Latest news with #BMWM3
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
No four-cylinder engine for BMW M3, six-cylinder stays for next gen. Check details
The standard Neue Klasse 3 Series is scheduled to be revealed later this year, with market availability expected in early 2026. The M3 version is set to follow at least a year later. Notify me The upcoming BMW M3 will take a dual-approach to powertrains, with both a fully electric and a new petrol-powered version in development. The next-gen model, part of BMW's Neue Klasse architecture, is expected to launch towards the end of 2026 or early 2027. The standard Neue Klasse 3 Series is scheduled to be revealed later this year, with market availability expected in early 2026. The M3 version is set to follow at least a year later. Official specifications and detailed performance figures for both the electric and petrol M3 variants are expected closer to launch. BMW Neue Klasse M3: A 700+ bhp EV beast The all-electric M3 is confirmed to use an 800-volt system and produce upwards of 700 horsepower, placing it among the most powerful M cars to date. The electric powertrain will be based on BMW's new generation of performance EV technology, with a focus on precision handling rather than just straight-line speed. Also Read : Planning to buy the i7? BMW will now pay for your registration BMW's 'Heart of Joy" control unit, which was introduced in the Vision Neue Klasse concept, will be integrated into the new M3. This system combines key performance controls—such as braking, energy recuperation, charging, drivetrain, and steering—into a single computing unit that processes data significantly faster than previous systems. According to BMW, this will enable more responsive and consistent handling, especially during cornering. BMW Neue Klasse M3: New inline-six engine Alongside the electric M3, BMW will offer a petrol-powered version featuring a newly developed six-cylinder engine. Dr. Mike Reichelt, head of the Neue Klasse project, confirmed in an interview with Top Gear that this internal combustion engine will be distinct from the current S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six used in today's M3. Also Read : 2026 BMW M2 CS breaks cover, produces over 520 bhp and 640 Nm of torque Although specific technical details are yet to be disclosed, it's speculated that the new engine may include some level of electrification or hybrid assistance. Performance is expected to increase over the current M3's 523 hp, potentially closing the gap with the electric version. BMW has ruled out using smaller engines for the M3, including the possibility of a four-cylinder unit. Company representatives have indicated that such a move would not align with performance expectations for the M division's flagship sedan. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 29 May 2025, 08:40 AM IST
Motor 1
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The 2025 BMW M3 Competition Is a German GT-R: Video Review
The E46 BMW M3 has one of the tallest statures in all of automotive history. It's the one that every M3 is judged against, save for the E30 , and is almost universally beloved. For the average BMW fan, there isn't an M3 that can quite match the original magic of that car. I think that the newest facelift for 2025 (LCI, to BMW nerds) is finally that M3. For our newest YouTube video, I got to drive the latest M3. And I found myself pleasantly surprised. I would hear arguments for more interesting or more exciting M3s, but the G80 generation is one of the most complete since the E46–And I think it finally hits the chord of excitement. Odd, because I was one of many journalists who beat the ugly drum on the buck-tooth'd G80. I almost hate that the car has proven me wrong, but the earliest variants of the car were OK at best. It's a matter of technology. This is the first all-wheel-drive generation of M3, the latest refinement of a wide array of integrated chassis systems like adaptive dampers, brake vectoring, and advanced traction control. It is so technologically leveraged that tuning the systems is as important as tuning spring rates and sway bars. Finally, after some teething years, the 2025 G80 is something approaching M3 perfection. Find out why by watching our video. More on the M3 We Drove Three of the Best BMW M3s Ever. One Stood Out The Next BMW M3 Will Have a 'New Type' of Gas Engine Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving A Classic 1997 BMW M3 On Track
The E36 BMW M3 Coupe. Peter Nelson We're undoubtedly living through an era of peak high-performance vehicle technology. Precision engine and chassis tuning make for a phenomenal driving experience right off the showroom floor in many new cars, with a top example being the current, G80-generation BMW M3. But as much as new technology elevates this beast's performance driving experience—to the tune of around 500 horsepower—so does old technology in BMW M3 generations of yore. Like the E36-generation of the mid-to-late '90s, which produced a far lower 240 horsepower in the US market when new. Recently, a friend threw me the keys to his E36-generation 1997 BMW M3 at a track day at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca outside of Monterey, California. After driving countless modern