[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by whatnotsomuchf80

So AWD will only be available on Competition models? When will the those arrive?

https://www.bimmertoday.de/2020/07/0...r-dirk-hacker/

Google Translation:

BMW M3 & M4 2021: Interview with chief developer Dirk Häcker

A few days ago, we were not only able to experience a first drive with the BMW M3 G80 and M4 G82 , we also had the opportunity for a longer interview with Dirk Häcker. As head of development at BMW M he is already known to our regular readers from various conversations and of course he can tell a lot about the new edition of the two middle-class athletes.

In the interview, we talk about the topics of weight and lightweight construction, a possible 48-volt electrical system, the chassis technology and of course the various drive options. The top M developer confirmed the upcoming offer of an all-wheel drive variant with M xDrive and also commented on the effects of the corona pandemic on the M3 and M4.

BimmerToday.de: We are on the sixth generation of the BMW M3 and next to the second M4. The direct predecessors received a lot of praise for their lightweight design concept and did not have an unbelievably high engine power compared to their direct competitors. What was your approach to give the sixth generation even more performance?
Dirk Häcker: Of course we considered which approaches we could use to further increase the very high performance level of the predecessors. We came to the conclusion that the best way to raise the overall level is with a reinforced front axle with even more grip. With this front axle, we are laying the foundation for the significant progress that we can already present. We did this through a modified wheel-tire combination in very intensive coordination with the tire supplier, new kinematics on the front axle, a new steering set-up and of course the body is a very important part of the chassis for us. We also considered very carefully which measures we can use to improve performance. These clear advances on the front axle were the prerequisite for corresponding adjustments to the rear axle so that the car drives linearly and neutrally in the entire driving dynamics range. So, as we know it from the predecessor, but now on a different grip level.

BimmerToday.de: Higher body rigidity always goes hand in hand with higher weight. The predecessor was just under 1.5 tons at the beginning, can this also be achieved with today's crash requirements, larger dimensions and greater rigidity?
Dirk Häcker: Of course we didn't want to put on a huge increase, of course. I don't want to give any concrete figures yet, but we are also seeing the increase in wheelbase and track width, which of course also helps driving dynamics. You can be sure that we paid close attention to the subject of weight.

BimmerToday.de: With the new M440i Coupé , the combustion engine receives support from a 48-volt electrical system. Is that also an issue for M3 and M4?
Dirk Häcker: This is currently not an issue for us. We have to weigh functional advantages, the additional weight and the expectations of the customers against each other. We believe that we are better positioned with our very good working six-cylinder without 48-volt electrical system.

BimmerToday.de: So you can say that the engine and transmission are identical to the X3 M and X4 M?
Dirk Häcker: Certainly not, but of course the basic engine and the gearbox are the same. The application for M3 and M4 is of course a different one, just like the chassis, the engine and gearbox have been independently tuned for these cars. In addition, X3 M and X4 M are not available as hand switches.

BimmerToday.de: With the X3 M, X4 M and other M models of the recent past, the competition model was already available from the market launch, with the fifth generation of the M3 the competition package only came with some delay. Can you already say what will happen to the sixth generation in 2021?
Dirk Häcker: We will offer M3 and M4 in a basic and a competition version right from the start. The basic version comes with a manual transmission and 480 hp, which means it already has 30 hp more than the competition version of the predecessor. The competition version comes with an M eight-speed Steptronic and 510 hp and will also be available from the start.

BimmerToday.de: Can you say something about the all-wheel drive variant of the BMW M3 and M4?
Dirk Häcker: Yes, we will also be offering a four-wheel drive version based on the competition engine power at a later date in addition to the variants with rear-wheel drive already mentioned.

BimmerToday.de: Is this later time in 2021 or will it only come in 2022?
Dirk Häcker: Schaunmermal (laughs).

BimmerToday.de: From the M xDrive all-wheel drive we are familiar with the 2WD mode from the M5 and M8, with X3 M and X4 M there is none. Will this mode also be available on the M3 and M4?
Dirk Häcker: We view our limousines and coupes very similarly here, so our goal, just like in M5 and M8, is a three-stage offer with 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD.

BimmerToday.de: Are there any other essential technical features of the new generation that we can already talk about?
Dirk Häcker: Yes and no. Of course they do exist, but we don't want to talk about them yet. We want to save some things for the future.

BimmerToday.de: Okay, then just one last question about the market situation. To what extent have you already had to adjust your quantity expectations due to Corona?
Dirk Häcker: We cannot say anything at this point in time. I believe that vehicles such as the BMW M3 and M4 continue to arouse great desires, but no one can currently plan specific figures. The situation at the moment is simply too volatile for that. However, what we have managed very well so far is to maintain our development work and thus also to achieve our development goals on time. Therefore there are now no delays in the market launch compared to the original planning.

BimmerToday.de: All right, thank you for the informative conversation!

Emphasis added.