Yahoo Autos 2020 BMW M3 Spied Looking Lean, Mean, and Ready for Battle
What It Is: The next BMW M3 supersedan, which is following in the footsteps of the new-generation 3-series sedan, code-named G20. With even mainstream 3-series models promising a renewed focus on driving engagement, we hope that the M3 will put a similar emphasis on fun, only at a higher level of performance-as all M-badged vehicles should. It definitely looks appropriately ready for battle with its wide body kit, massive brakes, quad exhaust tips, and aggressive wheels and tires.
Why It Matters: The stakes are high in the realm of high-performance four-doors right now: Alfa Romeo's Giulia Quadrifoglio triumphed in our most recent comparison test, Mercedes-AMG's C63 boasts a whopping 503 horsepower from a roaring V-8, and Audi's new RS5 Sportback offers a distinctive body style to go along with its high-performance intentions. The M3, a legendary name in this segment, has a reputation to defend given the somewhat disappointing feel of the outgoing F80-generation car.
Platform: The M3 will use the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the new 3-series; these underpinnings fit into BMW's so-called CLAR architecture family, meaning they will soon be shared among nearly the brand's entire lineup. Plenty of chassis tweaks will ensure that the M3 is sharper, grippier, and quicker around a track than the standard 3-series.
Powertrain: It's a given that the new M3 will be motivated by a turbocharged inline-six engine, but which one, exactly? The most likely candidate is an updated version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter unit currently used in the M3, but with a significant horsepower boost from the current M3 Competition's 444 horsepower. The Bimmer will need at least 470 horses to keep up in this cutthroat segment, given that several rivals break the 500-hp mark. Even better news is the rumor that the M3 won't ditch its manual transmission the way the new 3-series has-BMW's M division remains committed to clutch pedals for the time being, although a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic will surely be offered as an option.
Competition: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Audi RS5 Sportback, Mercedes-AMG C63.
Estimated Arrival and Price: With the standard 3-series set to go on sale early next year as a 2019 model, the M3 should arrive a few months later as a 2020. When it shows up in late 2019, expect it to carry a base price around $70,000.
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