It's no secret BMW is actively working on the next generation M3. The new 3 Series sedan itself is widely expected to debut in the coming months, perhaps as soon as Paris in October. But today's M3 is a very potent machine, offering extraordinary performance and power. How to best this? According to Autocar, the 2020 M3 will feature an active rear-wheel steering system to further enhance agility, increase turn-in speed and, at the same time, increase high-speed stability. The next M3 will be lighter and faster than today's M3 CS despite the fact it'll be larger.
Specifically, both the M3 and regular 3 Series sedan will grow by 6 cm in length while the wheelbase increases by 2 cm. BMW has also reportedly decided not to offer the M5's impressive xDrive all-wheel drive system because of the added weight. In other words, the next M3 (and M4, for that matter) will remain rear-wheel drive. Both automatic and manual transmissions will be offered. Total output should be in excess of 450 hp, beating out both the standard M3 and M3 CS. Speaking of which, under the hood we expect to see an extensively updated version of the twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six. In top CS trim, it produces 453 hp, so let's figure around 465 hp for the next M3/M4, just to start with.
BMW isn't spilling the beans just yet on what exactly is making this increased output possible, but we wouldn't be surprised to learn that a water injection system is at least part of the answer, like what's used in the M4 GTS. This system, essentially, improves cylinder running efficiency by reducing cylinder temperatures. It's also possible there'll be some form of electrification to further increase torque. Sources indicate the new M3 will be a 2020 model and if that's the case, a formal unveiling will likely happen sometime in the second half of 2019.
