The new BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupe

The new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé have been engineered by BMW M engineers to deliver outstanding performance, precision and agility on both road and track using the mantra high power, low weight and driving pleasure. The fifth-generation of the iconic high-performance sports car from BMW M sees the use of a turbo charged engine for the first time. Another first is the differentiation between the Coupé and Saloon models, each receiving individual model names (in deference to the different model series that provide their basis).

The new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé mark a return to the classic six-cylinder in-line engine configuration, as used on the second and third-generations of this iconic sports car. The new engine offers a slight power increase over the previous V8 (power is now 431hp) whilst peak torque has been increased by roughly 40 per cent to 550Nm, and is maintained over a very wide rev range (1,850-5,500rpm). The standard sprint from 0-62mph takes both cars just 4.3 seconds with manual transmission, or just 4.1 seconds with the optional M DCT, while the top speed is 155mph (electronically limited). The new power plant also boasts excellent fuel economy: the combined consumption in the EU cycle is as high as 34mpg and CO2 emissions are as low as 194g/km, an improvement of more than 25 per cent over the previous model's figures. Regulated pollutant emissions are EU6-compliant.

Intelligent lightweight design was a top priority in the development of the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupé resulting in the new M4 Coupé (fitted with the standard manual transmission) being around 80kgs lighter than a comparably equipped predecessor model. On the outgoing models, the carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof was confined to the Coupé version. Now, for the first time, the four-door M3 Saloon gets the CFRP roof too. The M4 Coupé uses a CFRP boot lid whilst both the new M3 Saloon and new M4 Coupé also feature a CFRP driveshaft. The high rigidity and low weight of the CFRP tube mean that the driveshaft can be produced as a single-piece component, without a centre bearing. This achieves weight-savings of 40 per cent over the previous model and a reduction in rotating masses, which in turn results in more dynamic powertrain response. Both models benefit from extensive use of lightweight aluminium not only for front wings and bonnet but also suspension control arms, wheel carriers and axle subframes. Specially developed, lightweight aluminium wheels also help reduce un-sprung mass.

The standard transmission for both M models is a six-speed manual gearbox with a double-plate clutch. This unit is considerably more compact than its predecessor and also 12kgs lighter. To increase shift comfort, the manual gearbox uses innovative new carbon friction linings in its synchroniser rings. And now blips the throttle on downshifts - previously a feature reserved for the M Double Clutch Transmission - improving the smoothness of the driving experience and helping to enhance stability. The optional transmission for the new BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupé is the third-generation M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT). As well as changing gear automatically, in manual mode it enables ultra-fast gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power. The integrated Launch Control function ensures optimum sprinting performance off the line, producing acceleration figures that are simply unattainable with the manual gearbox. In addition, the system allows for a range of extra features, including Stability Clutch Control, which opens the clutch when the car is understeering to bring it back into line, and also the selectable Drivelogic modes that give the BMW M3 and BMW M4 more comfortable, more economy-focused or even sportier characteristics depending on driver choice. The additional seventh gear over the manual gearbox allows longer gear ratios - and delivers the efficiency gains you would expect as a result.

Performance on track and road is ably covered by the new M models, both offering motorsport inspired design features throughout their build, be it solid mounting of the rear subframe, the baffled magnesium sump for the engine or The Active M Differential that ensures both models have the traditional driving dynamics of any BMW M model. The differential calculates and implements the required differential lock - which may be anywhere between 0 and 100 per cent - within a fraction of a second, enabling wheel spin to be prevented.  The standard new BMW M Compound brakes boast impressive feel, outstanding stopping power and a high resistance to fade. Far lighter than conventional equivalents, they contribute to a substantial reduction in unsprung masses. Even lighter BMW M Carbon ceramic brakes can be specified as an option - gold callipers denote their fitment.