[8] Bmw M3 | [+] MANTIS TILLER

A new era of BMW M cars is officially here in the form of the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe, and with it comes new turbocharged engines, new naming conventions, less mass, and a raft of new tech. However, one important thing that hasn't changed: You'll still be able to buy both of these cars with a clutch pedal.

As you you're probably well aware of by now, the M3 has been split into two different model designations. Following the rest of the BMW lineup, the sedan retains the M3 moniker while the coupe is called the M4. In internal BMW speak, they've been designated F80 and F82.

The first thing BMW wants you to know about the M3 and M4 is that both cars will be lighter than the cars they replace. The M4 weighs in at 3300 lbs, according to BMW's scales, which is a substantial 176 lbs lighter than the outgoing M3 Coupe. BMW claims this is the first time an M car has achieved an engineered reduction in curb weight over its predecessor. The savings are achieved through an extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (which appears for the the first time on the sedan's roof) and aluminum body panels.

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The 3.0-liter motor (engine code S55) represents a return to the six-cylinder configuration of the E36 and E46 M3s, but this time it gets twin turbos. With 425 hp, it's only slightly more powerful than the high-revving V8 in the E90, but the power band is much wider and comes earlier in the rev range. Maximum power is available between 5500 and 7300 rpm, and the peak torque figure of 406 lb-ft is available from 1850 to 5500 rpm, barely over idle. This should make for an extremely tractable engine. Thanks in part to a magnesium oil sump, it's also an impressive 22 lbs lighter than the outgoing V8. When equipped with the optional M-DCT transmission, the sprint to 60 is dispatched in 3.9 seconds, while the manual achieves the same speed in 4.1 seconds.

View PhotosBMW

Yes, the M3/M4 will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox for the multitude of BMW fans who aren't quite ready to say goodbye to their clutch pedals. The manual is lubricated with a dry-sump setup, and power is transferred through a double-plate clutch. It's also over 26 lbs lighter than the old manual gearbox and features an auto-blip function for downshifts. The optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission comes with launch control and features settings for comfort, efficiency, and sport. Both transmissions are connected to the rear differential via a carbon fiber prop shaft, another place that weight is saved.

As with every M3, power for the M3/M4 is channeled into the ground through the rear wheels. The limited-slip Active M Differential is electronically controlled, and the stability control will allow for some sideways antics in M Dynamic mode. Stability control can also be turned off completely.

BMW

Suspension components are crafted from forged aluminum, which reduces un-sprung weight and adds stiffness. The rear is a five-link setup and is has a rigid connection to the chassis with no elastic rubber elements. Adaptive M suspension comes as an option and will feature Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes.

Seeming like ever other sports car that's recently become available, the M3/M4 has embraced electric power steering. Like the suspension, the new power steering system can be set in Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, but these settings will be independent of each other. We'll have to wait and see how this impacts steering feel, but we're hopeful BMW will have this system sufficiently dialed in.

Standard wheels are 18 inches in diameter, and tires are 255 mm wide in the front and 275 mm in the rear. Optional 19-inch wheels will also be available.

View PhotosBMW

As for the appearances of the M3 and M4, the changes from the cars on which they're based are more than just cosmetic. The front is carefully designed to channel air around the car while still providing adequate cooling for the engine and reducing front axle lift. The smooth underbody should have a drastic effect on aerodynamics, and the rear deck-mounted spoiler actively reduces rear axle lift. The changes, which also include larger wheel arches, make for a suitably aggressive yet handsome pair of M cars.

We should be getting a go in both the M3 and the M4 very soon, and we can't wait.

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