BMW M3 purists rejoice, because according to F30Post.com, BMW’s North American boss, Ludwig Willisch, has confirmed that the next-generation M3 and M4 will be powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine, officially laying rumours of a V6 engine to rest.
Ludwig Willisch confirmed that BMW had considered using a V6, including a version of the current M3?s V8 minus two cylinders, but in the end the idea was deemed unsuitable.
Now that the engine layout has been confirmed, the question remains as to how BMW will increase power. Patents suggest that BMW is working on (or has completed) an electric turbocharger, which could lend itself to a bi-turbo or tri-turbo setup – which would match the new 3.0-litre 50d diesel engine in the M Performance model – where the electric turbo provides boost just off idle and at low speeds, before handing the task over to either a single twin-scroll turbo or two larger turbos.
Considering that the current M3?s 4.0-litre V8 engine makes 309 kW, expect the new model to produce in the region of 330 kW, all the while decreasing carbon dioxide emissions and increasing fuel economy.
The next BMW M3, which may wear the M4 badge in coupe and convertible form, is expected to debut in late 2013 or early 2014.
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