BMW M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe are officially revealed [video]

At their heart is an inline-six high-revving TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter engine delivering 431 HP (317 kW) and a maximum torque of 406 lb-ft (550 Nm). Compared to the outgoing generation, the new M3 is approximately 25 percent more fuel efficient and is around 80 kg (176 lbs) lighter. The CFRP roof brings weight savings of 5 kg (11 lbs) for the sedan and more than 6 kg (13 lbs) for the coupe. BMW says the cars will do 26.7 mpg US (32.1 mpg UK or 8.8 liters / 100 km) in the combined cycle with the manual and 28.3 mpg US (34 mpg UK or 8.3 liters / 100 km) with the DCT.

Both cars will do 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds when fitted the optional 7-speed M DCT or 4.3s with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Top speed will be electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h) but for more money the limiter can be raised at 174 mph (280 km/h) once the client orders the M Driver's Package.

The new 3.0-liter inline-six makes 425 turbocharged horsepower from 5500 rpm all the way up to 7300 rpm.

For those of you worried that the new mill will underwhelm, on paper it outperforms the last M3's 4.0-liter V8 in a number of areas, including weighing 22 pounds less. The new 3.0-liter inline-six makes 425 turbocharged horsepower from 5,500 rpm all the way up to 7,300 rpm – just 300 rpm before the redline is reached. That's five more horsepower than the V8, but more importantly, the 1800-rpm powerband is very broad. Torque from the turbo six is even more impressive: peak torque of 406 pound-feet starts at 1850 rpm and doesn't start falling off until 5,500 rpm, right when the engine starts to make peak horsepower. That compares very favorably to the V8's oft-bemoaned max torque of just 295 lb-ft.

The 2014 BMW M3 Sedan has an inline-six high-revving TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter engine delivering 431 HP (317 kW) and a maximum torque of 406 lb-ft (550 Nm). Does 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds with the optional seven-speed M DCT

The first M3 (1986) meets the new M3 and M4 (2014). Your spirit is the same. The technique has, however, starkly changed.

The new M3 and M4 are departures from previous M3s, but if the specifications point to anything, it's that BMW and its M division are still pushing boundaries, just as they always have. Look for the M3 and M4's world debut at next month's Detroit Auto Show. The pair will go on sale in early summer as 2015 models.

The 2014 BMW M4 Coupe has an inline-six high-revving TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter engine delivering 431 HP (317 kW) and a maximum torque of 406 lb-ft (550 Nm). Does 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds with the optional seven-speed M DCT

The widened rear wheel arches were deemed necessary to fit the wheel and tire setup needed to handle the additional horsepower. They also look cool.

Both the M3 and M4 come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, connected to a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) driveshaft, connected to a mechanical limited-slip differential. À la Nissan 370Z, the new six-speed manual features an automatic throttle blip setting to rev-match downshifts. If buyers opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the multi-plate limited slip diff is controlled electronically and can disengaged the diff's clutch plates completely or lock them up 100 percent. DCT-equipped cars also get launch control.
In addition to using CFRP in certain components to save weight - for example, both M3 and M4 get a carbon roof - the suspension components have been redesigned and are made in aluminum. The front suspension of each model gets aluminum control arms, wheel carriers and axle subframe, which is bolted directly to the chassis with no bushings to reduce suspension elasticity and improve handling precision. Ball joints are used instead of rubber bushings to further improve suspension rigidity and maintain handling precision. Additionally, each model gets an aluminum stiffening plate and a CFRP front strut-tower brace to keep the front end stiff.
The rear, five-link suspension gets similar treatment. Each model gets control arms and wheel carriers made of forged aluminum that together weigh 6.5-pounds less than the previous M3's setup. The rear subframe is also bolted directly to the chassis with no rubber bushings; again to improve rigidity and handling.

Unique Electric Power Steering with three settings.
The electromechanical steering system in the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4
Coupe represents a new development from BMW M GmbH and the critical component in
the link between driver and car. It offers the gifts of direct steering feeling and precise
feedback. The integrated Servotronic function electronically adjusts the level of steering
assistance according to the car's speed, providing optimum steering characteristics at all
speeds. The steering for the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe also offers the driver
three settings as standard, which can be selected at the touch of a button. COMFORT,
SPORT and SPORT+ modes allow the level of steering assistance to be adapted to suit
the situation at hand and the driver's personal tastes.
"Together, the rigid front and rear structures, precise axle kinematics and an impressively
responsive electromechanical power steering system help to deliver the outstanding
steering and handling characteristics of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe," sums
up Biermann.
The optional Adaptive M suspension likewise comes with COMFORT, SPORT and
SPORT+ modes, enabling the driver to choose between a more comfortable damper
setting for urban driving, for example, a stiffer set-up for dynamic driving on country roads,
and a third option that minimizes body movements and maximizes dynamic performance
for use on the track.
With their supreme dynamic attributes in mind, the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe
also come as standard with BMW M compound brakes boasting impressive feel,
outstanding stopping power and high resistance to fade. Far lighter than conventional
equivalents, these brakes contribute to a substantial reduction in unsprung masses and
therefore help to enhance dynamic performance. Even lighter BMW M carbon ceramic
brakes can also be specified as an option, their further optimized performance attributes
equipping them even more effectively for track use and giving them even greater
durability.