BMW traditionally has a cycle when introducing a new M-Division model. Typically 6-months before its debut there will be a “Concept” that is revealed to the automotive world that ultimately ends up looking just like the final release. Today, USA Today has taken the wraps off the BMW 4-Series M Coupe ahead of its reveal at Monterey.
BMW has discontinued the 3-Series in coupe form, so all “3-Series coupes” are now 4-Series vehicles. This will be the first time the M4 naming will be used on this type of performance coupe. Naming issues aside, the new M4 looks like a meaner, more aggressive 4-Series.
The vehicle does have some typical M styling cues. The bulging front hood, and the quad-exit exhaust are telltale M trademarks. The front bumper also has an extremely large opening, most likely to accommodate the intercooler needed for the rumored turbo I6 that is to replace the old car’s V8.
The internals of the vehicle are just speculation at this point, but there are a few assumptions that can be made. The M4 will probably be lighter than the previous M3 and have better performance metrics than the outgoing model. It is unclear if horsepower will be improved, since the vehicle is ditching the V8 for the turbo I6 engine. For those who care, the vehicle will probably be more fuel efficient.
We also expect to see the car available in both automatic and manual transmission versions. The dual-clutch automatic transmission will probably be the unit that provides the best performance numbers, but with BMW offering a manual transmission in the current generation M5, there is precedent to continue offering it. Also, the M3 may live on in the sedan version, though as with the 4-Series vs. the 3-Series, the 4-Series is the performance-oriented model.
Expect to see the M4 next year.
