BMW isn’t wasting any of the momentum from its reveal of the 2012 3 Series sedan just last week, as the automaker is seen here testing the next-gen M3 sedan on the famed Nürburgring. Speculation abounds when it comes to the much-anticipated sixth-generation M3, but these spy shots at least gives us a glimpse at what the next ultimate, ultimate driving machine will look like.
We can see that the car will wear the updated front fascia of the new 3 Series, with the sleeker, lower-profile headlamps that stretch all the way to the kidney grilles. The hood appears to be the same on this test mule as it is on the standard 3 Series, but the front valance is unique – with a central intake opening similar to the one found on the 3 Series with M Sport Package. From the side, it’s clear this car rides a bit lower than the standard 3 Series, dropped on large, 10-spoke wheels. At the rear, a quad-tip exhaust system can be seen, hinting at the presumably potent engine this car is packing.
That engine has been a source of frustration for us automotive journalist types, as we still can’t say with 100 percent certainty what it will be. We do know that it won’t be the 414-hp naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter V-8 of the current M3, and reports suggest that a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine could be in store. Whether that will be a version of BMW’s classic straight-six, or a rumored (and highly controversial) new V-6 engine, remains to be seen. All we can say is this car has a lot of hype to live up to, and also has quite the reputation to uphold. Here’s hoping it can deliver.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
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