Looks like BMW is quite happy with downsizing the new BMW M3/M4 from the previous model’s V8 to the current straight-six, so much so that they are thinking about dropping two more cylinders and going back to the days of the four-pot M3. Don’t worry though, it won’t happen to this generation.

They are however seriously thinking about using a high output four-cylinder turbo engine in the next generation of the sports car. Currently even the smallest BMW M car, the M235i, is powered by a 3.0 liter straight-six engine. But these days you can get the same sort of output from a more efficient four-banger. So it makes no sense sticking with six.

As BMW M Division Head of Product Management Carsten Pries pointed out during the car’s press launch in Portugal recently: “We do not start our design process with a power output in mind. We have a set of characteristics that a new model must meet. For sure, you could see a future [M3] powered by a four-cylinder engine.”

The four-cylinder BMW M3/M4 would be deliver the same sort of performance, and maybe even better performance, than the current six-cylinder models, in the same way that the new models are better than the V8-powered M3 that went before. BMW is increasing its carbon fiber production which means the next generation of their cars will be lighter than ever, and that is another reason to switch to four-cylinder engines.

Via Motoring .com.au