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

Ahead of its debut (in concept form) sometime later this year, the production F80 M3 prototype forges ahead with testing this week at the Nurburgring. We’ve got it on video giving us probably the best listen so far at the F80 M3’s multi-turbo inline 6.

If you recall, we recently reported on information gleaned from the M4 prototype’s registered VIN information (see here).

According to the VIN info, the M3 will be powered by a 310kW (415 hp) 3.0L inline 6 engine (s55) [photos]. 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 hp) from the 3.0L inline 6 multi-turbo s55 engine. But, we’ve also been previously told by a trusty source … CONTINUED

The BMW F80 M3 sedan prototype has once again been spotted in Southern California - Los Angeles to be exact.

Those are non-production mirrors on the prototype. The production ones remain hidden under more advanced prototypes

here is the latest 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 100 lb-ft more torque (in range of 395 lb-ft) (source)
Faster than current M3 (source)
More efficient than current M3 (source)
… CONTINUED

Watch and listen to some super sedans blasting around the ring, in a great back-to-back listen of some of BMW’s most exciting current and future M models - the F80 M3, E90 M3 CRT, F10 M5.

2012 video highlights featuring the 2014 F80 M3, from the amazing Nurburgring Nordschleife touristenfahrten, testing and track days.

F80 M3 news @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f80m3/

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

It’s been weeks since the last F80 M3 sightings, but we’ve now spotted the 2014 M3 prototype undergoing winter/cold climate testing and it looks like the testing has advanced to another stage.

M Carbon Ceramic Brakes

For the first time, we see the F80 M3 in a color other than black (Alpine White), which sometimes signals a more advanced stage of testing. Beyond that however, this is the first F80 prototype to sport BMW M Carbon Ceramic Brakes. One can tell that they are ceramic brakes by the brake rotor material and gold brake calipers (a signature color for M Carbon Ceramic Brakes beginning with the current M5 and M6 - more details). To give you an idea of what kind of performance increase may be expected, … CONTINUED

Seeing the 2014 M3 Sedan (F80) in the harsh winter of northern Sweden this time of the year for cold weather testing is no surprise. Nor is seeing the prototype at a gas station being refueled.

But, the type of fuel that this F80 M3 test car was being filled with by its driver was certainly surprising. An astute witness captured these images at a gas station in Kode, Sweden, while witnessing the test driver of the M3 refueling the car with E85 ethanol fuel (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline).

So, is BMW testing an M3 which is powered by ethanol fuel? Very unlikely. Human error seems to be the cause as the witness described the seemingly confused test driver first grab the wrong … CONTINUED