Feb 19, 2013

BMW M CEO Friedrich Nitschke gave some insight into certain aspects of future M models when speaking recently to Autocar.

AWD vs RWD

While current non-SUV M models all remain RWD, as horsepower numbers climb for each successive generation of models, the question has arisen whether future models would benefit from AWD xDrive offerings, to help with traction and getting all that power down to the ground effectively; especially considering the AWD offerings from competitors - such as the E63/CLS63 AMG 4Matic and upcoming RS6/RS7 Quattro models.

To this, Nitschke reaffirms M’s stance on RWD: “Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution,” … “xDrive brings an 80-90kg weight penalty and the M differential is the industry’s best rear-drive set-up.”

Manual Transmission

The M traditionalists/purists/self-rowers’ fear is that as BMW M’s dual clutch M-DCT transmission gets better by each generation, and as manual transmission take rates decrease, manual transmission will be eliminated as an option altogether. It hasn’t happened yet, as the current M5, M6, M6 Gran Coupe, as well as the upcoming F80 M3 and F82 M4 all offer (or will offer) manual transmissions.

To this, Nitschke basically says it’s on us (as customers). “From a production aspect, it would be much better to only offer the dual-clutch gearbox,” said Nitschke. “But as long as there is demand, we’ll offer the manual.”

This does however, somewhat contradict with a report last year in which BMW M’s head of engineering, Albert Biermann let on that there are no plans to fit the next generation M5 or M6 with a manual transmission.

Turbocharging

Finally, regarding the move away from naturally aspirated engines, Nitschke said: “It’s not a change in philosophy, it’s a change in technology. Turbocharging is better for fuel savings and CO2.”

The F80 M3 / F82 M4 has been confirmed to be powered by an inline 6 cylinder multi-turbo engine, which looks to output 415hp.

Feb 1, 2013

According to a report out of Autoblog, the US may finally see some specialized M models soon. The latest desirable special M hardware, such as the M3 CSL, M3 GTS, M3 CRT have not been available in the US due to homologation issues, but BMW recently said at the Detroit auto show to expect “an interesting year” and that buyers can expect one or two products aimed specifically the C63 AMG Black Series. We have our fingers crossed!

Jan 30, 2013

A resourceful F30POST member went BMW VIN diving and may have uncovered many details for the upcoming BMW M3 Sedan (F80) and M4 Coupe (F82)!

While obviously no production F80 M3 or F82 M4 have rolled off the line yet, manufacturers like BMW register VINs for their pre-production test cars, so finding the details behind such VINs can reveal much about the upcoming production models (although keep in mind that everything is subject to change by the time the model hits production).

So, what does the BMW M4 coupe’s VIN reveal?

The highlight is the 310kW (415 hp) S55 3.0L inline 6 engine listed. Consistent with the information we’ve been posting, this would have the next M3 and M4 featuring similar horsepower figures to the current M3 (414 hp) from the 3.0L inline 6 multi-turbo S55 engine. But, we’ve also been previously told by a trusty source familiar with F80/F82 development that the cars will boast approximately 100 lb-ft more torque (in range of 395 lb-ft) (source).

The same source also told us that engineers were targeting E46 M3 weight. The E46 M3’s curb weight is 3,415 lb, while the current E90 M3 and E92 M3 weigh 3,726 and 3,704 pounds, respectively. This would represent an approximate 300 pound weight reduction; great news for BMW enthusiasts who bemoan the increasing weight of cars in general. The caveat to keep in mind however, is that curb weight is calculated based on the total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, and with the ever growing list of standard equipment and technology in late model cars, don’t be surprised or disappointed if you don’t see exactly 300 pounds shaved. What’s important is that the E46 M3 weight is being used as a target, which in any scenario, should result in significant weight reduction for the new M3 and M4.

The rest of the VIN information reveals many of the features and options to be available for the F80 M3 and F82 M4. See the full VIN info inside.

The F80 M3 will be introduced late 2013 - early 2014 (concept to debut earlier). M3 European Delivery will begin June 2014, at earliest, and the F82 M4 Coupe will be introduced no earlier than late 2014.

Follow our M3/M4 coverage at http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/ and catch all the latest spy pics and information at http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602770