[pyrat]

This is how I see it now:

1. they bolt two turbos on the current M3's engine, wow nothing a current M3 owner can't do in the aftermarket, and with warantees nearing the end by release of next gen that will be an attractive option. Boring to just keep the same engine no matter how epic the V8 is

2. n54/n55 - after all M3 owners scoffed at the 1M getting this engine now it is a candidate for the next gen M3? again dissapointing regardless of the HP and torque they get out of it.

3. detuning the M5's engine. suddenly the M3 sounds like the cayman/911 story.

4. v6 TT- honestly sounds like the only exciting option. I know it is not I6, but it could be balanced, lightweight, torque friendly, and if BMW keeps the size and weight of the next M3 in check (which means going backwards in weight) this could be a stellar car.


I also think 2 and 4 are likely because SCOTT said 4-cyl turbo in 1M and 6-cyl turbo in M3. The only reason BMW would opt for an 8-cyl is because audi Merc are doing it, or because they can't get the M3 weight down to allow a 6-cyl to make it fly.