BMW M3

I guess the next step in BMW’s engine development for the M3 might also be the Wankel rotary engine. I mean, next year in March we will witness the debut of the next generation of BMW’s M3 at the Geneva Motor Show, but until that day we can only  speculate on what the M3 will have under the bonnet. BMW has changed the engine with every new generation of M3 and thankfully it was always an improvement. Now, rumors state that the 2014 M3 will receive a turbocharged straight-six engine that will come connected exclusively to a dual clutch gearbox. ( C’mon BMW, why? ) This double clutch gearbox might be similar to the one fitted on the M5, but it will surely be updated when fitted to the new M3.

My guess is as good as yours but the internet says that the new power unit will produce around 450 HP – 335 kW and 650 Nm of torque. This brings the new M3 “closer” to its two main competitors, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and the Audi RS5 which both have around 450 HP.

Some of the new features that the upcoming M3 will be showing off, might be the electro-mechanical steering, the use of aluminum for the doors and hood and the three-stage dynamic damper control, just like the M5 and the M6. Some of the features that will be kept will be the electronic M differential as well as the unitary steel structure from the current M3 (F80).

BMW wants to make the new M3 lighter than the current generation (1605 kg) but, even though I understand that the new dual-shift gearbox is an improvement, I can’t help to wonder why on earth a manual gearbox will not be available. Even though the car will be lighter, the M3 is known for it’s “playful” nature. Paddle-paddle, shift up… paddle paddle shift down, reverse…