[BMW M3 CRT]

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Said by head of BMW M Product Management (Carsten Pries):

BMW M’s product planning chief says the next-generation M3 model family could be powered by a four-cylinder engine, despite the fact the Bavarian performance brand is currently without any four-cylinder models.

Speaking at the international launch of the all-new F80/82 M3 and M4 in Portugal over the weekend, BMW M Division Head of Product Management Carsten Pries told motoring.com.au it was "foreseeable" that a four-cylinder engine could power the next generation of the iconic model.

"We do not start our design process with a power output in mind. We have a set of characteristics that a new model must meet. For sure, you could see a future [M3] powered by a four-cylinder engine," Pries told motoring.com.au.

In its latest fifth generation, the new M3 (sedan and M4 coupe) is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder. The new powerplant is around 25 per cent more fuel-efficient than the V8 engine in the E90/92 M3 generation it replaces, yet the six offers almost 40 per cent more torque and power gains.

Just released, the new M3 and M4 will likely have a model life of six to seven years. Thus there’ll be some time to wait for details on the powerplant that would power a four-cylinder M3.

According to Pries, the new smaller, lighter six now used was a "significant contributor" to the new generation car’s ability to address the "weight spiral".

"Performance can be boosted with more power, but if we are to address issues like emissions and consumption [in the future], we have to look more at weight. We decided in this generation to address the [upward] weight spiral," Pries explained

Pries said the downsizing trend is likely to continue in future generations.

"If we have a car with less mass, it is foreseeable that the [performance] targets we set could be reached with a four [cylinder]," he stated.

The original E30 generation M3 and a number of its derivatives were powered by four-cylinder powerplants. There are currently, however, no bespoke four-cylinder M division engines -- even the hot M135 hatch is powered by a six-cylinder engine.

-- http://www.motoring.com.au/news/spor...ur-for-m-43418

[ASAP]

8 to 6 is one thing. 6 to 4 is where I look for an exit sign.

[Wah]

Ehh.. I don't think it will happen unless there is some hybrid/electric technology involved. I think the future M3/4 engine will depend on the direction of motorsports. But what do I know...?

[Tåst]

Yes, plausible. I also keep very plausible that next gen M3 is powered by electric. I also keep plausible that something happens and I don't see next gen M3. I also keep plausible that you should buy M3, because it is plausible last 6 cylinder. Maybe it is last four wheel car, plausible. I think that is plausible that you can't get leather seats to next gen M3, because plausible very unexpected fast global warming.

[stressdoc]

Z2 M
4cyl 300 bhp 1000 kilos = fast.

[pkimM3r]

hey at least a 4 cyl turbo will (hopefully) have an electric system paired to it (Hi-Kers)

....let me predict it now....the headline....

MUCH MORE RESPONSIVE THAN LAST GENERATION TURBO LAG due to hybrid technology.

[JoeFromPA]

I don't buy (or not) based upon cylinder count. I've owned the following:

1. Turbo I4
2. Inline six
3. N/A high revving four
4. Turbo inline FIVE cylinder
5. Turbo FLAT four cylinder
6. High revving N/A four
7. Flat six cylinder
8. BMW M V8 (S62)
9. Turbo flat four cylinder
10. BMW N54
11. Twin turbo diesel v10 (VW Touareg)

And ya know what? Some of my favorite engines were the N/A and turbo four cylinders.

So why would I make a buying decision based upon just hearing something is a four cylinder? Heck, Porsche made a phenomenal 3.0 liter four cylinder in the 90s

[mkoesel]

I would consider this a long shot for next generation.

The next big engine revolution is likely to be the elimination of the V8 in the 5 series (except for M5). Rumors of this happening in the next E class are beginning to pick up (in favor of a new Mercedes I6 of all things), so we might see this happen for the G30. Once it does happen, though, it will set into motion the downsizing of engines in the smaller vehicles in the lineup as well. But I would still expect at least one generation after this occurs for the I6 to be eliminated from the 3 series, and perhaps not even until a generation after that happens would it then be replaced in the M3. Of course that timeline could put us fifteen years out which might be longer than it will actually take.

We haven't seen a single long running nameplate switch to hybrid-only power yet. That's another key event that needs to happen before am I4 M3 too. I do think it is likely this will occur in luxury segments first though.

