Brian Silvestro, R&T, July 1, 2020
The M3 and M4 will be offered in two trims: a 480-horsepower version with a stick, or a 510-horsepower Competition version with an eight-speed auto.
BMW confirmed today it will offer two different variants of its upcoming M3 and M4 performance cars: a base model with 480 horsepower and a manual transmission, and a Competition version with 510 horsepower, 479 lb-ft of torque, and an eight-speed automatic.
Both variants will send power to the rear wheels as standard, with xDrive eventually making its way to the Competition model as an option at a later date.
“For customers who prefer a puristic performance experience and particularly intense interaction with their vehicle, the model variants with a manual transmission constitute an offer that is unique in this segment,” head of Development M Automobiles Dirk Häcker said in a release.
“On the other hand, with the Competition versions of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe, we are addressing maximum dynamics in regards power development and transfer—initially with classic rear-wheel drive and, at a later date, also in conjunction with the latest version of our four-wheel-drive system M xDrive.”
Though BMW didn’t confirm which twin-turbo straight-six will power the new M3 and M4, it’s highly likely the unit is the same S58 found in the current X3 and X4 M. The new output is 66 more horsepower than the current M3 and M4 Competition, and also more than competitors like the 503-horsepower Mercedes-AMG C63 S or the 444-horsepower Audi RS5.
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BMW released a handful of pictures of the M3 and M4 on track in conjunction with the announcement, saying the car will be revealed in-full in mid-September 2020. Though the cars are camouflaged, it’s our most detailed look yet at what the company has in store.