Yesterday we brought to you the first official pictures of the production versions of the new M3 and M4. Now we have the official specs and details, and there’s stuff here that will set the trousers of true BMW M fans on fire. Let’s begin with the most important stuff: power and performance.
2014 BMW M3 and M4 come with a new 3.0 liter in-line-six turbo engine that replaces the old 4.0 liter V8, developing 425 horsepower from 5,500 – 7,300 rpm, 406 lb-ft of torque from 1,850 – 5,500 rpm. It takes the car from 0 to 100 km/h (60 mph) in 3.9 seconds when equipped with the M-DCT transmission (4.1 seconds with standard 6-speed manual).
This causes a dilemma. Should you go for the DCT and get better acceleration, or compromise on that for the sake of the manual, which is more fun? The manual also comes with a rev matching system, but then the M-DCT has Launch Control.
The M3 and M4 also boast an Active M Differential, featuring multi-plate limited-slip differential. It works in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, which in M Dynamic mode is tuned to allow controlled slip for easy drifting. There is also an electric steering system with COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. It has to be put to test before we can judge it.
Aluminum sport suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires (19-inch optional) complement the handling. They also contribute to the car’s strict diet. The new M3, and M4, make great use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) to compensate for the weight of all that M gear. At 1490 kg, the new M3/M4 is 80 kg lighter than its predecessor. Lighter, tauter versions will follow in the future.
The new M3/M4 comes with an M bod kit designed not only for an aggressive look, but also optimum aerodynamic and cooling efficiency. The interior is typical BMW, with lots of M equipment details including M door sill finishers, an M driver’s footrest, M gearshift lever, M-design circular instruments with white graphics, M leather steering wheel with chrome trim, color contrast stitching and electroplated-look shift paddles (if the M-DCT gearbox is specified). It also comes with a lap timer app. The optional Head-Up Display in the BMW M3 and BMW M4 comes with additional, M-specific functions such as a gear display, rev counter and Optimum Shift Indicator.
