Nearly a month ago, we spotted the first non-black F82 M4 coupe prototype (in Silverstone) on the road (reposted below). We’ve just spied a Silverstone F82 M4 testing on the Nurburgring, wearing M Carbon Ceramic Brakes. This prototype doesn’t reveal any new physical details, but we do have a new technical detail to share.

We were recently told by a high-ranking BMW M official intimately familiar with M3/M4 development that the engine powering the M3/M4 will feature a nearly 8000 RPM redline. As we’ve reported all along, the M3/M4’s S55 engine will be an inline 6 cylinder with mutiple turbos, outputting around 100 lb-ft more torque and approximately same horsepowers as the current M3 (S65) engine. For comparison, the current M3 engine redlines at 8400 RPM. … CONTINUED

BMW M CEO Friedrich Nitschke discusses several hot topics regarding the upcoming F80 M3 / F82 M4 and M cars in general.

Nitschke answers questions regarding electric power steering, AWD, high-revving engines, and weight issues.

We have spied the F82 M4 coupe again and here is the most revealing look yet. With the great look that we have here, here’s a list of notable elements that we see.

• Double slatted kidney grilles
• M4 badge on kidney grilles (a la M6) (currently covered)
• LED headlights
• LED tail lights
• Carbon ceramic brakes (optional) being tested in signature gold color (just as on F80 M3 prototype)
• Hood power dome/bulge
• Sculpted double-bubble carbon fiber roof (like M6 Coupe)
• Production side mirrors (still under camouflage)
• Integrated trunk spoiler
• Wide fenders
• Slanted exhaust tips
• Production sideskirts
• Wearing Continental ContiSportContact tires - 275/35 rear (like F80 M3)
• Gap in front fender for air breather vent? Location is too high to be the same ‘boomerang’ vent seen … CONTINUED

It’s been a while since the last spotting of the F82 M4 Coupe, but it’s been worth the wait this sighting as the prototype has now lost some camouflage, revealing much more!

So, what revealing things do we see in this new sighting?

• Double slatted kidney grilles.
• LED headlights
• LED tail lights
• Sculpted double-bubble carbon fiber roof (a la M6 Coupe)
• Production side mirrors (but still under camouflage)
• Integrated trunk spoiler
• Deliciously wide rear stance

What about the F82 M4 mechanicals? If you recall, we recently reported on information gleamed from the M4 prototype’s registered VIN information (posted below).

The highlight is the 310kW (415 hp) S55 3.0L inline 6 engine listed [photos]. Consistent with the information we’ve been posting, this would have the next M3 and M4 … CONTINUED

BMW M CEO Friedrich Nitschke gave some insight into certain aspects of future M models when speaking recently to Autocar.

AWD vs RWD

While current non-SUV M models all remain RWD, as horsepower numbers climb for each successive generation of models, the question has arisen whether future models would benefit from AWD xDrive offerings, to help with traction and getting all that power down to the ground effectively; especially considering the AWD offerings from competitors - such as the E63/CLS63 AMG 4Matic and upcoming RS6/RS7 Quattro models.

To this, Nitschke reaffirms M’s stance on RWD: “Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution,” … “xDrive brings an 80-90kg weight penalty and the M differential is the industry’s best rear-drive … CONTINUED

According to a report out of Autoblog, the US may finally see some specialized M models soon. The latest desirable special M hardware, such as the M3 CSL, M3 GTS, M3 CRT have not been available in the US due to homologation issues, but BMW recently said at the Detroit auto show to expect “an interesting year” and that buyers can expect one or two products aimed specifically the C63 AMG Black Series. We have our fingers crossed!

A resourceful F30POST member went BMW VIN diving and may have uncovered many details for the upcoming BMW M3 Sedan (F80) and M4 Coupe (F82)!

While obviously no production F80 M3 or F82 M4 have rolled off the line yet, manufacturers like BMW register VINs for their pre-production test cars, so finding the details behind such VINs can reveal much about the upcoming production models (although keep in mind that everything is subject to change by the time the model hits production).

So, what does the BMW M4 coupe’s VIN reveal?

The highlight is the 310kW (415 hp) S55 3.0L inline 6 engine listed. Consistent with the information we’ve been posting, this would have the next M3 and M4 featuring similar horsepower figures to the current M3 (414 … CONTINUED

CAR Magazine claims that these 2014 F80 M3 sedan images are the real deal, received from BMW. But, judging by their recent history with a false claim that a F10 M5 image they printed was also the real thing, we’re inclined to think that this may again be a case of crying wolf.

We recently posted our first set of BMW M4 Coupe renders based off the 4 Series Coupe Concept, and we now bring you even more interpretations previewing the F82 M4, by resident artist E92Alpine328i.

We started with the 4 Series Coupe Coupe and incorporated what the M3/M4 prototype spy photos and videos have revealed so far, along with some speculation and imagination.

For more M3/M4 coverage see: http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/

To recap, here is an updated list of what we know about the F80/F82 so far:

Lighter than current M3
targeting E46 M3 weight (source)
More powerful than current M3
approximately same HP, but around … CONTINUED