[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW M CEO Confirms G80 M3 Manual Will Be RWD Only

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In an interview with Road & Track, BMW M CEO Markus Flasch confirmed that the G80 M3 / G82 M4 will come with AWD, RWD, manual and auto. But he further reveals that the manual versions will be rear-wheel drive only.

"The next M3 will be a challenge because we have more variation in the powertrain than we used to have. We will offer all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. We will offer both manual and auto," said Flasch

In the next M3 and M4, the automatic will be paired with a version of the fully variable all-wheel drive system used in the M5 and many other M cars. "There's no reason for changing a winning system and pretty much carrying over what we know from the M5," he adds.

"Power output gets to an extent with this generation where it's really difficult to get it to the road if the conditions are not perfect. "We also have quite a significant group of customers that live in places that are not spoiled with weather like [Los Angeles]. If you look to the competition, to other brands, there is a demand for high performance cars in all-wheel drive in the segment.

We have the technical chance to [make an AWD M3] with the foundations that we laid with the M5. We figured 'Why not offer it?'"

As for timeline - Flasch says the G80 M3 will debut towards the end of 2020 and begin production in 2021.

For the latest G80 M3 spy photos/news/rumors see: https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1447015

[Law]

This seems to be the best case (win-win) scenario as far as balancing sales objectives, letting the G8x reap the fruits of labor from the F90's R&D, while still being able to cater to the "purist"/enthusiast crowd that will undoubtedly receive the idea of the RWD Manual M3 with a warm welcome.

Flasch makes a good argument for using the "foundations that we laid with the M5" since not only are development costs shared, but that will now make the M3 argument a stronger contender for those previously on the fence who live in harsher climates while still keeping the Manual RWD option open for those who live in dry/warmer climates and/or intend on using the M3 as a weekend/fun car.

Overall, it's good news to know that the concept of a manual, RWD M3 has been spared the death penalty, at least for now...

[ScreamingChicken]

I may not have been following this as well as others: do we think there will be any significant weight savings by opting for rwd over awd? Maybe it's too soon to know?

[CanAutM3]

Makes sense for the 6MT to be RWD only since it implies not having to develop a brand new AWD MT drivetrain that does not currently exist in the BMW lineup. While the AWD 8AT drivetrain already exists, I wonder if the 8AT will be paired with RWD only chassis? My hunch is that is wont. What remains to be seen is if the 6MT RWD will have all of the same power output levels offered on the AWD 8AT.

As for timeline - Flasch says the G80 M3 will debut towards the end of 2020 and begin production in 2021.

That's in line with what many of have been saying all along .

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by ScreamingChicken

I may not have been following this as well as others: do we think there will be any significant weight savings by opting for rwd over awd? Maybe it's too soon to know?

I think it will. As per my post above, my guess is that RWD will be 6MT only and the AWD will be 8AT only, hence the total weight savings is the combined impact of AWD and 8AT.

[kern417]

Originally Posted by ScreamingChicken

I may not have been following this as well as others: do we think there will be any significant weight savings by opting for rwd over awd? Maybe it's too soon to know?

Typically AWD variants have a lot more components to support the additional drivetrain components. Additional axles, sensors, beefier suspension components, etc. And of course, majority of that weight is unsprung.

From a launch it's more satisfying, but from a rolling start it'll be laggier.

[Miko M]

Great news!!

I probably will get one, can't wait to see the final product

One year is a long time to wait dough

[jstein55]

Originally Posted by Jason

As for timeline - Flasch says the G80 M3 will debut towards the end of 2020 and begin production in 2021.

It's going to be a long wait. Hopefully we get some good leaks along the way.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by ScreamingChicken

I may not have been following this as well as others: do we think there will be any significant weight savings by opting for rwd over awd? Maybe it's too soon to know?

On the E90 there was around 200 lbs weight penalty on the xDrive vs the rwd. Expect similar.

A loaded slush box + AWD could be close to crack 4000 lbs

[ASAP]

It will be interesting to see if such an enthusiast vehicle really leans toward 6 mt and rwd... my guess is that we will see a 20/80 split rwd / awd... and will never see a 6mt M car again... vote with your wallet people if you want it.

[ra2289]

Nothing wrong with more options! Interested to know if the models above the competition package will carry similar options (awd vs rwd) or is this just for the "pure" model.

I just want to see the damn car but we still have a while.

[pbar]

As for timeline - Flasch says the G80 M3 will debut towards the end of 2020 and begin production in 2021.

OK, finally some information

I'm not waiting that long.

[OF Hero]

I know it's anyone's guess at this point....but what are we thinking in terms of $$$ over the F80? Easily 70k entry level?

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by ScreamingChicken

I may not have been following this as well as others: do we think there will be any significant weight savings by opting for rwd over awd? Maybe it's too soon to know?

Likely about 60-80kg saved I would think.

[alex2364]

What about people that want RWD auto? Not everyone wants AWD.

[NeverEnough007]

Originally Posted by solstice

On the E90 there was around 200 lbs weight penalty on the xDrive vs the rwd. Expect similar.

A loaded slush box + AWD could be close to crack 4000 lbs

Ya but the e90 was developed back in 2005. The awd adds about 120lbs to the current g20 m340i. About the weight difference between a full tank of gas and 1/4 tank of gas. I am willing to bet the m5 uses much lighter components such as the front drive shaft. I believe the manual transmission didn’t save any weight over the zf-8 in the f30 car.

I was hoping for an awd manual but, the zf-8 is really good.

[dezzracer]

Originally Posted by alex2364

What about people that want RWD auto? Not everyone wants AWD.

Good point.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I think it will. As per my post above, my guess is that RWD will be 6MT only and the AWD will be 8AT only, hence the total weight savings is the combined impact of AWD and 8AT.

Makes the most sense I agree.


RWD MANUAL for purists , and for the shiftless ... AWD AUTOMATIC.

[Ibiza]

Realistic G80 full option availability will be late 2021 based on recent BMW new product launches.

Will be interesting the upcoming chatter when the G80 competition is AWD only.

[JTO24]

Originally Posted by ASAP

It will be interesting to see if such an enthusiast vehicle really leans toward 6 mt and rwd... my guess is that we will see a 20/80 split rwd / awd... and will never see a 6mt M car again... vote with your wallet people if you want it.

This will be my dilemma... I live in the northeast, where an AWD daily makes the most sense. However, I'm still a big 6mt + rwd fan, and still I love the idea of a manual family sedan. Right now I'm leaning towards 6mt + rwd but by the time I'm ready to buy, my priorities may be slightly different. Either way, glad they're giving us the choice!

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Meh. I won't wait that long.

[Bahn360Photo]

Nice!

Anything on the power outputs?

I hope they are the same and competition will hopefully be available on both