By Chris Chin, Autoblog
With a new generation of BMW 3 Series out, driving enthusiasts are curious to learn when the full-fledged M version will arrive. According to AutoExpress in the U.K., that will happen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. But a conflicting report from BMWBlog says a Frankfurt reveal is a bit strange, and the Geneva Motor Show in spring of 2020 is more likely.
That's because BMW has historically revealed its succeeding M3
model a year after the launch of a new, standard 3 Series. Nonetheless,
both sites report that production of the next-generation "G80" M3 is slated for 2020.
Both outlets report that the new M3
will come with more than 510 horsepower, thanks to a slightly uprated
version of the "S58" 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six found in the
latest X3 M and X3 M Competition models. The new M3
could potentially come in two states of tune, with the standard model
producing around 480 hp and the Competition model churning out around
510.
Some purists might be disappointed that the new M3 will come with all-wheel drive,
instead of being strictly rear-wheel drive. But word is the M3's system
will be similar to the one in the current generation F90 M5, with modes that can disable the all-wheel drive system and make the car rear-wheel drive only.
A "Pure"
rear-wheel-drive-only version could be on the table as well, following
in the footsteps of previous hardcore "CS" or "CSL" models.
There's no official word on the transmission
choices for the M3 just yet. But there's a chance the M3 and M3
Competition could be stuck with automatics only, similar to the M5,
while purists will have to jump to this rumored "Pure" model for three pedals.
Knowing
BMW and its tendency to give drivers options, one will most likely be
able to also change the engine's power output, as well as the behavior
of the transmission, suspension, and steering through selectable
settings.
In addition to the expectation of being faster than the soon-to-be outgoing F80 generation BMW M3 sedan, the new G80 is expected to be lighter as well, thanks to BMW's latest CLAR modular platform.
"We
are aware there is a large fanbase for M cars around the world, and we
will do all we can to excite them and everything we can do not to
disappoint them," BMW M Division's current chief, Carsten Piers, told AutoExpress.
Also
expect BMW's newest rendition of iDrive, 7.0, along with interior and
exterior styling to match the aggressiveness of previous M3 models.
