The upcoming sports sedan will feature a familiar twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, but add a mild-hybrid system into the mix
Development of the next-generation BMW M3 has entered a new phase as the model has begun testing on the Nürburgring. It’s a natural place for the high-performance sedan, which will have some things in common with today’s model, right down to a possible manual gearbox.
More: BMW’s Next M3 Could Keep Three Pedals And Won’t Plug In Like The M5
That will readily be seen under the hood as BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel recently confirmed the car will be offered with a version of their updated twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six. It complies with Euro 7 emission standards thanks to BMW M Ignite technology, which allows the engine to burn cleaner and more efficiently.
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The upgraded engine debuts in the current M3 and M4 this month, before being added to the M2 in August. The output remains unchanged, so the mill should continue to have outputs of 473 hp (353 kW / 480 PS), 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS), and 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS).
The redesigned model will largely echo that, but it’s slated to adopt a new mild-hybrid system. This should improve performance and efficiency, which sounds like a win-win.
Three Pedals Could Hang On
While speaking to Autocar at last week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, BMW M boss Frank van Meel suggested the M3 could hold onto its manual gearbox, saying the division wants to keep three pedals around for “as long as possible” despite the engineering headaches involved.
“The supplier base is getting smaller, and with all the driver assist systems it’s getting more difficult to disconnect the drivetrain,” said van Meel. “Then you’re disconnected from your driving assistance system as well as all the mild hybridisation systems.” None of that, he stressed, “means it isn’t possible. We intend to keep the manual as long as possible.”
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Putting the powertrain aside, the next M3 will adopt an edgier design. The front end loosely follows in the footsteps of the electric M Neue Klasse concept, but adopts a revised bumper and modified intakes. The car also appears to eschew a traditional grille, despite being ICE-powered.
The profile is notable for having extended wheel arches that hint at a wider track. They’re also marked with “19” front and “20” rear, which implies the prototype has staggered wheels.
Other highlights include flush-mounted door handles and stylish wheels that are grabbed by a beefy braking system with bronze calipers. We can also see a greenhouse and roofline that echoes the new i3.
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The rear end is pretty evolutionary in comparison as it features a familiar four-tailpipe exhaust system and a small rear spoiler. They’re accompanied by a new trunk and temporary taillights.
The interior is more mysterious, but it will undoubtedly adopt Panoramic iDrive. This means we can expect a pillar-to-pillar display at the base of the windscreen as well as a 17.9-inch infotainment system. The model could even be offered with a 14.6-inch front passenger display.
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