2014 BMW M3 / M4 to Gain About 100lb-ft More Torque While Targeting E46 M3 Weight

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

2014 BMW M3 / M4 to Gain About 100lb-ft More Torque While Targeting E46 M3 Weight

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* M4 coupe render above is just a teaser for now.

We spoke very recently at length to a trusty source within BMW who is familiar with the development of the upcoming F80 M3 sedan / F82 M4 coupe and we were able to confirm the following bits of news:

HORSEPOWER / TORQUE

Regarding power output, the previously estimated 450HP figure is an overestimate. Instead, expect the horsepower output to be in ballpark of the current E90/E92 M3.

What will be increased greatly however, is the torque figure. The F80/F82's multi turbo inline 6 cylinder engine [recently exposed] will add approximately 100 lb-ft more torque over the current M3 (which outputs 295 lb-ft torque). This would put the new M3/M4 in the range of 395 lb-ft torque. There's nothing like forced induction for thrust!

WEIGHT

We were also glad to learn that all this extra torque will not go to waste. We've been reporting that the F80 M3 / F82 M4 will be lighter than the current M3, but how much lighter is what we all want to know. The great news is that the M engineers have targeted the E46 M3 weight in developing the F80/F82.

The E46 M3's curb weight is 3,415 lb, while the current E90 M3 and E92 M3 weigh 3,726 and 3,704 pounds, respectively. This would represent an approximate 300 pound weight reduction; great news for BMW enthusiasts who bemoan the increasing weight of cars in general. The caveat to keep in mind however, is that curb weight is calculated based on the total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, and with the ever growing list of standard equipment and technology in late model cars, don't be surprised or disappointed if you don't see exactly 300 pounds shaved. What's important is that the E46 M3 weight is being used as a target, which in any scenario, should result in significant weight reduction for the new M3 and M4.

MORE RADICAL M3

This should come as no surprise for those who have been following our F80 M3 spy photos/videos. The F80 M3 sedan will feature a more drastic and aggressive look and styling from the F30 3 Series than the current E90 M3 does from the E90 3 Series. Our source said to think about how the 1M coupe looks compared to the 1 Series, and we believe it. The spy photos already show huge flared fenders, very aggressive front bumper styling, and a raised hood 'bump.' Check out how it may look in some of our preview renders.

TIMING

As for the market release timing - our source again reconfirmed the same schedule we have been reporting. The F80 M3 sedan will be introduced first and will not hit the market until early 2014. Expect the F82 M4 coupe in late 2014 - early 2015. We (just our own guess) think that it may receive a global launch just like the F30 3 Series, where the M3 will hit all markets worldwide simultaneously.

SUMMARY

To recap, here is an updated list of what we know about the F80/F82 so far:

• Lighter than current M3
  • targeting E46 M3 weight
• More powerful than current M3
  • approximately same HP, but around 100 lb-ft more torque (in range of 395 lb-ft)
• Faster than current M3
• More efficient than current M3
• Powered by an inline 6 cylinder multi turbo engine (source, source)
• Offered with optional or standard manual transmission
• Electric Power Steering (completely reworked for precision for M3/M4)
• Tires (from prototype) - Michelin Pilot Super Sport: 255/35/19 (front), 275/35/19 (rear)
• Front styling to feature elements from the M6 and 1M coupe, with Air Curtain technology (our render)
• Hood to feature power/vent bump
• M3 Introduced late 2013 - early 2014 (concept debuts earlier)
• M4 Introduced no earlier than late 2014

Stay tuned for more information on the F80 M3 sedan and keep track of our ongoing coverage: http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/

[InterJon]

Sounding impressive. Now, if only they could do something about "M4".

[jaehshim]

that makes sense, they can't just add more power and power and power
light weight + more torque, just about what M customers wanted

[bimmerJP]

Now that's a good new. Now THATS A GOOD NEWS!! If BMW really succeeds, I believe it will make me forgive the FWD BM... Nah, not quite.

[Nang Vann]

Nice!

[Spoolin Montego]

I don't see E46 M3 weight happening for this car. Unless they choose all carbon/fiber glass body panels....

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

Can't wait!

[FogCityM3]

That level of weight reduction is a big win. Also, the weight/power ratio would be slightly higher than the M5, which makes sense from a cannibalization/product risk standpoint. If that's the case, performance should be pretty close to the current gen M3 CRT and GTS.

Looks like automobile magazine blog posts (that everyone poo-poo'd on including 'quasi-insiders') turned out to be spot on:

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=749717

[e92_m3]

Originally Posted by Spoolin Montego

I don't see E46 M3 weight happening for this car. Unless they choose all carbon/fiber glass body panels....

Same here!

It they used both carbon fiber and fiber glass body panels, I really think that the price of the new M3/M4 will be close to the 6 series or even the M6. That would be one expensive M3/M4.

[CanAutM3]

Same power...

That is really dissapointing . More torque if produced at lower RPMs does not translate in better acceleration. As was often debated on this forum, power to weight is the better indication of the acceleration capabilites of a drivetrain.

Less weight is a very good thing. But shedding 200-300lb won't be enough to keep the M3 competitive IMO, as it will only improve power to weight by a mere 5.5%. This is the equivalent of increasing power on the E9X by 23hp...

Maybe BMW will surprise us by underrating the F80/F82 as they have with all other recent engines. If 420 quoted translates in 450ish actual, then I'm happy .

BTW, that render does look good .

[swanson]

All sounds good. Now, just dump that 6 cyl and put a V8 in it.

[Daft]

I'm sure this will be a very tunable engine for much more power.

[techwhiz]

Too little.
With n54 engines able to produce numbers in that range without a lot of work, this does not seem compelling. We are talking somewhere in the neighborhood of 65-70 large for one that isn't even maxed out with options.

Sorry, but the M5 got a real HP and torque bump.
This isn't anything to write home about. Not impressed......

[BMW Fanatic]

I don't want to buy an M4. WTF BMW.

[SlamMan]

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Same power...

That is really dissapointing . More torque if produced at lower RPMs does not translate in better acceleration. As was often debated on this forum, power to weight is the better indication of the acceleration capabilites of a drivetrain.

Less weight is a very good thing, but shedding 200-300lb won't be enough to keep the M3 competitive IMO.

Maybe BMW will surprise us by underrating the F80/F82 as they have with all other recent engines. If 420 quoted translates in 450ish actual, then I'm happy .

im hoping they underrate it from the factory as well which will most likely be the case. i still think there is hope for the 450hp factory claim because it's only 30hp more than the e9x m3. you can add that much hp and still go lighter and have things work. i was initially disappointed when the 450hp rumors came out now they are saying it won't even change

[NYAWE60]

It will be underrated. It always is and always has been for the turbo motors. Just wait guys, this car WILL NOT disappoint.

[nbennettksu]

when are they finally going to show us what this monster looks like?

[StevenY.]

Interesting. It'll be lightweight and after a good tune, it's going to be a monster. Wish it weren't called an M4 though...

[malter2.0]

2007 E92 335i
curb weight: 3542lb (162lb less than current E92 M3)
software tune only: 400chp/400cft.lb

Price: 17-19k

[DDS2015]

Sounds awesome! Less weight is always better. As for the power, seems like enough for me, but I expect with simple tunes and bolt ons it'll push a hundred more hp.

[phrozen06]

This will be a game changer once the tuners get a hold of it.