Automobile Magazine has released a new report that outlines what the next generation BMW M3 will look like.
A new report by Automobile Magazine sheds light on what you can expect from the next generation BMW M3. The new generation 3-Series, codenamed G20, is expected to be released sometime in 2018. It will likely spawn a new M3 and M4 Coupe before the end of this decade. The high-powered pair will keep the inline-six engine, but the output will increase to 500 HP (368kW), which is a significant 69HP (51kW) increase. This is possible through the use of a pair electric turbochargers and a water injection system, as shown in the 2015 MotoGP safety car. The 3-Series will offer a smoother ride, but a sportier chassis with adjustable suspension dampers. Active steering and torque vectoring will be integrated with ABS and stability control systems. The new 3-Series will have a lower center-of-gravity and be able to track wider and have a longer wheelbase.
BMW’s compact sedan will also feature beefier brakes, adaptive suspension and a revised AWD with faster torque distribution. The turbocharged gasoline engines of the 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter models will have more power, and there should be at most two plug-in hybrid versions. One will have a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a 60-kW electric motor, while the other will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 90-kW electric motor. The first should have a range of 30 miles (48km), while the second should be capable of driving 50 miles (80km) without emitting any emissions.
The new BMW 3-Series will ride on the CLAR (cluster architectural) platform. Expect a sportier design, while inside you’ll find pop-up speakers and voice-activated iDrive. BMW will also launch the 3-Series Touring (wagon), 4-Series Coupe and a long-wheelbase 3-Series Sedan after the sedan’s debut. The report also mentions that BMW may combine the 3-Series Gran Turismo with the 4-Series Gran Coupe models to create a single car, while the 4-Series Convertible could be rumored for a fabric roof.