Next M3 may be lighter than expected, with lots more torque

Few cars stir up the rumormill quite like the next BMW M3. To that end, BMW fan-site BimmerPost was able to track down a source, apparently tied to the development of the next M3 (and M4), who divulged a few juicy bits on power, weight and timing.

Horsepower in the F80 M3 and F82 M4 is said to be close to that of the E90/E92, which was rated at 414 hp. This contrasts with previous reports that had horsepower pegged closer to 450. It should also be noted that BMW has been known to underrate the horsepower values for its engines. That said, the new turbocharged straight-six will supposedly develop 100 more pound-feet of torque over the current generation, too. The 4.0-liter S65 V8 found in the E90/E92 M3 developed 295 lb-ft, putting the new engine's torque in the 395 lb-ft neighborhood. We can live with that.

An equally interesting development regards the proposed weight of the new Ultimate Driving Machine. Apparently BMW is targeting the curb weight of the E46 M3. That older-generation Bimmer clocked in at about 3,400 pounds, while the E90/E92 M3 had grown to over 3,700 pounds. The 300-pound weight savings should come as welcome news to M3 purists, critical of the progressive weight gains from generation to generation.

For those interested in the aesthetic of the next performance-Bimmer, the F80/F82 update of the M3 is claimed to feature a more aggressive look, highlighted by a power bulge hood and larger fenders. That styling direction should not come as much of a surprise, as the more aggressive appearance is customary to the M3 by now and matches what we've seen in spy shots.

According to source, the F80 M3 sedan will debut first and come to market in early 2014. It will be followed by the M4 coupe, though exact timing was not revealed.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/n...s-more-torque/

 

wow, if they can come back down to the 3400lb range

seems like they are learning a thing or two from the past few years and what lexus is doing

 

They have too. That's sometimes the downfall of releasing a car first to market. ex. 5-Series vs GS. 5-Series gained 400lbs over the old E60. GS is virtually the same

 

Ironic that now BMW has to learn from Lexus about keeping their cars dynamic and fun-to-drive.

 

cool, if true.... 3400lbs is a bit heavier than new 330i, it is pretty light car.

 

Another note, what would you guys prefer:
-Naturally-aspiration V8
or
-Inline-6 cylinder with twin turbo

???

 

NA any day

 

Naturally aspirated V8. If I'm buying a car like this I don't care about fuel economy

 

I've always been a fan of the powerband offered by a V8. Sure is nice for driving through hilly areas...I was maintaining 80-85 last night on the interstate between Orem, UT and St. George. Lots of climbing done and it was able to hold speed and rarely had to shift....although the damn thing almost overheated, lol.

My experience driving an inline 6 is limited, but my understanding of inline engines is that they have a much more narrow powerband to work in and have to shift more often.

 

Wonder if they'll stick with a 7-speed DCT or go 8-auto

 

NA V8 for me.

 

But I like turbos! Because racecar!!!!

There was something special about the NA v8 in the e9x. Sill one of my favorite cars!

 

umm, not from my experience. between my e93 m3 and the e46 m3(s) i have driven, i think they both provide great power over the range, both have 6mt. just need to keep it in the right gear and there are plenty of punches (ready to go)

 

That new M3 sonds like it will be a beast!

 

It is what it is, just enjoy the Turbo torque and tunability.