It's already been over half a year since the all-new BMW 3 Series made its world debut at the Paris Auto Show. While it's undoubtedly one of the German automaker's most important new models, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next-generation BMW M3.

Fortunately, we may not have too long to wait, as Auto Express claims the new BMW M3 will break cover at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. This would make sense, as it means the G80 M3 will debut almost exactly one year after the standard 3 Series was unveiled.

We may have to wait longer for it to go on sale, however. Sources have told BMWBlog the new M3 won't enter production until 2020 and will likely go on sale in the second half of the year. Alternatively, we could see an M3 concept debut at Frankfurt, which means the production version is more likely to be shown for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year. If BMWBlog's sources are correct, this would perhaps make more sense as the reveal would take place just a few months before the new M3 will allegedly enter production.

When it does arrive, the new BMW M3 will come with some dramatic changes. Under the hood will be the same S58 3-liter straight six engine from the X3 M and X3 M Competition models with three levels of power. Allegedly, a Pure version of the M3 will offered to purists with a manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and an output of 444 horsepower to match the outgoing M3 Competition.

A "base" version will reportedly increase the output to 475 hp and will only be mated to an automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Finally, the range-topping Competition model is expected to launch with 500 hp and also be available with only an automatic transmission and AWD.