SPIED: How Does 450 Hp & 480 Lb.-Ft. Sound For The Next-Gen BMW M3?

The new M3 is set to receive a heavily reworked 450bhp version of BMW’s N55 turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six engine, seen most recently in the 640i and the M135i. Details remain scarce, but it's unlikely that much of the standard direct-injection petrol unit will remain for its application in the new M3.

In a bid to match the performance levels of the Audi RS4 and RS5 and Mercedes-Benz's C63 AMG saloon and coupé models, the new engine is expected to deliver in the region of 450bhp and around 480lb ft of torque. That’s 36bhp and 80lb ft more than the fourth-generation M3’s naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 engine.

Lexus - 8/7/2012 7:49:08 AM

+2 Boost

Dawn....., if this rumor truth about the amount of horsepower and torques that the next BMW M3 are getting it's going to destroy it competition for sure. I can't wait to see it spec and comparison against other cars in it class.

Lexus I'm hoping that you're reading this as you're currently working on your next generation Lexus IS-F sports sedan.

Agent00R - 8/7/2012 7:54:56 AM

+1 Boost

Please note our friends at Autocar got the power difference incorrect.

The current-gen M3 makes only 295 lb.-ft. of torque currently, so if it had 480 lb.-ft. that would be a SIGNIFICANT difference.

F1_Driver - 8/7/2012 8:49:30 PM

+1 Boost

I don't know how you can say it will destroy the competition when the next generation Infiniti G IPL is rumored to have 530 hp on tap.

ThierryHenry14 - 8/7/2012 12:43:08 PM

+1 Boost

As always, I am not concerned about the output, but just as long as BMW can put the power down to the tarmac in an efficient manner and it does not compromise the driveability and agility of the car, then its fine. Otherwise, it will just become another overpowered car that lacks the nimbleness of the predecessors...