BMW has revealed the full technical details of the new M3 and its coupe sibling, the M4.
As we expected, both the M3 and the M4 will share the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, which will develop in the region of 424bhp. In addition to this, BMW claims that the engine will have a torque figure which "soars far beyond 500Nm (369lb-ft)" -- a 30 per cent improvement over the outgoing M3.
But by far the best news is that, contrary to rumours which suggested that the new M3 and M4 would be flappy-paddle-only, both cars will be fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. A seven-speed double-clutch transmission will also be available as a cost option.
Mechanically-speaking, the M3 and M4 will be virtually identical and unlike previous generations of the M3, both the saloon and the coupe will be released simultaneously.
Thanks to the liberal use of carbon-fibre and aluminium in the cars' construction, both the M3 and the M4 will tip the scales at less than 1,500kg. Coupled with the switch to the smaller engine and the addition of electronically-assisted power steering, BMW claims that the new car is up to 25 per cent more fuel efficient than the previous model.
Unfortunately, BMW has not released any performance figures for the new cars; however, you can rest assured that there will be a significant improvement over the current car's 4.6 second 0-62mph time.
BMW has also yet to reveal what the M4 will look like. The M4 Concept you see above, which was revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance last month, gives us some indication of the M4's looks; however, we'll have to wait until the Detroit Motor Show in January to see the finished car in the metal.
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