It's the greatest gift that BMW could give to their fans around the world, the M3 and the M4. The legendary sportscar based on the regular 3 series, the M3, continues to live on as a sedan, while the two-door version will be called M4, from now on, following the rename of the coupe version to 4 series. The heart of the beast still comes from Garching, in the form of a turbocharged I6 engine, measuring 3.0l of displacement and a maximum output of 431 hp from 5500 to 7300 rpm and 550 Nm of torque available from 1850 rpm. Unline the previous N/A 4.0l V8 engine, the redline is at the 7600 rpm - unusually high for a turbocharged engine, still less than the 8250 rpm of the outgoing S65 engine - yet the new generation outperforms the previous on paper.
The first 100 km/h from standstill come in a staggering 4.1 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h or 280 km/h if the optional M Driver's Package is specified. Fuel consumption for the standard EU Cycle is at a surprising 8.3 l per 100 km (34 mpg), and the CO2 emissions at 192 g/km, representing a 25% improvement compared to the previous generation. Also, the all new M3 and M4 are EU-6 compliant, as far as the regulated pollutant emissions are concerned. Both the increased performance and the decreased fuel consumption and emissions are a result of two fast-spooling single-scroll turbochargers, Valvetronic variable valve timing and Double VANOS variable camshaft timing, the latter two working together to control intake valve lift. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a standard 6-speed manual gearbox with a rev-matching function for downshifts or the optional seven-speed M-DCT dual-clutch transmission that comes with a launch control function. The rear differential is an electronically controlled multi-plate, limited slip unit.
A very rigid closed-deck crankcase design allows for increased cylinder pressure, while the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire arc-sprayed coating, which results in a significant reduction in engine weight. This, alongside the targeted use of lightweight alloys, like the aluminum front side walls and the bonnet, and a CFRP roof for both the M3 and M4, results in a kerb weight of 1497 kg (3,300 pounds) for the M4 Coupe - 80 kg (176 pounds) lighter than a comparably equipped predecessor model. It should also be noted that the propeller shaft is also made from CFRP. According to BMW, "the high rigidity and low weight of the CFRP tube mean that the propeller shaft can be produced as a single-piece component, without a centre bearing. This achieves weight savings of 40 per cent over the previous model and a reduction in rotating masses, which in turn results in more dynamic powertrain response".
With experience coming from BMW's involvement in motorsport, special attention is paid into properly cooling the engine. A sophisticated cooling system comprised of a main radiator with a water cooler positioned to the side, an engine air intake with an indirect intercooler, an engine oil cooler, a baffled magnesium oil pan and an oil extraction pump with a sophisticated oil return system ensure that the engine stays always in the optimum temperature range.
Moving on to the suspension and following the trend set by the F10 M5, the rear sub-frame that supports the made of aluminum five link suspension and differential is directly bolted on the chassis. A new electromechanical steering system is now standard for both the M3 and M4 models. The integrated Servotronic function electronically adjusts the level of steering assistance according to the car’s speed, providing optimum steering characteristics at all speeds. Three steering settings are offered as standard, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes allowing the level of steering assistance to be adapted to suit the situation at hand and the driver’s personal tastes. The same settings are available for the optional Adaptive M Suspension, featured in the same equipment list as the optional carbon ceramic brakes.
Finally, aerodynamically-wise, nothing was left to chance. The powerfully formed front apron, smooth underbody and the spoiler at the rear of both the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe reduce lift by an equal degree at the front and rear axle and produce optimum handling attributes. As explained by Albert Biermann, Head of Development BMW M GmbH, "The way in which we channel the inflowing air through the engine oil cooler creates a Venturi effect, which reduces front axle lift and, in so doing, improves the steering". Moreover, the Air Curtain and M gills with integrated Air Breather help minimise turbulence in the front wheel arches.
Click "more" for an extensive photo gallery and the official press release.
Source: [BMW]
BMW M3
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BMW M4
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You can download the official press release here:
The_new_BMW_M3_Sedan_and_new_BMW_M4_Coupe
Press Release
