After a few months of
cold weather testing in the frozen climate of Sweden, the 2014 M3 F80 sedan has returned to further honing where it most belongs and excels - on the Nurburgring track. As we approach the warmer months we should begin to see it undergo hot weather testing where it will hopefully shed some more camouflage for the sake of adequate cooling.
In this sighting, we get some good close looks at the F80 M3 kidney grilles which we've pointed out before as being sleeker/sportier than that on the F30 3 Series. The production side view mirrors (which also be sportier in shape) have not yet been installed on any prototypes.
4 piston fixed brake calipers stop the front wheels while 2 piston fixed brakes calipers handle the rear. BMW M's newly developed active rear differential will likely make it to the new M3.
The debate about the engine configuration rages on however.
Insideline has just posted its speculation about a
V6 engine, while an insider recently posted here that the decision has been made on an
I6 engine. Whichever configuration BMW ends up deciding to go with, the power output will likely be in the range of 450hp, which should be plenty, given that the next M3 sedan will feature reduced weight compared to the E9x M3.
Expect the new F80 M3 to hit the market in the second half of 2013, with first teasers likely to begin late this year. BMW will also offer coupe and convertible versions again, but these models may be dubbed the "M4".
Stay tuned for more information, spyshots, and videos on the 2013 F80 M3 @
http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/
Past video from Nurburgring testing.