Next-gen BMW M3 with 465 BHP spotted testing

Spy shots of the next-generation BMW M3 have surfaced online. The car will rival the Mercedes-AMG C63 and is expected to be revealed in 2019.

The new M3 will be based on BMW’s CLAR structure that also underpins the 5-Series and 7-Series. This structure uses aluminium and high-strength steel. It is also reported that the car will get a carbon fibre roof among other body panels.

The overall shape of the car is similar to the current-generation 3-Series. The test mule was wearing a heavily camouflaged body and was seen with pre-production spec headlights and tail lights, large disc brakes and the quad-exhaust tips. The new M3 is expected to be longer than the current model by 60 mm and its wheelbase is expected to be 20 mm longer as well. However, it is also expected to be lighter than the current model.

The new M3 will be powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, petrol engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. This engine is the same unit as the one in the current-generation car. However, it is expected to be tweaked to develop 465 BHP - 11 BHP more than the current-generation M3 CS. The engine is likely to use a water-injected system like the one found in the M4 GTS.

The engine is expected to be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The car is expected to be available with rear-wheel drive only.

The new M3 is expected to go on sale from 2020.

Source - Autocar UK