[mose121]

By "optional" xDrive I'm pretty sure they just mean you can switch between rwd & awd like the new M5. Not that you can spec a car that is rwd only without xDrive. Then again, I'd suspect they'll make the new GTS or other higher performance models rwd only for motorsports purposes. Hopefully they'll be able to offset the additional weight of xDrive in other areas. If so I'll gladly accept the much needed additional traction, long as it doesn't screw up the handling dynamics that is.

[SanchoDivine]

Originally Posted by frankiebones

After all the speculation in both directions, why is it the author of this post is comfortable stating there will be a 6MT? How does this tie into the presence of a test mule?

It makes more sense to believe the DCT will be replaced by a full auto while there still being a market for manual and having both DCT or Auto as available options just doesn't make sense.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Imola3

It's a mule of a car that won't go into production for 2+ years. I'm sure the finished product will look like the exhaust on the M5 and the M2.

Let's hope that's the case - they just left it hanging out of the back of the F8X like some hemorrhoids...

[DocWeatherington]

Originally Posted by Penguino

The engine, chassis, transmission, etc have all been tested already. This car is built out of a parts bin. I wonder what is it exactly they are testing?

It makes me wonder if they will push it out faster than normal. As you said if a lot is shared with the X3m and CLAR platform, it should be good minus fine tuning and the finalization of the G30.

Sort of like how they are going to spit fire the X5 and X7.

2019 looks like its going to be a interesting year for BMW, tons of roll over of the lineup.

Then my next question is can you fit the G90 motor into the G80? Engine swap?

[XsltAnalyst]

Spring of 2020 is probably when they'll have the press test drive. Then summer of 2020 is most likely when they'll go on sale since it's in line with the usual 6 year between each generation debuts for M3.

Expect to see incandescent tail lights and whatnot, then LCI 1.5 years later.

Not sure why some are upset by the parts bin sharing, if it works well and the car feels special, then I don't care where it came from. Besides, there are tons of advantages for both the end user and the manufacturer when they share the same drivetrain across several models

[M3GymNut]

Originally Posted by kozzi

Please...500HP.

Please.

Man I really hope so...but I think it'll be in the 475hp-485hp range for then the comp package to make it plus 500hp

[JayPichardo]

Do want!!!

[ptper]

M xdrive?! I'm in. Let's me enjoy the car in the meantime, knowing I'll be staying with another ///M for years to come! Still a little too much wheel gap up front and needs moar flush, but they can work that out in the next few years. Can somebody perform some photoshop magic and color it in so we can get a better idea on the flares?

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by Penguino

The engine, chassis, transmission, etc have all been tested already. This car is built out of a parts bin. I wonder what is it exactly they are testing?

I hope they fixed steering feel!!!

[clbmw]

Just need a touring version and it'll be a winner

[Raikkonen]

Originally Posted by BwoodBMW

I hope they have the Mxdrive as optional so people will see the performance difference.

Then we'll see how many "purists" there are that are so angry about awd on an M car that they will let the xdrive cars smoke them just out of principle.

People have been dramatic about it but I still strongly stick by my statement that the f80 is heavily held back by traction issues. The response: "learn to properly modulate throttle" is the classic, but the fact is with how heavily you have to modulate throttle on these cars to keep the tires sticking you aren't accessing the power that you've got.

Just improving traction (hopefully without much new weight) would add real performance to the next gen. If its sniffing 500hp with mxdrive.... this car will be a blast.

I couldn't agree more...

Selfishly, living in Detroit, in addition to dry weather traction, I'd love to have the option of AWD so I could drive my car year round, without compromise.

Even with a heavy RWD bias, the advantages would be immeasurable...and yes, I CONSTANTLY modulate the throttle!

[goj]

My next car- competition pack of course

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Penguino

The engine, chassis, transmission, etc have all been tested already. This car is built out of a parts bin. I wonder what is it exactly they are testing?

I think they are testing hate levels.

Current readings show a sharp spike from the sky-is-falling crowd, but inside info says most of them weren't in the target market anyway.

So its full speed ahead with development!

[goj]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I think they are testing hate levels.

Current readings show a sharp spike from the sky-is-falling crowd, but inside info says most of them weren't in the target market anyway.

So its full speed ahead with development!

Lol!

[goj]

Originally Posted by kozzi

Please...500HP.

Please.

500 likely for competition pack

[sharocks]

Ahh still using boat anchors for exhausts lol.

Also please for the love of God and all that is good, make it sound good. Pipe better noise in.

[SCOTT26]

So much negativity.
For something that is relatively unknown.
Besides some of you may not like one feature, depending on that if they have followed through with it.

[m3welt]

Not a fan of an xdrive M3/4. Get an Audi if you suck at driving or drive in the snow. M3 is supposed to be a fun lightweight sedan. Not a do everything car.

[AmmarYasirA]

Dang. Almost feels like yesterday the F80 came out.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

LOL this car aint gunna be made for like 3 years and such definite conclusions being drawn

[OF Hero]

Need views of the front

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Railgun

You might need to...you know...learn how to drive then.

Because I haven’t enjoyed ZF autos?

The ones I’ve driven have felt sluggish (from the perspective of the transmission response) in comparison with my last two cars, a 981 with PDK, and my F80 with DCT.

Not sure an opinion has anything to do with my skill as a driver.