New BMW M3 To Get Four Doors First...

...while Coupe and Convertible versions will be badged M4

By Chris-R / Wednesday, 19 October 2011 / Loading comments

These are some of the first pics of BMW's next M3 model which, for the first time, will appear in four-door saloon guise before the coupe version is launched.

According to a report in today's

Autocar

magazine, BMW has chosen to launch the four-door M3 first for two reasons. One, because the new model can be introduced sooner if BMW doesn't have to wait for the coupe version of the new F30 platform to be introduced, and two - more significantly - because the M3 is losing some of its 'hardcore' character.

Don't despair (yet!), because the softer M3 is not the end of the story. When the Coupe and Convertible versions do arrive, they'll be set up with more traditionally extrovert driving characteristics but will be differentiated from the saloon car with a new M4 badge and, we're guessing, an 'enhanced' price differential.

With the boggo

F30-platform 3 series

only just announced and the M3 itself a full 18 months off, we've got a way to go before the full story emerges. Pundits are predicting turbo six power, but have yet to reach a consensus on whether it will feature in-line or vee configuration, says

Autocar

Meanwhile, hats off to PHer Gavin Bremner for sending in these pics which he captured near (you guessed...) the Nurburgring.

Pictures copyright: Gavin Bremner