[ad_1]
35 years have passed since BMW debuted the legendary BMW M3. BMW is now launching its latest creation of its high-performance models: the BMW M3 Competition Saloon and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé. Both models have been designed to combine high performance with everyday usability.
Although both models have the common goal of pure driving pleasure, they have a different character. The BMW M3 Competition Saloon has enough space for five occupants, while the BMW M4 Competition has four seats.
Looking at the cars, it’s clear that BMW has equipped the models with class-leading standard trim levels, especially for those days on the track. Additionally, the models have options that take individualization to the next level that will make your BMW M3 a dangerous force to be reckoned with on the track.
There are six main packages for optional equipment: Comfort, Technology Plus, M Carbon, Visibility, M Pro and Ultimate. Beyond these packages, there are other optional items that can be added, including M brakes in red, blue or black; M Carbon seats, M Carbon exterior and Park Assistant Plus with Drive Recorder.
Under the hood of the two new cars is a 510 hp high-speed six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology which, when combined with the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, directs its power to the rear wheels.
Expected to be available from summer 2021, both models will also offer the M xDrive, which produces refined directional stability and excellent traction without settling for agility.
The BMW plant in Munich will build the new BMW M3 Competition Saloon, while the BMW Dingolfing plant will create the new BMW M4 Competition Coupé. Both are scheduled for market launch in March 2021.
Styling of the BMW M3 and M4
The motorsport-inspired spirit of the BMW M3 Competition Saloon and BMW M4 Competition Coupé is highlighted in the distinctive exteriors and optimized aerodynamics. Compared to their predecessors, both models are 122mm longer, while the M3 and M4 are 26mm and 17mm wider respectively.
On both models you can see a deep, frameless and completely black BMW grille. The traditional double M bars are now horizontally arranged and support the model’s insignia. Both sides of the grill have supplemental cooling intakes with honeycomb mesh covers.
Standard on the design are Shadowline LED headlights, with dark inlays decorating their upper edges. The Visibility Package can be added as an option including adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight and BMW Selective Beam non-glare high beam assistant.
One of the salient features of the design is the high-gloss black band that forms around the entire underside of the car. This is made up of the extended side sills combined together with the prominent flared wheel arches, as well as the front and rear aprons. Traditional M gills are cleverly added to the front side panels, with the M-specific high-gloss black exterior mirrors featuring an aerodynamically optimized contour. The roof of the two new M models is made of high-tech carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).
To optimize airflow, two fins run longitudinally over the CFRP, as well as the rear spoiler, which is also painted high-gloss black and has a center notch. Framing the pair of tailpipes of the exhaust systems, each measuring 100mm in diameter, is the rear diffuser which is finished in black and with striking fins. Completing the rear are darkened all-LED taillight clusters with L-shaped taillights.
Exterior paint with optional M Carbon exterior
The exterior paint comes in three new and exclusive shades: Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic, Isle of Man Green metallic and Toronto Red metallic.
Also available is the model-specific M Carbon exterior package, which includes inlays for the newly designed wide front air intakes and a rear diffuser, rear spoiler and exterior mirror caps that will be made from CFRP.
New M light alloy wheels
As standard for both cars, there will be the new M light alloy wheel design that uses 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear. Additional options will be the M brakes which will be available in red, blue or black.
Inside
The interior styling of the BMW M3 Competition Saloon and BMW M4 Competition Coupé has been taken to the sporty extreme and was based on the interior of the latest BMW 3 and 4 Series.
As part of the exclusive designs, the M details include red accents seen on the M buttons on the M leather steering wheel, as well as the start / stop button on the center console.
Standard design features within the car will include an anthracite-colored BMW Individual headlining and high-gloss carbon fiber interior trim. Other standards are fine-grain black Merino leather upholstery, heated and electrically adjustable M sport seats.
As an option, you will be able to select a new M Carbon bucket seat for the driver and front passenger. Includes CFRP in its construction and saves 9.6 kg compared to the standard M sports seat.
Inline six-cylinder engine under the hood
The engine within the new high-performance models raises the bar in terms of power and torque for BMW’s inline six-cylinder petrol units. These power units increased the maximum power by 60 hp, while the maximum torque also increased by 100 Nm.
The latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology is associated with the new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Until the moment that maximum power is reached, the engine is able to maintain maximum torque: 650 Nm is available between 2,700 and 5,500 rpm, from the maximum power of 510 hp is supported until the red line of 7,200 rpm.
Both the M4 Competition Coupé and the M3 Competition Saloon can accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in a thrilling 3.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but if the M Pro Package option is added, it can accelerate to 180 mph.
| Model | Maximum power (hp) | Maximum torque (Nm) | Acceleration (0-62 mph) | Top speed (mph) |
| M3 competition room | 510 | 650 | 3.9 | 155 |
| M4 racing coupe | 510 | 650 | 3.9 | 155 |
Bespoke M TwinPower Turbo technology
There will be a customized version of the M TwinPower Turbo technology that incorporates two mono-scroll turbochargers that supply compressed air to cylinders 1-3 and 4-6 respectively. To optimize the charger’s power output, there will be an indirect intercooler and its electrically controlled wastegate will support the instantaneous responsiveness of the turbocharger and improve the efficiency of the catalytic converters.
Standard Drivelogic with eight-speed Steptronic M transmission
The next two models will be equipped with a specially tuned eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The M Steptronic provides both models with the ability to either fully automatic gear changes or manual gear changes with sequential gear selection. The newly designed selector lever and carbon shift paddles located on the steering wheel will also be added.
M xDrive all-wheel drive system improves traction and performance
For the first time, BMW M3 and BMW M4 buyers will now be able to choose between an all-wheel drive system or traditional rear-wheel drive.
The engine power is divided between the front and rear wheels by the
Electronically controlled multi-disc clutch of the transfer case before the M active differential splits it again between the two rear wheels.
Through the transfer case’s electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, engine power is distributed between the front and rear wheels. The active M differential divides it again between the two rear wheels.
The new system greatly improves acceleration from neutral with power distribution easily configured by the driver as needed via the Settings menu.
Chassis
Both new M models will sport improvements in body stiffness and aerodynamic efficiency, as well as optimized and tuned chassis technology. The long wheelbase and wide tracks, the low center of gravity and a nearly 50:50 weight distribution contribute to the excellent driving dynamics.
Suspension
Using electromagnetically controlled valves that act to generate the required damping force in just a few milliseconds, standard adaptive M suspension dampers optimize road contact and traction for every riding situation.
Integrated braking system
Standard on the new M models, the M compound brakes consist of six-piston fixed caliper brakes with 380mm discs at the front and single-piston floating caliper brakes (including the parking brake) with brake discs. 370 mm in there. For the first time, the calipers are offered in red or black, in addition to the blue calipers that were used on previous models.
Additionally, as part of the M Pro Package, there are optional M Carbon ceramic brakes that provide even greater stopping power and durability.
M Drive Professional: unsurpassed performance on the track
Making its debut as a standard inclusion is the M Drive Professional, which is designed for on-track driving. It allows the driver to make consistent improvements in their search for the ideal line and the perfect lap. For example, the M Drift Analyzer records the driver’s ability to control the car in curves with a lot of oversteer and opposite lock.
The M Drive Professional includes other features like the M Laptimer, which offers powerful running performance analysis. By using the M Laptimer app on their Apple iPhone, drivers can also analyze the data that was recorded during their outing.
Pricing will be released closer to launch.
[Source: BMW]