New (2014) BMW M3 and M4: OFFICIAL

The new BMW M3 – and its coupe sibling, the BMW M4 – have been revealed ahead of a debut at the Detroit Auto Show. On sale May 2014.

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We’ve had teases from BMW for the new M3 and M4 but now, ahead of a public debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month, we get the official details.

Key to the four-door M3 and 2-door M4 is the new 3.0 litre engine, a new turbo, direct injection in-line six petrol which produces 425bhp and a very healthy 405lb/ft of torque from just 1850 rpm.

That sort of grunt is enough to get the M3 and M4 to 62mph in 4.3 seconds with the standard six-speed manual, but opt for the seven-speed DCT ‘box and it’s even quicker – just 4.1 seconds.

Despite performance that would embarrass many a supercar, the M3 and M4 come with official economy figures of 32.1 mpg with the manual ‘box (and, with the DCT, you not only go faster but use less juice – it averages 34mpg).

So even though it’s a cost option – and purists will complain – most buyers will probably opt to take their M3 or M4 with the DCT ‘box, because it’s quicker and more frugal, and also very clever.

A development of the DCT ‘box in the M5, the M3/4’s DCT ‘box has a choice of manual or auto modes, launch control and a ‘burnout’ setting that allows a bit of tyre smoke on take-off, plus stability clutch control which reduces drive to bring you back in line if it’s all going a bit wrong.

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The power from either the manual or DCT gearbox goes to the back wheels through a  new CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) propshaft which manages to do without a centre bearing and cuts weight, heads for the Active M Diff at the back and out to the rear wheels through hollow output shafts.

Underpinning all this is a development of the same platform used on the 3 Series and 4 Series, with MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the back, extensively reworked with with lightweight components, reduced ride height, wider track, a carbon fibre strut brace and aluminium for the control arms and subframes.

Cosmetically, the new M3 and M4 are what you’d expect – and not hugely different to the M4 Concept we’ve already seen – with a power dome on the bonnet, aggressive nose and tail, optional carbon-ceramic brakes, standard 18″ or optional 19″ alloys, CFRP roof and a huge list of additional goodies you can spec if your wallet is big enough.

The new BMW M3 and BMW M4 will go on sale in the UK in May 2014 and cost £56,175 and £56,635 respectively.

And will be much in demand.