2013 Audi A3

2013 BMW M3 Sedan (F30) Spy Shots

 
2 32,633 views Mar 28, 2012
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2013 BMW M3 sedan spy shots

HI-RES GALLERY: 2013 BMW M3 sedan spy shots
Rumors of a possible triple-turbo six-cylinder have been the headliner for the next-generation M3 (though we aren't sold on the idea) but reports have also indicated the 2013 BMW M3 would drop the sedan version entirely, other reports hint the sedan will be first, followed by the coupe and convertible.

These spy shots give credence to that idea, and add to our early look at the next M3, with the latest images showing the car in near-final form on the Nürburgring complete with pumped fenders, quad exhaust tips, uprated brakes, and oversized intakes.

Sharing its basic design with the new 2012 BMW 3-Series, the next-gen M3 appears to lack the power bulge found on the hood of the current M3.

That bulge is what makes room for the screaming 4.0-liter V-8, and its absence tends to confirm the next M3 will be a six-cylinder.

Tiny openings in the camouflage of some shots also hint at LED fog lights, while the familiar BMW ring-shaped headlights can be clearly seen beneath their own strips of obscuring tape.

Power estimates for the next-gen M Division turbo six range around the 450 horsepower mark, with BMW's characteristic inline six-cylinder layout a given. Whether it will feature two turbos (as we expect) or three (as rumored), it is said to be all-new, rather than an updated version of the N54/N55 found in the current 3-Series lineup. Displacement is expected around 3.3 liters.

The next-generation M3 should arrive around the end of the year, almost a year after the new 2012 3-Series' showroom appearance. We'll bring you the latest spy shots and details as we uncover them.



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Comments (2)

  1. fb_100001663981238 avatar Daniel Chavez Moran Posted: 10/26/2011 8:08am PDT

    I'm not sure what to make of the first turbo M3 ... the S14, S50, and S54 engines were the lineage that gave birth to the current V8. What they all have in common is an individual throttle bodied, high RPM, and responsive platform that is world class.

    Turbos do make the car much more powerful feeling and have excellent transitory response these days, but the experience is different than a high RPM N/A engine. The components are heavier, rev limits tend to be significantly lower, and the gears spread out to make the most of the torque in the midrange. You don't get that "I'm driving a race car for the streets" feel.
     
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  2. fb_678496473 avatar Sam Crawford Posted: 2/29/2012 1:16pm PST

    I'm sure the turbo technology will give purists what they need. Also, Great photographer, bad spy. He's right in front of the car?
     
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