BMW revealed the arrival of the new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe models. The new models were built on the principle of capitalizing on the strengths of both the Series 3 sedan models and Series 4 coupe. These new models highlight achievements in engineering, like reducing the curb weight and being able to go toe-to-toe with corners, hills, and even braking zones.
The release is expected to secure the company’s position as the leading market leader.
The M3 sedan and M4 coupe debuted during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2014 with sales starting this 2015. The M3 has a starting MSRP of $62,925 while the M4 starts at $65,125, though it already includes the destination & handling fee valued at $925. As previously mentioned, the inline-6 engine with M TwinPower Turbo allows for 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of maximum torque.
This enables the new models to exceed the power of its predecessors by 40%. Even with this much power, the engine is fuel efficient and reduces emissions by as much as 25%. With the 6-speed manual transmission, the M3 and M4 can go from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds but the 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission allows the M3 and M4 to lower this to 3.9 seconds.
In order to balance the efficiency with the dynamic ability, the weight of the new models was lowered by 80 kilograms compared to its predecessors. Both models use a carbon roof and some of the body components and chassis are made of aluminum and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic.
The use of these lightweight materials has resulted in the M4 having a DIN curb weight of almost 1,500 kilograms. In manufacturing the M3 and M4, BMW made sure that it can be driven on the streets but on race tracks as well. Thus to make sure that the right temperature balance is maintained between the engine, transmission, and turbochargers, a track-specification cooling system was installed.
Another important feature of the two models is that it is aerodynamic and this was achieved by having a powerfully sculpted front apron and smooth underbody. For the M3 Sedan, a Gurney spoiler was attached at the rear while the M4 Coupe has a spoiler lip integrated at its rear. This has enabled both cars to reduce the lift equally from the front and rear axle.
Head of Development at BMW M GmbH Albert Biermann said that since the air going in is channeled to the engine oil cooler, this resulted into what is known as the “Venturi Effect” which improves steering due to the reduction of the lift in the front axle.
To minimize the turbulence experienced by the front wheel, BMW added other parts like the M gills and Air Curtain and integrated this with the Air Breather rearwards. The mirrors also help with aerodynamics since it is designed in a twin-stalk style that reduced drag. These are just some of the many reasons why the M3 and M4 models are able to meet the challenges of a race track while still be ideal in everyday transport.
