[AutoGuide.com]

BMW is promising its new M3 sedan and M4 coupe will bring a new interpretation of the German automaker’s popular sports cars, while raising the bar for performance once again.

In developing its next generation of sports cars, BMW has taken the new M3 and M4 through rigorous testing at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in order to perfect their performance. BMW has confirmed the M3 and M4 will be powered by a high-revving, in-line six-cylinder engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology. Both vehicles will produce approximately 430 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, improving on the previous M3 by over 30 percent.

In addition, both vehicles will weigh in at around 3,300 lbs (roughly 200 lbs less than the previous model) while fuel efficiency has been improved by about 25 percent. Most importantly however, BMW announced that the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission will be optional, meaning that a six-speed manual transmission will be standard. BMW enthusiasts need not worry anymore that the manual transmission has been dumped.

Also, the BMW M3 sedan will gain a carbon fiber roof for the first time, which previously was only seen on the coupe variant.

“Four generations of the BMW M3 have blended motor sport genes and uncompromised everyday usability within an emotionally rich overall concept,” explained Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President BMW M GmbH. “The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe represent an ongoing commitment to this philosophy.”

 

[MPWR]

Yet again BMW becomes a trend setting, making the roof of their performance sedan, the M3, carbon fiber. I bet MB, Lexus and Audi will come out with this too

 

[M4S]

BMW enthusiasts need not worry anymore that the manual transmission has been dumped.

This is a relief for most of you guys that had a concern for the standard transmission being obsolete.