The next-generation BMW M3 is expected to break cover at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Whether BMW decides to show the production version or a concept model remains to be seen, however, as the new M3 isn't expected to go on sale until the second half of 2020. But while the new 3 Series looks sleek, recent spy photos suggest the new M3 will have a significantly larger grille akin to the giant grille slapped on the new 7 Series.

Russian website Kolesa has produced a render to show what the new M3 looks like with a giant kidney grille extending into the front bumper without any camouflage – and it isn't pretty. It's possible, however, that engineers used fake camouflage to keep the design a secret so the render may not be entirely accurate. We certainly hope the new M3 doesn't look as ugly as this.

Elsewhere, the exterior has been rendered with the usual design details we've come to expect from BMW M cars that differentiate them from standard models, including flared bodywork, more aggressive-looking bumpers and side skirts, a quad exhaust system, and larger wheels.

As for powertrains, the new BMW M3 will pack the same 3.0-liter straight six engine as the X3 M and X3 M Competition models and is expected to be offered in three flavors including a "Pure" model that will include a manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and an output of 444 horsepower to match the outgoing M3 Competition.

A "base version" could increase the output to 475 hp and will reportedly only be offered with an automatic transmission and AWD. The range-topping Competition model, on the other hand, is expected to send 500 hp to all four wheels through an automatic transmission.