performance cars during my stint as an automotive journalist, including the latest BMW M2, M3, and M4, I was smitten with how this minimally modified old sports car took on this track's storied tarmac. It wasn't just a palate cleanser, but an excellent history lesson, too. The E36 BMW M3's S52 inline-six engine. Peter Nelson Reaching American shores for the 1995 model year, the E36 has always been a bit of black sheep amongst other M3 generations. We barely got it to begin with—enthusiasts had to band together and work hard to convince BMW USA to bring it over after slow sales of the previous E30 generation. And even then, we didn't get the lively 280-horsepower S50 engine that the rest of the world got. Instead, USA models got the S52, which is a lot closer to the non-M M52 than many enthusiasts would prefer. For all intents and purposes, it's a bored-and-stroked M52 with slightly hotter camshafts, mildly revised ECU tuning, and not much else. Regardless, the S52 is still quite entertaining, it responds well to modification, and everything else about the E36 M3 is quite appealing. It received sportier suspension and chassis tuning over the standard 3 series, plus some slick exterior upgrades, a limited-slip differential, bigger and wider wheels, better brakes, and some chic interior equipment. Existing between the rare E30 and more substantially souped-up E46, E36 prices are generally regarded as low for M car fare—music to any track enthusiast's ears, though clean examples definitely fetch a premium. When it comes to the example I drove, its level of prep is fairly minimal: Lightweight Kosei K1 wheels with 200-treadwear Hankook RS4 tires, KW V3 coilover suspension, some minor intake and exhaust modifications, a somewhat stripped interior with a roll bar, Sparco racing seat, six-point harness, upgraded shifter, more track-ready brake pads… and not much else besides attentive maintenance. I assume he's replaced chassis and suspension bushings here and there, but on the whole, it's a mild track build. Which I'm so glad was the case. Donning a HANS and strapping into the six-point Sparco harness, this M3 felt focused but in no way intimidating. Once underway on track, bringing the tires, brakes, and fluids up to temperature, it instantly became easy to get into a rhythm with. Even at a modest warm-up pace, Feeling the chassis turn-in to corners, modulating the brakes, and letting the mighty S52 pull me out of corner-exit with assured low-end torque was quite smile-inducing. When the tires and brakes were ready, it became downright therapeutic to rip through corners at much higher speed. Turn-in was much sharper than I'm used to in my own more modern BMW 128i, so I had to re-train my brain to turn harder—front-end grip was always there, especially through Laguna Seca's tricky Turns 2 and 9. Despite wearing tires with more than a few heat cycles on them, cornering grip was consistent and allowed me to really feel out weight transfer through the track's more high-commitment corners, and I couldn't get over how refreshingly light the car felt. Grippy, light, playful, consistent; I could've ripped laps in this thing all-day-long, especially with its ferocious baritone growl emitting from under the hood and out the tailpipe. The E36 BMW M3 Coupe. Peter Nelson The reason why old school technology is just as fascinating as the latest and greatest all boils down to what it's working with. At around 3,200 pounds—less in this track-prepared example's case—the E36 is athletic, communicative, and just simple. You feel like the only thing between your hands and the apex is a little bit of rubber, metal, and hydraulic fluid. New cars, especially the G80 M3, are far heavier, and the difference in how each takes on a corner is night and day. Don't get me wrong, they're still quite capable and fun to drive, but you feel far less connected, and, no matter how good its factory suspension tuning is, you feel its portliness shift around on each corner. The E36 BMW M3 Coupe. Peter Nelson Not only that, but the E36 I drove didn't have any form of traction control; just my right foot to feather the brake or gas pedal as needed. Because it's so light and communicative, and not too powerful, this wasn't an issue as you easily pick up on when the tires start to give out, or brakes are at their limit, and adjust as necessary. Or, catch a fun bout of oversteer. Like dealing with far less curb weight, less is more when it comes to power and electronics, and both aspects are a real palate cleanser in this old Bavarian brute compared to bigger and far more powerful modern hardware. At the end of the day, newer stuff may turn a quicker lap time, but it's a less-fulfilling experience. Another friend of mine—who's driven this particular example far more than me—noted that the E36-generation BMW M3 feels like a big NA-generation Mazda Miata (the original generation, for those unfamiliar) with more power. I can't think of a more apt description, and it's a testament to BMW M engineers' efforts in designing something meant for fun, engagement, and helping you become a better driver. For anyone who ever has the chance to drive one on the road or track, I highly recommend it. It's a very refreshing and smile-inducing antidote to modern-car complexity.
