BMW reveals M3 & M4 details

BMW has revealed the full technical details for its new M3 and M4 vehicles.

Both models will be equipped with the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, which BMW claims will produce around 424bhp and have a torque figure which “soars far beyond 500Nm (369lb-ft)”. The torque figure represents a 30% improvement over the current BMW 3 Series (M3 version).

Potentially the most exciting news is that the engine in both cars will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Alternatively, as a cost option, a seven-speed double-clutch transmission will be available.

Moreover, both vehicles will weigh less than 1,500kg, thanks to the use of carbon-fibre and aluminium in their construction. Consequently, the German manufacturer has stated that the M3 will be up to 25% more economical than its predecessor in terms of fuel consumption.

The appearance of the M4 is still an unknown, however you can expect it to look a lot like the concept (pictured right). It will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

Disappointingly, no performance figures have been released for either car, but you can pretty much take it as a given that there will be a quite significant improvement over the car’s current 0 – 62mph time of 4.6 seconds.

The high-performance M3 is currently priced at £54,980, so expect to pay a little more than this for the new model.

In contrast, the standard BMW 3 Series saloon is available starting from £23,185 with range-topping models costing in excess of £43,000. Subsequently, leasing often proves a more financially viable option in today’s economic climate.