These M twins are probably two of the most anticipated reveals of 2014. The official public unveiling of these cars is set to take place at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but BMW was kind enough to released images and details of these M cars beforehand.
As suspected, the M4 looks very much like the concept car. The M pair share a low-slung, broad-yet-balanced stance with enlarged air intakes at the front, M gills with integrated air breathers on the fenders, flared wheel arches, a Gurney spoiler lip at the back of the M3 and integrated rear apron on the M4.
Apart from the visible carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, such as the roofs of both cars, a new, single-piece propshaft and strut brace in the engine compartment are also constructed from CFRP. That, and the extensive use of aluminium in the cars’ suspension components sees the kerb weights of the M3 and M4 reduced to just under 1 500 kg.
Both M cars are powered by an inline six-cylinder motor equipped with two mono-scroll turbochargers, direct injection, variable valve and camshaft timing, as well as a forged crankshaft. Capable of revving to 7 500 r/min, the engine produces 317 kW and a peak torque of 550 N.m … outstripping the figures recorded by the outgoing M3 by well over 30 per cent.
The Munich-based manufacturer has further beefed up the M3/M4 powerplant’s cooling system to cope with the rigours of the engine’s force-fed configuration.
A new, more compact (and lighter) six-speed manual gearbox is standard. For improved shift comfort, the gearbox uses carbon friction linings in its synchroniser rings and blips the throttle on downshifts – previously a feature reserved for the seven-speed M double clutch transmission with launch control, which will be offered as the other transmission option. Both the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,1 seconds (with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission).
The newcomers are also equipped with an Active M Differential as their M5 and M6 siblings are, M Dynamic Mode and an uprated electromechanical steering system that allows the driver to choose between comfort, sport and sport+ settings to alter the level of steering assistance. An adaptive M suspension and M carbon ceramic brakes will be optional.
These M cars will be launched on the international market in May. It will reach SA soon after.
