The leaked photos of the new M4 Coupe and M3 Sedan gave us a chance to see the new M cars from almost every angle. But photos only tell half a story. All the juicy details have now been revealed, the most pertinent of which relates to the powerplant. Both cars come with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six, replacing the old 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8, with 425 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Two cylinders may be lost, but this is the most powerful M3 of all time. It also consumes almost 25 percent less fuel than its predecessor and produces 25 percent less emissions.
More power combined with 80 kg less weight and a dual-clutch gearbox equates to a 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds, down from 4.6. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard complete with an auto throttle-blipping function, but if you want the new Smokey Burnout function (similar to that on the new Mustang), you'll have to opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch. To get the M4 at 1,500 kg and M3 at 1,523 kg, BMW utilized carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the the roof (saving 5 kg), a strut brace under the hood, and under the bodywork most notably in the prop shaft, which BMW says will allow for a more responsive powertrain.
Drifters will be delighted to hear the M Dynamic Mode enables “greater wheel slip and therefore easy drifting.” Expect to see a Chris Harris video demonstrating this imminently. So more power, less weight, and a performance-oriented suspension. What else? Ah yes, carefully honed aerodynamics.
