BMW is emphasizing the amount of development time the M3 sedan and M4 coupe spent at the track. As if we didn't already know. The fine machines from the M Division are known for being just as capable on the track as they are on the road, and this latest generation shouldn't be any different.
DTM race driver Bruno Spengler stopped by BMW's away mission at the Nürburgring Nordschleife to check out some camouflaged prototypes, and do a few laps to help calibrate the cars' dampers. He may have also wanted to get used to the 2014 M4's face, which will adorn BMW DTM cars for next year's season.
The next M3 and M4 are expected to be leaner and meaner than the previous M3 sedan and coupe.
Under the hoods of both cars will be a high-revving turbocharged inline-six, producing approximately 430 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It's both more powerful than the previous M3's V-8 and, according to BMW, more fuel efficient.
The engine will be coupled to a six-speed manual transmission; the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission will be optional. High-tech hardware includes an electronic Active M Differential, Adaptive M suspension, and adjustable electric power steering assist.
All of those mechanical improvements will be made sweeter by the new cars' lighter curb weights. BMW says the M4 is about 175 pounds lighter than a comparably equipped, previous-generation M3 coupe.
The 2014 BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe will debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. In the meantime, check out the specs and our spy shot galleries.
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