M Performance Confirms all Details on New BMW M3 & M4 Twins
All-new M3 and M4 bring radical looks, more power and de-selectable AWD; they’re here in 2021.
Following the few images that leaked onto the net BMW M has now revealed full details on the much anticipated all-new M3 saloon and M4 coupé.
Boasting a controversial and somewhat radical new nose and a heavily reworked mechanical package, the 480 HP six-speed manual rear-wheel drive M3 and M4 arrive in the US in March 2021. The 503 HP 8-speed automatic M xDrive all-wheel drive Competition models will follow in the summer.
The range will grow to include the first ever M3 Touring estate, the M4 Cabriolet and the M4 Gran Coupé four-door. Even more powerful track-focused CS derivatives will follow later.
Competition: 305 HP per ton
The newly developed S58 3-liter biturbo straight six remains longitudinally-mounted. Weighing in at 3800 lbs, the M3 Competition delivers a 304 HP per ton power-weight ratio, the 10 pounds. lighter M4 Competition 305 HP per ton. Output is 65 HP and 78Nm up on the outgoing S55 lump. The Competition cars also improve by 40 HP more than the 2018 M3 and M4 CS.
Shared with the X3 M and X4 SUV siblings, the new engine picks up on the previous Valvetronic and Double Vanos variable camshaft timed S55.
Swept volume has been increased by 14cc to 2993cc thanks to a longer 90mm stroke. Add reworked turbochargers, revised 350 bar fuel-injection and a petrol particulate filter to improve emissions, among other novelties.
Peak torque remains 406 lb-ft, but it is developed 800rpm further up the rev range from 2650rpm to 6130rpm. Competition torque is up 73 lb-ft to 479 lb-ft between 2750rpm and 5500rpm. The 7200rpm redline is slightly down on the old unit.