The next generation version of the legendary BMW M3 has been unveiled, and this time there’s been a slight shuffle. The new M3 has become a sedan, while the M4 carries on the legacy of the two-door performance sportscar.

BMW M division boss explains the M3 and M4

The M badge has been synonymous with high-performance motoring and over 40 000 models of the previous generation M3 were assembled.“Four generations of the BMWM3 have blended motor sport genes and uncompromised everyday usability within an emotionally rich overall concept,” explains Dr Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH. “The BMWM3Sedan and BMWM4Coupe represent an ongoing commitment to this philosophy. The engine is the heart of every Mmodel, and the new turbocharged six-cylinder unit fitted in the two new cars combines the virtues of a high-revving naturally aspirated unit with the strengths of turbocharger technology.”

“A committed lightweight design concept produces a weight saving of around 80kilograms over the outgoing M3. The BMWM3 and BMWM4 take motor sport technology from the track to the road, and thousands of laps of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife – the world’s most exacting race track – have readied the new models for that transition. Meticulous and passion-fuelled development work has underpinned the creation of two high-performance sports cars that set new standards in terms of overall concept, precision and agility,” added Dr Nitschke.

New engine for the BMW M3/M4

Those are some interesting points raised by Dr Nitschke. Gone is the old V8 engine and in its place is a modified version of the same motor seen in the BMW 135i. Power has been increased dramatically and the outputs of 317 kW and 550 Nm means the new M3 sedan and M4 coupe hit 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds if the vehicles are equipped with the seven-speed M DCT box. Manual examples will be slightly slower, but not by much.

The M3 was always regarded as a dynamic benchmark, a vehicle which handled flawlessly and encouraged enthusiastic drivers. The next generation M3/M4 will carry on that tradition due extensive use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic as well as aluminium components. A personal favourite touch of mine was the carbon roof. How do we know the new M3 and M4 will be track-orientated toys? Well, the BMW engineers worked closely together with the Motorsport division and used the DTM duo of Timo Glock and Bruno Spengler to assist in the testing of the new BMW M3 on the infamous Nurburgring.

BMW M3/M4 coming to South Africa

The new BMW M3 sedan and new M4 coupe will arrive on South African shores in the second half of 2014, which is around July. Pricing and the exact specification for the BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe remains unconfirmed at this time.