Thursday 24th May 2012

Straight-six confirmed for next M3/M4

BMW plays it straight after toying with V6 power for next M3

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Not the new M3...

The forthcoming new M3/M34 (F80 and F82 in BMW codename speak) will definitely have a turbocharged straight six, and not a V6 motor, as has been previously mooted.

The smart money has always been on an in-line six but, speaking to Bimmerpost, BMW's US boss Ludwig Willisch has finally confirmed that the F80 M3 will get a straight-six and not anything with a vee configuration.

What is also certain is that the next M3 saloon and new M4 coupe will feature turbocharged power, with two or three turbochargers, and at least one of which could create its boost electrically.

No doubt we will find out more in the coming months, but for now all we can say with much authority is that we can expect a final power output of around 450hp when the car finally does appear in around a year and a half's time.

 

[k15tox]

I would rather have a turbo'd V6 than a turbo'd straight.

At least it would sound a bit more fruity.

[BrewsterBear]

k15tox said:

I would rather have a turbo'd V6 than a turbo'd straight.

At least it would sound a bit more fruity.

<----- The exit is that way.

[MrScrot]

Whats the difference between a straight six and an inline six then?

[Krikkit]

MrScrot said:

Whats the difference between a straight six and an inline six then?

Nothing, just a different way of phrasing it.

[otolith]

MrScrot said:

Whats the difference between a straight six and an inline six then?

A straight six is smoother. A V6 is shorter.

edit - doh, that wasn't the question!

Edited by otolith on Thursday 24th May 10:24

[rockafella8587]

Exactly!! The straight 6 is the only 6 that should be in a beemer!!!

I still dont like the fact that the 3 series 3dr M3 is no more and its going to be called an M4! It just sounds crap. No likey

[wackojacko]

What a shame....

[Draexin]

k15tox said:

I would rather have a turbo'd V6 than a turbo'd straight.

At least it would sound a bit more fruity.

Have you heard a TVR Sagaris at full throttle? It doesn't come fruiter than that, trust me

• edit; Yes, I know a Sagaris isn't turbo'd... For the pedantic crowd, substitute Sag for Skyline R34

Edited by Draexin on Thursday 24th May 10:24

[bmthnick1981]

rockafella8587 said:

I still dont like the fact that the 3 series 3dr M3 is no more and its going to be called an M4! It just sounds crap. No likey

Agreed, does sound a bit odd. Will take some getting used to.

[bakerstreet]

MrScrot said:

Whats the difference between a straight six and an inline six then?

Serioulsly??

I have no issues with the straight 6. The old Supra did pretty well witha twin charged straight six

Triple turbo with one electric powered would be quite exciting.

[j_s14a]

Am I right in thinking that BMW are the only company that currently offers an i6 engined car to the uk market?

[k15tox]

Draexin said:

Have you heard a TVR Sagaris at full throttle? It doesn't come fruiter than that, trust me

• edit; Yes, I know a Sagaris isn't turbo'd... For the pedantic crowd, substitute Sag for Skyline R34

Edited by Draexin on Thursday 24th May 10:24

As you stated, because it's NA. Turbos seem to dull and mute the sound, i still love the sound of straights, i prev owned an R33.

Id only prefer a straight in this car if it was a high revving NA.

[Luca Brasi]

Who at BMW came up with that stupid M4 idea? Totally pointless.

[Mermaid]

The poor man's GTS.

[k15tox]

Luca Brasi said:

Who at BMW came up with that stupid M4 idea? Totally pointless.

Probably the same guy who came up with the X3/X6.

[V8 FOU]

Electric turbo???

so all those "gain 100bhp" electric blowers on Ebay have been bought by BMW?

I knew I should have bought one...

[russy01]

MrScrot said:

Whats the difference between a straight six and an inline six then?

they are the same, but i see why you ask. its how the article is written

[WorAl]

So there was one generation of the 3 Series with a V8 in it? Such a shame, it's a fantastic sounding engine.

[rockafella8587]

Luca Brasi said:

Who at BMW came up with that stupid M4 idea? Totally pointless.

Someone must think they should copy Audi, 3 series/a4, M4(4 series)/A5, 5 series/a6 etc etc etc

[davepoth]

Luca Brasi said:

Who at BMW came up with that stupid M4 idea? Totally pointless.

Not really, especially if you consider that they're attempting to up-sell into China. Since 4 is "one better" than 3 in their model range, it means a 4-series is superior to a 3-series, and therefore more prestigious. For a country that doesn't really "do" coupés at the moment, it's important to explain to them that they are both different, and better.

It also fits with the rest of the range; the 5 series coupé is (more or less) the 6 series, and if they ever did a sports car with engines from the 7 series it would be the 8 series again. I guess the new 1 series will spawn a 2 in due course.