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2013 BMW M3 Sedan (F30) Spy Video

 
1 13,942 views Apr 29, 2012
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HI-RES GALLERY: 2013 BMW M3 sedan spy shots

Now that the new 2012 BMW 3-Series is out in the open, all eyes turn to the development of the high-performance M3 variant due later this year.

Here is an exclusive spy video of a prototype for the new M3, which will be introduced initially as a sedan rather than a coupe like with the previous generation.

There’s a very good reason for this.

BMW is expected to further differentiate its 3-Series sedan and coupe by renaming the two-door models a 4-Series. In keeping with this practice, the cars will be launched separately, meaning a M variant of the 3-Series coupe, a potential ‘M4’, is still likely to be more than a year away from launch.

In the meantime, we’ll get the M variant of the 3-Series sedan, which will almost certainly keep the legendary M3 moniker. However, that may be all it keeps.

Rumor has it that BMW will be dropping the current M3’s naturally-aspirated V-8 engine in favor of a smaller force-fed unit, but instead of a traditional straight-six engine there’s word that BMW may opt for a heretical V-6 unit with turbochargers. Power estimates for the car range around the 450 horsepower mark, but whether its engine will feature two turbos (as we expect) or three (as rumored) remains to be seen.

Rear-wheel drive will remain standard, but with a trick torque vectoring system distributing forces to either side of the rear axle as needed. A similar unit is fitted to the latest 2013 BMW M5. The seven-speed M-DCT dual-clutch transmission will also feature, though a six-speed manual is likely to be offered as an alternative. 

Look out for the new M3's world debut later this year.



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Comment (1)

  1. Damien Thomas avatar Damien Thomas Posted: 4/29/2012 12:39am PDT

    I have to admit, I like the new 3-Series a lot more than the 5-Series so I can't wait to see this. The 5-Series is simply too long and bulbous. The proportions of the 3-Series is just right and the pictures don't do it justice. You really have to see it in person to see how good the design is.

    Can't tell which engine this is but the sound isn't all that great. Although the raspy note of the E46 wasn't that great to me either, though I'm sure others will disagree.
     
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