LEAKED: 2014 BMW M3 and M4

"alexotics" (alexotics)
12/11/2013 at 02:34 • Filed to: BMW, M3, M4, LEAKED

It's finally here and err... it's exactly what we expected. Not exactly exciting then, but it will get 430 bhp from a 3.0 liter inline-six TwinPower Turbo engine. Torques are plentiful at 369 lb-ft at a nondescript amount of engine poke. Big news, the M3/4 will be 25% more economical than its predecessor and BIG NEWS the curb weight will be under 1,500 kg (3,306 lbs). That's less than the E46 M3 weighed in 1999. Witchcraft.

Even if for some unexplainable reason you hate everything about this beauty of a car, and I kind of do*, you gotta be absolutely pumped that E9x M3 prices will come down quicker than molasses down an icy hill.

*From the looks of it the M3/4's ergonomics haven't changed (-), the touch points have been upgraded (+), it retains the new M wheel (+) with paddle shifters and a new DCT iteration (+) with a manual on the way (++), receives the new gen iDrive with touchpad (+) and while many silly bits of exterior design remain (-) the side quarter panel vent finally serves a purpose (+++). I'd complain about the iPad Navi but since every German automaker this side of Porsche has adopted the design I should just shut up and savour the moment. The once in 8-ish years moment that is the unveiling of a new M3!

You've got to love BMW for focusing on everything other than increasing the engine horsepower figure. Presumably this means lots of attention has been spent working out the sweet spot between everyday sports car, hoon machine, and track superstar, in addition to shedding unfathomable amounts of weight.

Pending a go, I may proclaim, for the first time yet, that I' ///M a fan of the F30 3 Series generation after all.

TwinPower may be a bit silly of a name, but dat engine bay. OUFFF.

More blind 45k dealer deposit inducing pictures !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and ever larger ones !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

DISCUSSION (30)

Gr8Dane > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 02:37

Kinja'd!!!

I'm digging this steering wheel.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 02:43

I... like it. Not surprised, not blown away, not in love. It's not bad.

D > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 02:43

The aftermarket's going to chrome-delete those kidneys so fast. Euro modders love their black trim

zn6 > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 02:47

A great successor to the E9x cars.

The weight is pretty amazing, it's only 100lbs heavier than an E36 M3, that's pretty astonishing.

alexotics > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
12/11/2013 at 02:49

If the 1 Series could start out as hated unanimously, then have the 1M Coupe be universally loved by everyone and his dog, "not bad" is probably all BMW is asking for. Perhaps it'll take a few car magazine covers at the grocer's, or some Chris Harris smokerama or spotting it at your local dealer. Perhaps a test drive. But eventually you'll want one more than that voice told you to want success in that motivational YouTube video.

alexotics > D
12/11/2013 at 02:52

Absolutely. Personally however, I prefer stock. Especially on a Melbourne Red E92 M3 Competition with the carbon roof and carbon splitter bits. Black kidneys is just a bit too much I think. I guess I love the chrome on the E30s and it just stuck. I even prefer the Euro (and even NA) chrome bumpers over the face lifted E30 tucked bumpers.

Kinja'd!!!

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 02:54

I think they could have done better. More power. 430 hp and 3300 lbs isn't bad, but I was hoping it would be a little crazy. It's just so predictable.

Reigntastic > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 02:55

Question:

Is it confirmed DCT only?

Anon > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 02:56

A 420HP turbocharged straight six is about as hard to hate as Saint Barnard puppy.

alexotics > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
12/11/2013 at 02:57

I guess they wouldn't want it to be miles better than the freshly minted M5 and M6s who need the extra oomph to compensate for their weight. I guess the M3/4 has a bit of the Porsche Cayman curse. All the potential, but cut off by its creator.

But then again, if GTIs can successfully hover around 200-230 bhp, why can't the M3/4 stick around 420-430 bhp and just focus on usability, handling, weight reductions, fun factor, etc.

alexotics > Reigntastic
12/11/2013 at 02:58

6 speed as well my good friend.

jmart > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 03:00

I don't see the new M steering wheel as a plus, but other than that it looks fantastic. Well done BMW M.

Reigntastic > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 03:00

That's wonderful news.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 03:00

I work at one of the largest BMW dealerships in the country, so I will give you guys a first hand hoon report when we get them. Still waiting on the I8 too. Tryna hoon some electric cars.

