VIDEO: Is THIS Conclusive Evidence That The Next-Gen BMW M3 Will Have A SIX-Cylinder?

If I was a betting man, I would say...

...YES!

With the all-new 2012 BMW 3-Series sedan on its way really soon, and the coupe soon to follow, the M3 has to have its act together. We all know buyers can't hold out too long especially when enticing products like the Audi RS5 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG were just released to the public -- granted, they still lost to the current M3 in tests.

Essentially, what I am getting at is BMW wouldn't be wasting its time testing bogus motors for the thrill of it at this stage in the game.

AND if you listen to the video down below, towards the end there comes a point where the M3 is exiting a garage, a Maserati MC Stradale -- I think -- passes by and the M3 gives it the beans for a brief period. I think it's safe to say that the next-gen M3 will be powered by a six-cylinder considering this clip sounds a bit like an E46 M3 with its raspy note.

With that said, is this the confirmation you were looking for OR do you want the M3 to keep the V8?

chris760 - 11/9/2011 2:53:56 AM

+4 Boost

I'm pretty sure it was established a while ago that BMW was going the 6-cylinder route, its not like this is the first spy video...

Agent00R - 11/9/2011 8:29:05 AM

-3 Boost

@Chris

I wouldn't go that far. This is the FIRST discernable sound clip we've had with the car being operated with some aggression...

texige - 11/9/2011 7:56:20 AM

+2 Boost

Wow, it lost the great sound that the V8 had.

Agent00R - 11/9/2011 8:29:59 AM

-1 Boost

@Texige

Personally, I don't think the V8 was all that great.

M5twinturbo - 11/9/2011 9:18:19 AM

+3 Boost

I’m really digging the new shape of the body with the wide rear track. Also I could hardly tell the engine was turbo charged..I wonder what kind of turbo setup they are using to achieve this.

Need4Speed - 11/9/2011 10:01:16 AM

+4 Boost

I think by now we can stop the rumor mill on 8-cylinder or 6. Its going to be a 6, with a 99.99% probability it will have twin turbos. The only question we can't answer is whether they will stick with inline architecture or go with a V setup. Another interesting question, brought on by the fact there is no discernable turbo hiss or whistle is whether this car will introduce the worlds first electric turbo. This and Laser Headlights keeps me interested in what is going on over there in Munich.

captainnemojr - 11/9/2011 3:04:36 PM

+2 Boost

From prior articles, I was under the impression that there was a possibility that the M3 would be a tri-turbo. One turbo being electric for the initial boost (like a supercharger), and the other two kicking in later on. This was supposed to eliminate the turbo-lag at the beginning.

My guess is that the engine will still have more HP than the current engine, and its torque will be closer to 400 lb/ft. It will be similar to the new M5 in that the HP and torque will be closer together compared to previous generations, with a nice boost in mpg.

kablaam - 11/9/2011 3:13:25 PM

+2 Boost

Thank god they're going to continue M3 Sedan, contrary to speculation.

tom43 - 11/9/2011 3:26:19 PM

+2 Boost

Some additional information from Germany: Dr. F. Nitschke, CEO of BMW M-GmbH, has confirmed in an interview with the magazine "Auto, Motor & Sport" that the M3 will NOT be equiped with a V6 engine. So it is very likely that the new M3/M4 will have inline 6 with biturbo or triturbo (electric?).

BimmersNme - 11/9/2011 8:25:08 PM

+2 Boost

My bet is it will be a tri-turbo V6 (remember BMW is sticking to no dogmas, as they say). By the way that was not an MC Stradale but a regular one driving by.

85bmw745i - 11/10/2011 9:27:50 PM

+1 Boost

sounds like the traditional BMW inline 6 to me and I'd bet money on it. If it is a V6 I will not be buying one.