The brand new BMW M3 has once again taken to doing what it does best, and that is hooning about on the track... sorry, that’s what we would like to see it do, but it’s actually setting the fastest laps possible. That’s because the German engineers are taking things quite seriously, as the car does lap after lap of the famous Nurburgring track.
Despite the numerous coupe versions, BMW has only ever made two sedans with the M3 name, the E36 and the E90. However, with the current generation, the sedan will be first to hit the market, in about a year’s time from now. That’s because works has only just begun on the coupe, and chances are there won’t even be an M3 coupe, as the two-door will be named the M4.
Right, that’s enough of the company history. Time to get to what’s behind the camouflage. The first thing that pops into view is that compared to the regular F30 3-Series sedan, this M3 prototype is much wider to make room for those massive tires. The front grille is typically M-division, with huge intakes feeding the engine and cooling the massive performance brakes.
Under the slightly bulging bonnet, BMW has most likely fitted a brand new engine that also has a familiar displacement to it. It’s a 3.2-liter straight-six that works in combination with at least two turbochargers, if not more. The unit is widely expected to produce 450 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. That’s an increase of about 7% in terms of power and 18% in terms of torque over the current 4-liter V8. It’s also reasonable to expect a 20% increase in fuel economy.
Rumor has it the next M3 will be shown as a concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March. Following that, a production version should be ready and available by September 2013.
Right, that’s enough of the company history. Time to get to what’s behind the camouflage. The first thing that pops into view is that compared to the regular F30 3-Series sedan, this M3 prototype is much wider to make room for those massive tires. The front grille is typically M-division, with huge intakes feeding the engine and cooling the massive performance brakes.
Under the slightly bulging bonnet, BMW has most likely fitted a brand new engine that also has a familiar displacement to it. It’s a 3.2-liter straight-six that works in combination with at least two turbochargers, if not more. The unit is widely expected to produce 450 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. That’s an increase of about 7% in terms of power and 18% in terms of torque over the current 4-liter V8. It’s also reasonable to expect a 20% increase in fuel economy.
Rumor has it the next M3 will be shown as a concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March. Following that, a production version should be ready and available by September 2013.