2013 BMW F80 M3 Goes Winter Testing Wearing Less

It's been a while since the last F80 M3 spy photos, but we've now spotted the next generation F80 BMW M3 Sedan undergoing winter testing in Sweden. Compared to the previous spyshots, the F80 prototype has lost a bit of camouflage - mostly at the rear which now shows the tail lights in their full glory. The car's appearance is low, wide, and impressive with massive fender flares. The M3's kidney grilles are also very obviously styled in a sleeker/sportier shape than the F30 3 series sedan. The production version will also get dedicated M3 exterior mirrors not yet shown on the prototypes.

We also spot 4 piston fixed caliper brakes at the front and 2 piston fixed piston calipers at the rear axle, mated to the M trademark slotted drilled brake discs. BMW M's newly developed active rear differential will likely make it to the new M3.

The engine is still a bit of a guessing game. Of the options sampled by BMW M earlier, both the 3L N55-based inline 6 and the 3.3L S63 based V6 still seem possible. Both engines would be aspirated by at least two turbochargers (three if you count the electric assist turbocharger we first broke news about here). Output is expected to be in the ballpark of 450hp which is plenty considering that BMW is set to reduce the weight compared to the E9x M3 models.

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pepito66 - 2/29/2012 12:35:27 PM

+3 Boost

Lol yes is true. This new M3 have to be amazing as always.

JRobUSC - 2/29/2012 8:23:56 PM

+3 Boost

Supposedly this will be the first BMW model to have extensive carbon fiber. The car should weigh several hundred lbs less than the current M3. Thanks i3/i8!

iamdabest1 - 2/29/2012 10:48:47 PM

+1 Boost

i had the e46 m3 and currently have the e93, i definitely liked the e46 more so i hope this car is much lighter.

im actually looking forward to the turbos, im sure its not going to be as reliable as a NA engine, but tuning/ modifying will be a lot cheaper than going to dinan and spending 10k for like 40 hp..

if the mustang now has similar numbers to the m3 as the nissan gtr competes with 911 turbo and costs like 30-40k less, i dont see why bmw cant find a way to compete with the gtr, lets go bmw, step it up !!

Lexus - 3/1/2012 4:16:07 AM

0 Boost

Competing with the Nissan GT-R in pricing maybe but in performance territory I DON"T think so. A Stock 2012-2013 Nissan GT-R does 0-60 in 2.7-2.9s and 1/4 in 11s and has one of the fastest lap time at the Nurburgring.

And not only that the Nissan GT-R has been for awhile and the new GT-R is coming soon anyway. But back to the subject I can't wait to see this new BMW M3, hear it exhaust note and spec number.

racerf109 - 3/1/2012 8:40:03 AM

+2 Boost

Love the wide rear fenders.