BMW Motors has officially marked the new era of its M series by unveiling the new M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe. The German auto maker's newly interpreted designs of its high-performance sportscar is already creating buzz in the streets worldwide. Both the models will be premiering at the Detroit Motor Show in January next year before its release date in the late June 2013. Keeping masses in consideration, the company has put a base price of around RS. 48 lakh on the M4 and M3 models. Seemingly, the old M3 model has been partitioned into two labels with the coupe version called M4 and the M3 sedan as the inheritor of ongoing M3 Coupe.
Dr Friedrich Nitschke, President BMW M GmbH while introducing these designs said, "Four generations of the BMW M3 have blended motorsport genes and uncompromised everyday usability within an emotionally rich overall concept. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe represent an ongoing commitment to this philosophy. The engine is the heart of every M model, and the new turbocharged six-cylinder unit fitted in the two new cars combines the virtues of a high-revving naturally aspirated unit with the strengths of turbocharger technology.”
“A committed lightweight design concept produces a weight saving of around 80kg over the outgoing M3. The BMW M3 and BMW M4 take motorsport technology from the track to the road, and thousands of laps of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife — the world's most exacting race track — have readied the new models for that transition. Meticulous and passion-fuelled development work has underpinned the creation of two high-performance sports cars that set new standards in terms of overall concept, precision and agility," added Nitschke.
Coming to the specifications, the German auto company replaced the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine in the ongoing coupe with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder unit in the upcoming M3 and M4 models. Astonishingly, the smaller engine squeezes 425 bhp as compared to the old model which could just attain 414 bhp and 550 Nm of torque at 1800 rpm while the old V8 could just reach 400 Nm peak torque at 3900 rpm. Following their hallmark trend, the company has put a seven-speed dual clutch transmission for an unruffled ride and an option of 6-speed manual gearbox with an auto-blip down shift function is also available as a part of basic configuration. Both M3 and M4 have achieved weight loss over the current model by using Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) in the making of roof, which saves almost 5 kg of mass. The use of CFRP extends under the bonnet as well as the bodywork, which according to experts will provide a more flexible powertrain to the car.
Interestingly, both M3 and M4 are rear wheel drive and are lumped with a new aerodynamic body kit which includes air vents in the flanks, newly fitted spoiler, an active M differential to improve traction and suspension selection for comfort, sport and sport plus mode. Both cars flaunt a sleek design and the interior is alluring too with the inclusion of a new electromechanical steering wheel, an instrument cluster and gear shift, all carrying the trademark M badge. Seats are designed for utmost comfort and inspired by racing bucket seats which can be electronically adjusted and heated as per the driver's ease. Alloy wheels with standard size of 18-inch are clasped by wide tyres to provide a sturdy grip on all terrains.
BMW Motors, with just the revelation of these figures have gained attention of all media houses and auto experts. What will be surprising to see is how it finally execute its plans and coexist in the Indian market who has just seen the likes of Nissan 370Z Coupe and the already existing Audi A6 Sedan. Stiff competition is expected from the latter cars according to experts but BMW with its international brand name might just cruise ahead.
