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has launched the new M3 SedanBMW M3Germany, 2014 > present and M4 CoupeBMW M4Germany, 2013 > present the right way. There were not months of teasing with poorly lit photos and videos that just show glimpses of the car. Instead, BMW has completely revealed both cars, and the public will get to see them both for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

“The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe represent an ongoing commitment to this philosophy. The engine is the heart of every M model, and the new turbocharged six- cylinder unit fitted in the two new cars combines the virtues of a high-revving naturally aspirated unit with the strengths of turbocharger technology,” said Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President BMW M GmbH.

The engine is a new twin-turbo inline six

© photo courtesy of: BMW

BMW broke it to us gently with the announcement a few months ago that the latest M3/M4 would drop the big V8 of the fourth generation M3BMW M3Germany, 2009 > present2 photos
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in favor of 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six with 425hp (431ps) and 406lb-ft of torque (550Nm) with dry-sump lubrication. That represents an 11hp (11ps) and 111lb-ft (150Nm) improvement over the old engine, despite a liter less displacement. It also means a 25% improvement in fuel economy, and with the optional seven-speed M dual clutch transmission, it takes 4.1 seconds to reach 100km/h, a half second faster than the previous car. The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph (250km/h) but can be raised to 174mph (280 km/h) with the optional M Driver’s Package. Both cars are rated at 8.3l/100km (the equivalent of 28mpg US or 34mpg UK) and 194g/km of CO2 emissions.

The standard transmission is a six-speed manual that is 26lb (12kg) lighter than the previous unit. It automatically blips the throttle when downshifting. The other option is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It comes standard with launch control, and a Smokey Burnout function that allows the rear wheels to spin.

The more powerful engine is even more impressive when you consider that the cars shed 176lb (80kg) over the previous M3. The weight loss comes thanks to carbon fiber reinforced plastic components in the chassis and body and a carbon fiber roof for both the sedan and coupe. CFRP is also used for the driveshaft.

The M4 Coupe is only differentiated by its molded spoiler in the rear

© photo courtesy of: BMW

BMW wants other drivers on the road to know that an M is overtaking them. So it added a power bulge to the hood, larger air curtains behind the front wheels, exposed CFRP pieces and a carbon fiber rear diffuser. To differentiate the two cars from each other, the M3 Sedan has a tiny lip spoiler, and the M4 Coupe has a molded spoiler into the trunk.

“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,” said Albert Biermann, Head of Development BMW M GmbH.

The front and rear suspensions are entirely aluminum, and the rear gets a new five-link setup. The dampers can be set in Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes.

Inside, both cars are upgraded with M doorsill finishers, an M driver’s footrest, M gearshift lever, M-design circular instruments with white graphics and M leather steering wheel. BMW’s whole suite of infotainment and driver’s assistance systems can also be specified.

Sales of the M3 and M4 will begin in 2014, and BMW has not revealed a price yet.