation though, comes from the drive shaft. The new models will have CFRP drive shafts, extremely capable under heavy loads. Thanks to the properties of the new material, the drive shaft can now be built without the centre bearing, whilst also being 40% lighter than its predecessor.
Last but not least, the M3 and M4 will have Active M Differentials. That means that an electric actuator will constantly vary the locking effect, depending on the driver's needs. Therefore, the car will be faster off the line but it will also allow you to drift it, when you desire to.
In this regard, the engine's impressive torque is sent to the wheels using a forged crankshaft with high torsional rigidity. Furthermore, thanks to its construction process and the materials used, it's also significantly lighter and smaller than its predecessors, resulting in a reduction of rotating mass.
The standard ZF 6-speed manual gearbox will also be lighter and more compact. The weight savings add up to around 12 kg (26 lbs) thanks to innovative new carbon friction linings n its synchronizer rings. Dry sump lubrication provides an efficient supply of oil to all parts of the gearbox which is now more quiet and blips the throttle on downshifts.
The most impressive innovation though, comes from the drive shaft. The new models will have CFRP drive shafts, extremely capable under heavy loads. Thanks to the properties of the new material, the drive shaft can now be built without the centre bearing, whilst also being 40% lighter than its predecessor.
Last but not least, the M3 and M4 will have Active M Differentials. That means that an electric actuator will constantly vary the locking effect, depending on the driver's needs. Therefore, the car will be faster off the line but it will also allow you to drift it, when you desire to.
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