If you’re passionate about anything to do with cars, the new BMW M3 is one car you’ll want to pay close attention to. BMW M Division CEO Markus Flasch recently revealed details about the upcoming M3 model, saying that BMW will offer a standard version and a competition version with 480 and 510 bhp respectively—not to mention options between all-wheel and rear-wheel drive.
Set to make its debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new M3 is a sports sedan with plenty of power, and specs that will please all types of car enthusiasts. Although there are conflicting reports as to whether it will be sold as a 2020 or 2021 model, what we do know about the upcoming M3 is enough to keep auto technology buffs on their toes. Here are three things you need to know about the new BMW M3.
1. It Has a High Capacity for Horsepower
Above all else, the new M3 is powerful. With a new twin-turbo, six-cylinder engine known as the S58 powering it, the M3 can produce brake horsepower rates of 480 and 510 bhp between the standard and competition versions respectively. More specifically, some reports say the M3 in its standard form will have a horsepower of 473, while its competition model will boast 503 hp. In both cases, the engines will be equipped with 442 pound-feet of torque. Furthermore, the S58 engine is rumoured to also include a water-injection system to help reduce temperatures in the combustion.
2. Auto Technology Buffs Can Expect All-Wheel Drive, But Also Rear-Wheel Drive and Manual Transmission
Similar to the M5, the upcoming M3 will come with an all-wheel drive system. Although the M3 has traditionally been rear-wheel drive, the drivetrain for its upcoming model will feature options to choose between RWD and all-wheel drive, not unlike the system found in the M5. Students in auto technology school will also be fascinated to know that the new M3 will be the first of its kind to have all-wheel capabilities.
Though certain models will come with automatic transmission all-wheel drive, BMW intends on making versions of the M3 with options for manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. With the pressing of a button, drivers can shift gears between all-wheel and rear-wheel drive. However, some models are being planned to come equipped with only manual transmission and rear-wheel drive capabilities, catering to automotive purists—though these models are supposedly only going to have around 450 hp.
3. It Uses Some of the Same Parts as Other BMW Cars
As much as the new M3 has some distinctive features, they may already be familiar ones to those who love auto technology, especially from BMW. The company says the M3 will use the same 3.0-litre, twin-turbo engine as the X3 M and X4 M SUVs. However, that’s not to say it won’t come with its own distinct parts: spy shots appear to indicate that the car will also be equipped with a lowered suspension to improve drivers’ handling, an electronic differential lock, wide fender flares for larger-sized tires and wheels, and improved aerodynamics through new fascias in the front and rear. For anybody who loves cars, this is one to keep an eye on!
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