BMW hasn’t released any information about the next-gen M3 and M4 models, but a new report claims that both models will have 465-hp and be offered with a manual transmission.
According to Autocar, the 2020 BMW M3 will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder engine that will generate more power than the current engine thanks to a water injection system, similar to what powers the M4 GTS. The next M3 and M4 will also be lighter than the M3 CS, which comes in at 3,495 pounds.
The six-cylinder will be mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic and initially only rear-wheel drive. It’s expected that at some point in the next models lifecycle it will be offered with all-wheel drive.
It’s also expected that the next-generation M3 and M4 will be the last M cars to not have some sort of electrification under the hood. These will also likely be the last models offered with a manual transmission.
“Honestly, the pure engineering answer is, you’re much faster with paddles and an automatic transmission,” Klaus Fröhlich, BMW board member and head of development recently told Road & Track. “They’re very precise and sporty. Especially on the Nurburgring, you are much better in control when you’re not taking one hand away [to shift]. I think, in the overall portfolio, manuals will disappear. But I think M4 should be the fortress of manual. So the last manual transmission which will die, it should die in an M4, as late as possible. That’s my view.”
Source: Autocar
