What is the world's best performance sedan? Apart from the BMW M5 that is.
The BMW M3.
In fact, a lot of thrill-seekers buy the M3 instead of the M5 for a very simple reason: The M3 is smaller than the M5. And cheaper. In the world of performance sedans, smaller is better, and cheaper is just the added icing on the cake. So you can imagine how much is expected from the new M3, which should show its face (and engine) by the end of this year.
Thanks to the folks at CAR UK however, we can have a pretty good look at the 2014 BMW M3 right now. CAR claims that these design's were 'smuggled' out of Munich, for your and my benefit.
At first glance, the new M3 looks something like what we've been expecting: Huge air intakes in the front bumper, subtle 'M' badges in the grille and the fender, boot-lip spoiler finished with quad-exhaust pipes at the rear. Save for the yellow color and the black (they are CFRP - carbon fiber reinforced plastic) roof, the new M3 looks like what BMW usually does with their performance sedans.
Also, it is rumored that the new M3 will be a 4-door sedan only. If you fancy a M coupe, you'll have to wait for the M4.
Now for the engine that could power the 2014 BMW M3. CAR UK reports that the BMW engineers have ditched a V6 for a more exciting straight-six. While the engine specifications are unknown, the power output is speculated to be 444bhp. Combine that with a 6-speed manual (or a M-DCT automatic) and a new differential rear axle and you can imagine the pace the M3 will set.
Thanks to the CFRP roof, the 2014 BMW M3 promises to remain under 1500 kg in weight. To put that in perspective, a BMW 335i (sold abroad) weighs 1595 kg and the M3's direct rival, the C63 AMG comes at a 'heavy' 1600 kg.
BMW are expected to show a concept M3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Once that happens, expect the production ready version to hit the European streets by 2014. And needless to say, the 2014 BMW M3 is coming to India as well.
[Source - CAR UK]
[Picture Credits - WorldCarFans.com and GTSpirit.com]
