gleamingwriter6: BMW M3

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

BMW M3

August 1985. This was the day BMW announced the most powerful 3-Series they have ever built. And in its 25 years of history, the M3 has seen four different generations and evolved from a 2.3 liter inline-four cylinder engine with 200 HP to an impressive V8 hitting 420 HP. It may not be the best sports car out there, but it is surely one that combines most of the virtues required from a sports car: an extraordinary look, great performance, the best class handling, and a luxurious interior.

In 2013, the sports car’s history will move on to its next chapter as BMW will be set to reveal the new generation M3, featuring a twin-turbo 3.0 liter straight-six engine for the first time. This engine will be bumping up the M3’s horsepower to 450.

UPDATE 07/08/2011: The British magazine AutoExpress has revealed new details about the upcoming generation BMW M3 set to be released in 2014. It seems that the new BMW M3 will be powered by a fresh 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine equipped with three turbos ? one powered by electricity, rather than the exhaust gases. Output will be around 450 HP (up from the current output of 420 HP). The body will feature a mix of steel and ultra-light carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.

UPDATE 08/16/2011: Three turbos? Not so, says Autocar, whose sources are telling them that the future M3 will feature a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that is currently under development. This source describes the new engine "as being heavily differentiated from the company?s existing twin-turbocharged ?N54? and twin-scroll turbocharged ?N55? 3.0-liter engines." Apparently, the new engine will come with a management system, induction system, cylinder head, pistons, and connecting rods. We were kind of pumped about the three turbos so we’ll just have to wait and see what develops.

UPDATE 09/27/2011: The future BMW M3 has been caught testing yet again, this time showing off wider fenders, big air intakes in the front bumper, big brakes, and quad exhaust pipes.

UPDATE 09/27/2011: After we have brought you spy shots of the upcoming M3, BimmerPost is revealing a spy video that shows the BMW M3 in action and give us the possibility to enjoy the amazing sound of the engine. Enjoy! Hit the jump for the video.

Hit the jump to read more about the future BMW M3.

BMW M3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 16 August 2011 18:00 EST.