The star of the show is the new high-rev 4.0-liter V-8 engine. Based on the larger 5.0-liter V-10 unit from the M5 and M6, the new powerplant features the same 90-degree cylinder-bank angle, identical bore and stroke measurements and four-valve-per-cylinder layout.
A full aluminum block, magnesium cam covers and aluminum-silicon alloy for the crankcase, allowed engineers to keep weight of the engine at just 445 pounds, 30 pounds less than the outgoing M3’s straight six. Other features include double Vanos variable valve timing, individual throttle butterflies for each cylinder and advanced engine management software.
The end result is 420 horsepower at 8,300 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm.
The new red paint scheme seen in the shots don’t exactly put the M3 in the best light, but like the regular E92 coupe we suspect the new M will look much better in the metal.
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