BMW has recently revealed preliminary technical details about the 2014 M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe during Technology Days.
Under the hood, power will be generated by a brand new high-revving inline-six 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine generating around 430 HP (316 kW) at 7,500 rpm and with a maximum torque of around 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). Despite being more powerful, the new engine will enable the M3 Sedan to have a 25 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. BMW further claims that they were able to lower the M3 Sedan’s weight to less than 1,500 kg (3,306 lbs).
The newly developed S55 engine has a closed-deck crankcase design and comes fitted with two mono-scroll turbochargers. The company engineers implemented a forged crankshaft which is not only lighter but also more rigid and now with the diminished rotating masses the engine is able to provide better acceleration and response.
In fact Freidrich Nitschke, BMW M division chief, has hinted at an even lighter version tipping the scales at around 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) which will be possible due to a more simplistic interior cabin, lightweight seats and other weight-saving techniques. If approved for production, this lighter M3 version could bring back the CSL moniker.
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