By the end of the month, the new fifth-generation BMW M3 will be at dealerships in sedan form only. Following BMW's model name changes (odd numbers for sedans and even number for coupes/coupe-like profile vehicles) the two-door version of the high-performance machine will now wear the M4 badge.
No surprise that the M3 and M4 mechanically mirror each other. The biggest change comes under the hood, where an inline six-cylinder engine returns, replacing the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated unit in the previous M3. With the help of twin-turbochargers producing the maximum boost of 18 psi, the 3.0-liter I6 is rated at 425 hp between 5,000-7,300 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque available from 1,850 to 5,500 rpm. That represents a small 11-hp increase, but a healthy 111 lb-ft bump in torque over the old V8. Better still is that the V8's peak outputs weren't there until the way up at 8,300 rpm for horsepower and 3,900 rpm in the case of torque, meaning the powerband in the new engine is wider and easier to take advantage of.
Three-pedal fans will be happy that the standard transmission continues to be a six-speed manual, which is more compact and 26.4 pounds lighter than the previous one. Rev-matching for downshifts gets added, but can be deactivated, and slicker shifts come by way of new synchronizer rings with carbon friction linings. Customers can alternately opt to plunk down an additional $2,900 for a seven-speed dual-clutch sequential manual with launch control.
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