The 2014 M3 will follow the trend seen in many performance car segments nowadays: it won't up the ante on the power front too much, but it will lose some serious weight.
The vehicle is targeting the weight of the E46 M3 from two generations ago - 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs) for the coupe. This will improve performance in all areas, as well as increase fuel efficiency. The diet will include the use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) body parts on a larger scale than before.
Boosting fuel economy is also the reason for which the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 unit of the current generation will have to go. This will be replaced with a turbocharged unit, which is expected to be a 3.3-liter six-cylinder delivering about 450 hp.
The test vehicle captured here uses the BMW M performance brakes (blue calipers), but you'll be able to order to production version with the new BMW M Carbon Ceramic brakes. The ceramics, which were introduced at the Detroit Motor Show on the M6 Gran Coupe, come with golden calipers.
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