Just after leaking online, both the 2014 BMW M3 and 2014 BMW M4 have been officially revealed after months of speculation, spy shots, renderings and even the M4 Concept Car from earlier in the year.
Under the hood, both the new M3 sedan and M4 coupe are fitted with a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine revving to 7,600 rpm and producing an impressive 431 hp between 5,390 rpm and 7,000 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque from a low 1,800 rpm to 5,390rpm. That torque figure is available across a broad rev range and is an improvement over the outgoing BMW E92 M3 of 40 per cent. As a result of this brand new powerplant, both the 2014 BMW M3 and 2014 BMW M4 will sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.1 seconds which equipped with the optional seven-speed M double clutch transmission. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h but this can be increased to 280 km/h with the optional M driver’s package.
In addition to this increase in power and torque, both new models weigh around 80 kg less than a comparably equipped predecessor model. As a result, the BMW M4 Coupe tips the scales at 1,497 kg while the M3 Sedan stands at 1,520 kg in base specification. These weight savings have been achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic as well as a carbon fiber roof and aluminium chassis and body components.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k7bg2RDATk[/youtube]
Thankfully for the real enthusiasts out there, both the new M3 and M4 are available with six-speed manual transmissions complete with throttle blipping. The new manual gearbox is 12 kg lighter than its predecessor and blips the throttle on downshifts which was previously only a feature on the M double clutch transmission. Following on from recent developments in the auto industry, both the new M3 and M4 come standard with electric power steering rather than a traditional hydraulic system. The new electric steering features three different options. These are comfort, sport and sport+.
From the visual side of things, the new M3 features a brand new front fascia in line with the current 3-Series. It also incorporates a black BMW kidney front grille, extremely aggressive dual front air intake surrounds and a new bonnet featuring a power dome. It also features more sporty wing mirrors and this display car has new twin five-spoke grey wheels, gold brake calipers and a bare carbon fiber roof.
Some of these styling changes such as the new front fascia also serve an aerodynamic purpose with the new nose, smooth underbody and rear spoiler reducing light equally at both the front and rear axles.
At the rear, the 2014 BMW M3 features a new fascia with a completely new rear bumper and diffuser. It does however maintain the same quad exhaust pipe layout as the outgoing model. When compared to the previous BMW M3 sedan, the 2014 model features similar taillights to the M4 Coupe.
Speaking of the 2014 BMW M4 Coupe, it looks pretty much identical to the concept version released earlier this year. Finished in a unique shade of gold with matching calipers, it maintains the traditional BMW shark fin of the regular 4-Series Coupe while also featuring a carbon fiber roof. From the front, it features all the same styling traits of the new M3 albeit everything is a bit lower and a little sleeker. This is carried into the rear which features slightly narrower and more flowing taillights than the M3 and a slightly more flowing rear bumper.
Both cars will have their world debuts at the Detroit Motor Show 2014 in January and pricing details have yet to be released.
