The all-new BMW 3 Series debuted last year at the Paris Auto Show, so you would think we wouldn't have too long to wait for the brand new M3 to arrive. While the M3 typically launches a year after its standard sibling, a new report by Car and Driver claims it won't arrive until the middle of 2020 before going on sale for the 2021 model year.

So what's the reason for the delay? Apparently, it's because BMW is planning to launch the new M3 and M4 simultaneously. On the bright side, this also means we can expect the next-generation BMW 4 Series to break cover later this year. We may get a preview of the new M3 this year, however, as previous reports have claimed an M3 concept will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

Visually, the new M3 and M4 will get the usual M Performance treatment, with new spoilers, diffusers, flared fenders, massive air intakes, bulging hoods, and wheels and tires sized 19 inches and up.

According to Car and Driver, the next-generation M3 and M4 will be powered by the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six found in the new X3 M and X4 M. This twin-turbocharged engine will allegedly come in two flavors. The base M3 and M4 models will have 473 horsepower, matching the X3 M and X4 M. Competition models, on the other hand, will reportedly produce 503 horsepower, matching the output of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S's V8. The S58 will redline at 7300 rpm and is expected to crank out the same 442 lb-ft of torque that it makes in the X3 M and X4 M.

While the new high-performance X3 M and X4 M come with an all-wheel drive system like the current M5, they can't be switched to rear-wheel drive. Some reports have suggested the base M3 and M4 will be sold with rear-wheel drive to please purists, with an optional all-wheel drive system available in other variants. As standard, both cars are expected to be offered with six-speed manual transmissions, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic available as an optional extra.

The M4 convertible will also have another key change: BMW is ditching its predecessor's retractable hardtop in favor of a power-operated soft top. Not only will this look better, but it will also reduce weight and increase trunk space. Expect the M3 and M4 to be priced from around $70,000 when they go on sale in the second half of next year.