As a sort of elaborate teaser, BMW released a very cool video showing the prototypes of the new 2014 BMW M3 and M4 models (sedan and coupe, respectively) tested to the limit at the Nurburgirng. The men driving the cars are BMW’s DTM racing drivers.

The video does not reveal much about the car’s styling, as they are both heavily camouflaged. But it does reveal one very important fact, and that is the 2014 BMW M3 and M4 models come with a manual gearbox. That is very good news. You do, of course, get an optional dual-clutch transmission as well.

2014 BMW M3 and M4 are both powered by a brand-new in-line six-cylinder turbo engine, which the engineers describe as ‘emotional’. The DTM drivers seem to like its response and performance very much. The only criticism they had was about the tires and little adjustments in the chassis. That is fair enough, as these are just prototypes, and not finished products.

The new M3 and M4 try to get as close as they can, within the confinements of today’s car making standards, to the recipe that made the E30 M3 such a legend. That is to shed as much weight as possible, and making the car feel more agile and nimble. The new models are about 100 kg lighter than the outgoing E92 and are designed to be more of a sports car than a GT, which is what the previous model was. What’s more, thanks to the new turbo engine, the 201 M3 and M4 models are 25 percent more fuel efficient as well.