BMW developing new inline-six petrol engine for next-gen M3

BMW understands it may be early for some committed M fans to make the switch to electric.

BMW is working on an all-new inline-six cylinder petrol engine for its next-generation M3 and M4. Dr. Mike Reichelt, head of its latest Neue Klasse program, confirmed this during an interview with Top Gear.

Reichelt said the new M3 will follow the debut of the new 3-Series sedan and will come in both ICE and all-electric versions. For the ICE model, BMW will continue with the turbocharged six-cylinder engine, but it won’t be the S58B30 motor that is seen in the current M3 and M4.

Reichelt said the new next-gen M3 will come with a "new type of six-cylinder engine," but didn’t give more details. He added that BMW understands it may be early for some committed M fans to make the switch to electric.

“We’re going to make it the best M car ever dynamically”, he said. “But we are convinced the fully-electric M3 is going to hit new heights and reach new target groups, because it’ll behave completely differently,” he added.

The new electric M3 features BMW’s new Heart of Joy performance control unit - a sort of all-conquering brain chip, which processes information up to 10 times faster than previous systems. It’s currently being put through testing, and it is putting out a mind-boggling 17,989 Nm of torque. However, it is not known if this kind of power will be available to the end customer.

“When you look at full EVs, the performance is normally far more than enough. It’s no longer about making a car that has the fastest 0-62mph time, but rather a car that offers precise dynamics. That’s what our control unit does; you go into a bend with a certain steering angle and don’t need to make corrections mid-corner.”

Reichelt also confirmed both versions of the M3 will have “the same design and digital features”, despite the contrasting powertrains.

Source; Top Gear UK