The 2020 BMW M3 will be lean, low-key and packed with punch. Here are four key insights into the G80-generation version of Bavaria’s high-performance 3 Series…
1. Back to the future
The M3’s drivetrain will not follow in the all-wheel-drive footsteps of its bigger brother, the M5 (and new M5 Competition). Adopting a simpler, purist-pleasing rear-wheel-drive setup and nixing all-wheel steering further aids in keeping weight down while providing a more traditional driving experience.
2. Lightweight underpinnings
Like the next-generation BMW 3 Series, which is due in 2019, the M3 will be built on the latest version of the firm’s CLAR platform that currently features in the 5 Series. In the M3, it will boast more aluminium and high-strength steel to save mass and improve chassis rigidity. BMW has ruled out using its Carbon Core tech (as seen on the 7 Series) due to the complexity of the production process, but the new car will weigh less than the current 1 585 kg M3 CS.
3. Just add water …
Power will reportedly come from an extensively updated version of BMW’s 3,0-litre inline-six turbopetrol engine developing 340 kW. Part of the performance increase could come from the use of a water-injection system such as the one employed by the M4 GTS, enabling reduced cylinder temperatures to safely wring out more performance. A choice of six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions will be offered.
4. … and electricity
BMW has also made mention of a degree of electrification in the next M3 in the guise of gearbox-mounted motors to boost torque and reduce emissions.
Power: >340 kW
Torque: >600 N.m
0-100 km/h: 3,5 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (standard)/290 km/h (optional)
Renderings by avarvarii (avarvarii.com)
