After an almost endless wave of reveals , leaks and concept presentations, BMW has decided to reveal the final form of the M3 and M4 Coupé sports models . They differ from their predecessors not only by a change of name, but above all by a new engine and significant weight reduction.
For the first time in the history of the M3 model (and now also the M4), we find a turbocharged unit under the hood. After the eight-cylinder, which was placed in the last generation, a six-cylinder with a pair of smaller turbochargers , which operate at a pressure of 1.3 bar, got under the hood of the newcomers. Compared to the previous generation, the output was increased to 431 hp , which is available between 5500 rpm – 7300 rpm, the torque increased to 550 Nm at 1850 – 5500 rpm.
Transmissions will be a classic six-speed Getrag manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch M DCT automatic with paddles under the steering wheel. The latter boasts the Smokey Burnout function, which, according to BMW, "allows the driver to accelerate with more slip and create an effect that draws attention to itself during acceleration." Of course, there is no lack of data on dynamics – both newcomers accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds with manual or 4.3 seconds with an automatic and have a limited top speed of 250 km/h (with the M Driver's Package the limit is pushed to 280 km/h). Combined fuel consumption is 8.8 l/100 km for the manual and 8.3 l/100 km for the automatic. Rear wheel drive is a matter of course.
The new unit weighs 10 kg less than the previous one, which is a good basis for a total saving of 80 kg on average . Thanks to the use of carbon-reinforced plastics and aluminum on the chassis and body, the M4 weighs only 1497 kg and the M3 1520 kg. The automatic means an increase in weight of 40 kg. The M3 and M4 platform is based on the classic models 3 and 4. However, for the needs of sports models, it was lowered and widened by 34 mm in the area of the front axle and by 18 mm in the area of the rear axle. The Active M Differential , which is connected to the newly tuned stability control or the electronic power steering with three modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus), will certainly have an effect on the driving characteristics.
The appearance of both models stands out due to the distinctive shaping of the bumpers, extended fenders and a carbon roof , which is available for the first time in a sedan. The wheels have a size of eighteen inches (even nineteen for an extra charge). The interior is traditionally equipped with sports seats and a lot of carbon elements. BMW has also specially developed the M Laptimer application for these models, which you can download easily and free of charge to your smartphone and use it to analyze your driving style.
The base price in Germany was set at 71,500 euros (approx. 1,962,000 CZK) for the M3 sedan and 72,200 euros (approx. 1,981,000 CZK) for the M4 coupe . The official premiere will take place in January in Detroit, sales will start in most countries during the spring.
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Source: BMW