Hindustan Times
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Next gen BMW M3 to debut newly developed six-cylinder engine alongside electric variant
Unlike the current S58 twin-turbo inline-six, the new engine will be developed specifically for this generation. In addition to the EV, BMW will sell a gasoline-powered M3 with an all-new six-cylinder engine. BMW is preparing a major update for the next-generation M3, introducing both an all-electric model and a redesigned gasoline-powered version. As the brand transitions into a new era of mobility, new information sheds light on how BMW plans to balance innovation with tradition. The upcoming electric M3 will be built on an 800-volt platform and is expected to churn out over 700 horsepower. BMW's goal isn't merely rapid acceleration but a complete redefinition of handling and performance. According to a rport by Motor1, Dr. Mike Reichelt, head of BMW's Neue Klasse platform, emphasized that the electric M3 is engineered to deliver unparalleled driving dynamics, thanks to BMW's new "Heart of Joy" control unit. This state-of-the-art system controls the drivetrain, brakes, energy recovery, and steering, providing instant response and unprecedented precision. Also Read : BMW X7 SUV: Locked and loaded flagship that yearns to do it all Next gen BMW M3: New six cylinder petrol engine For those not yet willing to go electric, there's some good news. In addition to the EV, BMW will sell a gasoline-powered M3 with an all-new six-cylinder engine. Unlike the current S58 twin-turbo inline-six, the new engine will be developed specifically for this generation. Although specific details are scarce, speculation suggests it could be a hybridized evolution of the existing S58, possibly matching the 700-horsepower figure of the electric model. Crucially, BMW has no plans to downsize to a four-cylinder engine for the M3, reassuring traditionalists that performance and character remain a top priority. Also Read : BMW R 1300 R breaks cover globally as a 145 bhp streetfighter. India launch likely According to Reichelt, BMW's vision for the next M3 isn't just about blistering 0 to 100 kmph times. It's, instead, about designing a machine with a real-world, real-world handling, giving it stable, predictable dynamics through every corner without needing continuous correction. The Neue Klasse 3 Series is set to debut later this year, with sales beginning in early 2026 in the global markets. However, the petrol powered M3 variant will arrive a bit later, likely hitting the roads towards the end of 2026 or early 2027. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 01 May 2025, 09:14 AM IST
CBS News
06-04-2025
- CBS News
DUI suspected in crash that killed 2 in Granite Bay, CHP says
GRANITE BAY – Driving under the influence is suspected in a crash that killed two people in Granite Bay early Sunday morning, the California Highway Patrol said. The crash was around 3:15 a.m. on Eureka Road east of Bridle Path Lane. Officers said a green BMW M3 was traveling west on Eureka Road at high speeds when the driver lost control and crashed into a tree. The driver and passenger died at the scene, officers said. Their identities have not been released but officers said they were both males. The road was closed for about four hours Sunday morning.
