So, the Nurburgring is once again open for business after a long and drawn-out winter, and as our
earlier story
discussed, a whole host of manufacturers have been waiting for the chance to get their 2013 Nurburgring test programmes underway. BMW, however, has been more eager than most, as the sight of not one, not even two, but three of its future models out testing at the circuit suggests.
Gold calipers suggest carbon ceramic brakes
First and foremost looks to be the new M3. Giveaway clues? The bonnet bulge – hard to spot beneath the camouflage, but it’s there – as well as the socking great wheels and brake discs. The calipers are finished in gold, too – notable because that usually means carbon ceramic brakes in BMW’s world. And that’s before we come to the soundtrack - as evidenced by
Dale's video
, a rasping wail which suggests, as previously thought, a straight-six engine. If reports are to be believed, that’ll be augmented by two turbos – possibly even joined by a third, electric one – and looks likely to be around the 3.0-litre, 415hp mark, which will actually give it 5hp less than the
current M3
. Engineers have also said, though, that they’re targeting the
E46 M3
’s weight with the new car, so think in terms of a reduction of around 135kg over the current model. The engine note’s punctuated by farty little upshifts, too, which suggests the M3 will get BMW’s M DCT transmission, though whether it’ll be standard-fit as per the
M5
M6
has yet to be confirmed. The M3’s appearance with relatively little disguise also seems to confirm previous suggestions that it’ll arrive before the M4; probably later this year, to be precise.
2 Series will spawn hot M2 later
BMW was also tonking around in a disguised two-door coupe, though not
the 4 Series
. The less steeply-raked rear screen, shorter bootlid, upright front end and pronounced light brows suggest that this is in fact the new 2 Series coupe. Based on the 1 Series, it’s reasonable to expect that it’ll get a similar range of engines, topping out with an M235i model which shares
the hatch
’s 320hp 3.0-litre straight six. That is, until the M2 arrives. Its existence has
already been confirmed
by Dr Friedrich Nischke, BMW’s M Division CEO, and it’s reckoned to offer at least 350hp, probably using an upgraded version of the M235i powerplant. Further details are hard to come by, but expect another M DCT transmission, as per the M3.
i8 will be released late in 2014
The final notable BMW model out testing was
the i8
, which we’ve already been lucky enough to
experience first-hand
. Hallmarks for this will be the 4.6-second 0-62mph time and 155mph top speed, combined with 104mpg fuel economy and emissions of just 66g/km. Those figures will come courtesy of a hybrid drivetrain that’ll combine a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 128hp electric motor to give a full power figure of 354hp. Doesn’t seem all that aurally pleasing in the video, mind, but that’s missing the point somewhat. Expect it to surface in production form next year.