[JRV]

I wonder how the public would perceive a 4 cylinder M3 starting at $65k. The price better drop!

[myzmak]

No kidding a 4 cylinder M3 is possible.

In fact, it is so possible that it already exists and has for almost 30 years: its called the E30. And it is truly legendary.

Seriously, if and when it happens again (one or two gens from now) it would only be because ridiculous performance can be pulled out of that kind of engine. Which would be a good thing.

That is the real joy of the M division (IMHO): not large engines, not noise, not 'ring track times, etc. But taking something "ordinary" (the standard 3 series, say) and making it ridiculously sublime. The engine size is just one of the tools, like all the others.

In the end, I don't really care how they do it, but love that they keep doing so....

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

I don't buy (or not) based upon cylinder count. I've owned the following:

1. Turbo I4
2. Inline six
3. N/A high revving four
4. Turbo inline FIVE cylinder
5. Turbo FLAT four cylinder
6. High revving N/A four
7. Flat six cylinder
8. BMW M V8 (S62)
9. Turbo flat four cylinder
10. BMW N54
11. Twin turbo diesel v10 (VW Touareg)

And ya know what? Some of my favorite engines were the N/A and turbo four cylinders.

So why would I make a buying decision based upon just hearing something is a four cylinder? Heck, Porsche made a phenomenal 3.0 liter four cylinder in the 90s

I have owned a few turbo 4s in my past. NVH and reliability issue make them a no go in my future. Also, tunability of a 4 on stock internals is not close to what it could be on a 6 or 8. My choices for a performance car are;

Big V8 (5.0L +)
TT6
TT8

So, a highly reliable turbo 4 making 460-470 hp and acceptable NVH? Good luck with that lol. 400 LB-FT+ of reliable torque in a turbo 4... gl with that again.

[BMW M3 CRT]

There are some rumors that the next generation BMW I6, the B58, is only coming as .40i in the 5er series and bigger cars, and that the .35i gets at this generation change from N to B the top of the line B48 with 300+ HP !?

[M3_WC]

I hope they do it, just to see how dedicated the fanboys are.

[Johnmd]

Europeans and their pretentious "portions"....

[ixse]

easy to pop 300hp from 4 banger.. pair that with elec motors worth 100hp and 150ish tq, you are looking at a lag free 4banger that will best most sports cars. and mostly 30+mpg at the same time.. usually supercar stuff (i.e 918, p1, laferrari) trickle down given enough time.

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

I hope they do it, just to see how dedicated the fanboys are.

[pkimM3r]

to quote the lexus commercial....."you are feeling powerful...in a 4 cylinder engine...." haha

[jmftexas]

WHAT?!?! A four cylinder M3? That is unheard of.......oh wait.




Yes I realize that was a different time and that car had none of the tech and safety weight to lug around that a modern car does.

[Imola3]

Originally Posted by myzmak

No kidding a 4 cylinder M3 is possible.

In fact, it is so possible that it already exists and has for almost 30 years: its called the E30. And it is truly legendary.

Seriously, if and when it happens again (one or two gens from now) it would only be because ridiculous performance can be pulled out of that kind of engine. Which would be a good thing.

That is the real joy of the M division (IMHO): not large engines, not noise, not 'ring track times, etc. But taking something "ordinary" (the standard 3 series, say) and making it ridiculously sublime. The engine size is just one of the tools, like all the others.

In the end, I don't really care how they do it, but love that they keep doing so....

This.

[stressdoc]

Consider that the i-8 has a three-cylinder engine...

And that the quickest BMWs have four-cylinder engines (S1000rr)

[tdizzle]

Originally Posted by ixse

easy to pop 300hp from 4 banger.. pair that with elec motors worth 100hp and 150ish tq, you are looking at a lag free 4banger that will best most sports cars. and mostly 30+mpg at the same time.. usually supercar stuff (i.e 918, p1, laferrari) trickle down given enough time.

What is it that Benz makes, the cla 45 amg or something? 355hp from a 2 liter 4 cylinder if I recall.

[Jockey]

Having owned turbocharged 4-cyl before, please no.

Unless BMW wants to do a hybrid ala P1 & 918 Spyder. Then by all means