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By Jason Woosey 
7h ago
MUNICH – As promised, BMW has removed the covers from its new M3 and M4 performance cars and they are not only ready to differentiate themselves from their rivals with spectacular new styling, but they are also ready to be the only cars in their segment. they offer the option of a manual transmission.
However, South Africans looking for a more purist driving experience won’t be able to join in on the fun, as the six-speed manual gearbox is only offered on the “normal” M3 and M4 models, and these will not be offered locally. As it has become the norm with M cars in South Africa, only the racing versions will be offered, and you can expect them to arrive during the first half of 2021.
While all versions of the new BMW M3 and M4 are powered by a new generation three-liter inline six-cylinder turbo petrol engine, as before, the standard and competition models have different powers, although both have much more force.
The M3 and M4 Competition models now run for 375kW at 6250rpm and 650Nm between 2750 and 5500 revs, which is 44kW and 100Nm more than before and that, says BMW, is enough to go from 0-100km / h in 3.9 seconds. An eight-speed M Steptronic transmission is part of the deal here.
The usual M3 and M4 derivatives with manual transmission have outputs of 353 kW at 6250 rpm and 550 Nm between 2650 and 6130, and drivers who have honed their quick-shifting skills will get their cars from 0 to 100 km / h in as little as 4.2 seconds, according to claims.
All M3 and M4 models retain the rear-wheel drive design of their predecessors, but Competition models will be available with all-wheel drive starting in mid-2021. Working in conjunction with the active M differential, the all-leg system will have a with rear bias and drivers will be able to choose between three modes: 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD for pure rear wheel drive and stability control disabled.
While handling setups will differ, all M3 and M4 models will ship with M-specific suspension with adaptive damping and variable-ratio M Servotronic steering. M compound brakes will be standard, but buyers will be able to opt for M Carbon ceramic mounts if they wish.
Drivers will also have a bit more control over the traction control system this time, with the DSC system now offering ten selectable modes, as well as integrated wheel-slip limiting.
As for the wheels, Competition models come with a 19-inch front and 20-inch rear combination, while regular cars have an 18 “19” combination.
Of course, when it comes to visual differentiation, there is much more than wheels to differentiate them from the normal 3 Series and 4 Series models, particularly in the case of the M3, which inherits the large vertical grid format from the last 4 Series. .. However, these models use an M-specific version of that grille, with horizontal slats, and the M models are also distinguished by sculpted wheel arches with M gills, side sill extensions, front and rear apron extensions, and a rear spoiler. .
Step inside and you’ll find newly developed M sport seats, trimmed in Merino leather, but BMW also offers M Carbon bucket seats with a frame-based design as an optional extra. The cockpit area includes M-specific displays and controls, while the M-specific settings button provides direct access to the settings of the car’s dynamic systems.
Making its debut on the new M3 and M4 is a system called the M Drive Professional, which was created specifically for track driving. It includes an M Drift Analyzer, which rates your cornering shenanigans, as well as an M laptimer.
The remainder of the electronic arsenal largely corresponds to the latest 3 Series and 4 Series models, with BMW’s 7.0 operating system as the central information hub. BMW’s fully digital Live Cockpit Professional package is standard, along with BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant. The company has also expanded the range of standard driver assistance systems, which among others include lane departure and forward collision warning systems, as well as parking distance control. Optional gadgets include Driving Assistant Professional with Lane and Steering Assist, Active Navigation, Emergency Lane Assist, and Head-Up Display with M-specific displays.
IOL Motoring
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