BIMMERPOST correspondent Jens Meiners just spent a day at BMW’s testing center near Munich for the BMW M3/M4 workshops and ride-along. Here is our report:
Thanks, BMW, for the earth-hugging i3 and the i8, but what enthusiasts really care about is the next M3 – and its two-door variation, the M4. Production of the current one has ended in July, while the next models won’t go into production before Spring. Why the gap? We hear that BMW has essentially run out of parts to build them.
It means the end of an era: The E90 M3 was fitted with the last naturally aspirated BMW M engine – and it was also the last BMW M to use a dedicated M engine developed from scratch. No more. Despite … CONTINUED
We share with you the first official specs and technical details of the 2014 BMW M3 (F80) and M4 (F82)!
ENGINE
Inline 6 cylinder engine with two mono-scroll turbochargers
Direct Injection
VALVETRONIC
Double-VANOS
closed-decked crankcase
twin-wire arc-spray coating (instead of liners) in cylinder bores reduce engine weight
430 HP (approximately)
369+ LB-FT (500 Nm)
See Dyno Chart
Higher than 7500 RPM redline
TURBOS
Two … CONTINUED
BMW M has held workshops revealing some technical aspects of the M3/M4. Our coverage and more official specs will come later.
For now, you should know that the BMW M3 and M4 will officially feature 425 HP and more than 370 LB-FT torque, in line with what we’ve been reporting.
Keep in mind that the F80 M3 /F82 M4 will weigh less than the E90/E92 M3.
BIMMERPOST member ///Megalomaniac got up close and very personal with an F80 M3 prototype this past weekend. He recounts his spotting with us all:
Today I spotted this F80 M3 on my way back home. Thought I should share it with you!
First thing what came in my mind was: “Yes, I’m the first who can show a picture of the redline!” But as I came closer and looked into the car, the whole speedo was blacked out and nothing was to see! I think it wasn’t a full Black Panel Display, because it looked like there wasn’t any speedo at all, only a Head-Up Display..
So I looked around and noticed that the white colour was only foil! There was a blue colour underneath, which didn’t … CONTINUED
Very nicely produced video capturing the various BMW M Track Days 2013 which launched the M6 Gran Coupe globally.
3 continents. 3 times pure racing feeling. 1 stunning all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé. This were the BMW M Track Days 2013. Enjoy the event video and watch the highlights of unforgettable times in Germany, the USA and Malaysia.
Additional BMW Individual special paint finishes for the BMW M5 and BMW M6.
With the aim of combining outstanding dynamics with ultra-exclusive looks, additional variants have been added to the selection of BMW Individual special paint finishes available for the most powerful high-performance sports cars built by BMW M GmbH. Joining the range are Frozen Black metallic, Frozen Blue metallic, Frozen Red metallic and Frozen Brilliant White metallic, which can all be ordered for the BMW M5, BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Convertible and BMW M6 Gran Coupe. A sophisticated painting process used exclusively by the BMW Group lends the surface of vehicles specified in these paint shades an eye-catching, velvety matt appearance which richly emphasises the body’s powerful form. In addition, the BMW Individual special … CONTINUED
Have a first look at some of the M Performance Parts for the F10 M5 and M6. These includes (but are not limited to), the Performance Grilles, Carbon Fiber Exhaust Tips, Trunk Carbon Fiber Spoiler, OLED M Performance Steering Wheel, Carbon Gear Stick, Carbon Central Console Trim, LED Black Line Tail Lights, and Akrapovic M Performance Exhaust.
We’ll bring you more details and the full official catalog soon.
Are there any M versions of i cars in the pipeline? No, according to Cypselus von Frakenberg, BMW Group head of technology communications. Speaking at the Frankfurt IAA show, Mr. Frankenberg says that not only was there zero input from M engineers in the development of the i8, but there will be no M version in the future. In his words:
“It is separate – M and i,” he begins. “It’s two different sub-brands, but there will be no ‘M’ i-car in the future.
“These [M] are the high performance cars with combustion engines, and on the other side you have the ‘i’ cars with electric drive. They won’t come together.
“I don’t think that it would make sense to mix these two sub-brands in one car. We … CONTINUED
We have added a video of a black F80 M3 sedan advanced prototype out on the highway.