Squid > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 03:01

I guess it makes that silly gold color look good now. I just wonder what silly colors they will offer on it. I actually kinda like the styling, it makes it less look like the fat kid on the playground.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 03:11

Ah yes, the M5. Now that's a car I do hate with all my being.

The GTI can't successfully hover at 200-230 hp because as soon as the competition gets serious (either from Ford in the ST or Cadillac for the BMW) you have to raise the bar. Your reputation can carry you for one generation, maybe two but eventually people will catch on. You can't be lazy in the modern car market. Everybody is focused on weight and usability/ fuel economy. BMW is moving away from handling and fun with the M5, and more towards luxo barges with a big engine. The new BMWs are good but aren't getting rave reviews in the handling department. If this car is the same I think the new Mustang will be faster and the Cadillac will murder it with Lexus and Mercedes right behind to make sure the head falls completely off the king.

alexotics > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
12/11/2013 at 03:15

I see your point loud and clear. It's war out there and you can easily get left behind. But you're doing a terrible job of savouring the moment which is the release of a new M3.

Only happens so often.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 03:22

Savoring the moment? As I said, no surprises here. It's exactly what has been rumored since the new 3 came out.

It does look nice though, and I bet that I6 is a sweetheart of a turbo motor.

All Motor Is Best Motor > Squid
12/11/2013 at 03:51

Are you sure you aren't legally blind?

Squid > All Motor Is Best Motor
12/11/2013 at 04:54

No, but tasteless obviously. . .

I also only refer to Laguna Seca Blue as Laguna Seca Blau exclusively. . .

Tom McParland > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 06:08

Yeah I kinda want one...but I'm a fan of the F30 as well, wasn't at first but really like them now.

BKRM3 > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 06:59

Lots of cool points about the new car for sure (offset somewhat by a host of regrettable styling choices) but the weight reduction is the only big one. Significant, yes, but not exactly a game changer.

I wouldn't hold your breath regarding E9X M3 prices (biased as I may be) because I closely watched E46 prices after thinking the same thing back in '08 - they STILL haven't moved all that much. If good examples of the E46 are going for $25-$29k I think the E9X isn't in danger of winding up in the sale bin.

Stupidru > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 09:27

As an engineer I think what they're doing with weight-shedding is great. It's the best way to make any car faster everywhere. Don't believe me? Rearrange the kinetic energy equation and solve for velocity and you'll see that a reduction in mass yields a faster increase in velocity than an increase in energy (hp) does.

As an engineer I also know that if an M3 cost $60k last year and they eliminated a lot of dead weight, you can expect this to cost at least $20k more

Stupidru > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 09:28

As an engineer I also know that if an M3 cost $60k last year and they eliminated a lot of dead weight, you can expect this to cost at least $20k more

alexotics > BKRM3
12/11/2013 at 13:34

You may have a point. But I'm still going to hold my breath! :D

All Motor Is Best Motor > Squid
12/11/2013 at 14:42

I do like the blue, but that gold just doesn't work for me. I can't think of a car in which it does.

BKRM3 > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 14:52

Either way, you absolutely should buy one!

Squid > All Motor Is Best Motor
12/11/2013 at 15:17

It looks better on this ///M than the e46 that it was offered on. The e46 in that gold looked like a mix between snot and urine. . .

alexotics > BKRM3
12/11/2013 at 16:46

And I absolutely may! My most recent encounters with the E92 M3 have left such lasting impressions that are very hard to ignore. Once in a 2013 SMG M3 that broke lose on me in a fast turn even with all the nannies left one, and nearly totalled the car, and another of racing an E92 M3 GTP around Bedford in England two summers ago. Most of all I find those cars to have such a solid feel to them. A lot of cars are fast, and boy do I lust after a GT3 but there's nothing like the quality feel of an M3.

Anyways, the only thing stopping me from buying an M3 in the near future are my experiences with M6s and GT3s. They were all great. I think I'll actually write a post about all these experiences come to think of it.

BKRM3 > alexotics
12/11/2013 at 17:48

I'd love to read such a post! My E90 does double duty as a daily and track car and I have nothing but praise for it in both capacities (provided that you do some basic brake upgrades for the track). I've driven an F10 M5 but never the new M6 - great street car but I'm not sure you'd get the longevity of components that you get with the M3 for track use. Plus the 5 & 6 are just too big for me. The E90 is already "the five series I never wanted" lol.

I have a soft spot for the GT3 as well, but compared to the E9X M3 it's apples and oranges. I can put 4 adults and luggage in my car! Of course, if I could afford a 997 GT3, well... =)