[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/next-generation-bmw-sports-cars-unleashed\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/next-generation-bmw-sports-cars-unleashed\/","headline":"Next generation of BMW sports cars unleashed","name":"Next generation of BMW sports cars unleashed","description":"Every generation of BMWs is never short of style and it seems that the newest generation of its sports cars, the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupe, will be no exception. Designed for optimum speed and performance, the two cars see the introduction of a range of new technologies to the BMW M series. For the first time, BMW have introduced turbocharged engines to their M models. They are now equipped with high-revving, 3.0 litre six-cylinder in-line engines. BMW […]","datePublished":"2014-06-17","dateModified":"2014-06-17","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/New-BMW-M3-M4.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/New-BMW-M3-M4.jpg","height":"577","width":"577"},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/next-generation-bmw-sports-cars-unleashed\/","about":["Cars"],"wordCount":492,"keywords":["bmw","bmw m3 saloon","bmw m4 coupe","Nurburgring Nordschleife"],"articleBody":"Every generation of BMWs is never short of style and it seems that the newest generation of its sports cars, the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupe, will be no exception.Designed for optimum speed and performance, the two cars see the introduction of a range of new technologies to the BMW M series.For the first time, BMW have introduced turbocharged engines to their M models. They are now equipped with high-revving, 3.0 litre six-cylinder in-line engines. BMW has also developed M TwinPower Turbo technology specifically for these engines. They can provide a maximum output of 431 horsepower and a peak torque of 550Nm, which starts from 1,850rpm and rises to a figure higher than that seen from the BMW M3 by 40 per cent.Even with the added power behind their engines, the cars are still kinder to the environment and more gentle on the fuel with a reduction in emissions and fuel consumption of about 25 per cent.The reason for this improved efficiency and dynamic ability is down to the weight loss that the M models have undergone. A total of 80kg has been shaved off compared to the previous models thanks to the increased use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre. In fact, both cars now come equipped with plastic roofs that have been reinforced with carbon fibre.Aerodynamics have been improved considerably with the development of Active M Differential technology. As well as this, the cars are now equipped with Adaptive M suspension and have the option to include M Double Clutch transmission.To help with getting the best from the aerodynamic technology, BMW M engineering called in some of the BMW motorsport racing drivers to help out with extensive tests which were carried out on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.Both cars can get to a top speed of 155mph and can go from zero to 62mph in 4.3 seconds.The cars’ overall looks are still as characteristically aggressive as other M models but they have been optimised to provide the highest levels of aerodynamic efficiency.Head of design at BMW Automobiles Karim Habib said: \u201cThe superior performance of the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coup\u00e9 should be obvious at first glance,\u201d\u201cIndeed, the exterior design has a visual impact that elevates the BMW M design language to a new level of expression, highlighted by a purposeful character, emotional appeal and dynamic verve.\u201dOn the face of the vehicle, its twin headlight set-up has been updated for a more modern take and it has gained the addition of a double-slat kidney-grille with an M designation. There is also a trio of large intakes, which allow cool air to reach the engine and brakes.Unlike previous generations, the Coupe and Saloon models have beengiven different names, in defiance of the predecessors on which they were based.The cars are due to go on sale on June 21st 2014 with starting prices at \u00a356,175 for the M3 Saloon and \u00a356,635 for the M4 Coupe."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Next generation of BMW sports cars unleashed","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/next-generation-bmw-sports-cars-unleashed\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]