SPIED + VIDEO: The Next-gen BMW M3 Is SEEN and HEARD In Its Latest Clip — Is THIS Promising?

When it comes to all-new M cars, there's nothing more anticipated than the likes of an M3 — and now M4. As the 3-Series — and now 4-Series — have been the long-lasting industry benchmarks, the M variants are the object of affection for many.

Although with electric vehicle love on the rise and increased competition, it's not always a lock for BMW's high-performance models anymore.

Because of this, BMW has to up the ante with each and every generation. We're not quite sure that's going to happen this time around. That's because the M3/M4 are expected to do two big things:

First, it's rumored to be ditching the manual gearbox.

Second, it's expected to gain all-wheel drive.

For M purists, this is a nightmare. There is a silver lining, however. According to reports, BMW may offer a stripped-down, "pure" variant of the next-gen M3/M4. That would provide a rear-wheel drive setup, manual gearbox and potentially a diet.

Until a reveal though, we're going to have to sit tight. The latest news about the upcoming M3 is this spy clip. From what I can remember, this is the first time we're hearing the next-gen M3. Obviously, it's powered by a six-cylinder powerplant. Rumors are pinpointing the base variant to have around 475 horsepower and over 500 for Competition models.

So, what do YOU think? Is this starting to sound promising?

MDarringer - 6/9/2019 9:54:37 AM

0 Boost

Yawn inducing is more like it. BMWs have completely lost the spark that made previous ones the ultimate driving machine. The final look can be done by photoshop. Just not seeing anything that makes it be the "gotta have" car of the moment.

dlin - 6/9/2019 1:04:27 PM

0 Boost

As the hp goes up, I don't see it makes 50/50 weight distribution, unless using exotic light weight engine(Lexus LFA), or having a ugly long hood(AMG GT), both achieved a remarkable 48/52 WD

Time to think about teaming up with other MFR on a new M1!

valhallakey - 6/10/2019 2:10:59 AM

+4 Boost

Not sure I follow the 50/50 weight distribution horse power connection? I do know they do a number of things to achieve that 50/50 distribution (or close to it) like mounting the motor behind the front axle, using a lot of light weight materials like aluminum up front etc... Maybe I misunderstood the post???

dlin - 6/10/2019 11:46:21 AM

+1 Boost

What I'm referring to are typical FR ICE cars, which typically have all the components located up front(well battery can be located in trunk). As hp goes up, every component also gets bigger and thus heavier to suffice load processing, hence the weight distribution stays nose heavy.

Yes MFR has been using different material to reduce and move some weight rearward, but it still doesn't help that much - for example, 52.3/47.7 for BMW M4 per BMW, and even Supra, a specifically designed platform, stands 52/48 per Motortrend

MDarringer - 6/9/2019 1:34:21 PM

-2 Boost

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrapleggio is a steaming sh!+pile of bad quality, and horrible reliability, but it is more interesting than an M3.

carloslassiter - 6/9/2019 6:31:07 PM

+6 Boost

Waiting for Darringer to tell us, again, how exciting his Kia is.

MDarringer - 6/9/2019 8:20:10 PM

-3 Boost

My Kia excites me because it make CarlosAssHatter so venomous with rage. It's so easy to do and the stupid bastard writhes in his hatred, fixated on me. He doesn't have the brains or balls to ignore me.

TomM - 6/9/2019 8:26:44 PM

+2 Boost

THe cyclical quality of the reigning champ of a particular class of car - means that it is hard to hold onto the title. WHen your car first reaches the height of being #1 - you get a while to brag - until they sell so many of them that everyone has one - they are seemingly in every driveway - and finally the nuns in the convent down the street all have them.

At which time the car has lost its "exclusivity" - and onto the next title holder. Depending on how many REAL challengers there are in a class - the title maygo back and forth - or cycle among a select few manufacturers.

THe M3/4 outlived its place at the top -= and also at the same time - the cars is also clearly NOT the class leader as a daily driver - they tend to make the suspensions harder and harder until driving the car is part punishment. The main virtue - that happy medium between Handling and Ride Quality is gone - and BMW will have to come up with a way to restore that - to again become the ultimate driving machine.

MDarringer - 6/9/2019 9:32:42 PM

0 Boost

Indeed.

valhallakey - 6/11/2019 11:49:20 AM

+1 Boost

Good points Tom, especially about the suspension. The 90s/2000s era Ms were not trying to be track cars out of the door with some special models excepted such as the e46 M3 CS model in Europe. They were designed to be high performance road cars that could be easily modified into track stars if you wanted. Now they seem to be making them track cars and then loading them with amenities so people buy them for the street.

dtmwtch - 6/10/2019 1:38:40 PM

+1 Boost

so question for the group here. If i have m3/4 money, what should i be looking at? i have wanted an m3 since the 90's. not that i can afford it, don't want to make a mistake if it is a has been.

dtmwtch - 6/10/2019 1:39:06 PM

+1 Boost

so question for the group here. If i have m3/4 money, what should i be looking at? i have wanted an m3 since the 90's. not that i can afford it, don't want to make a mistake if it is a has been.

valhallakey - 6/11/2019 1:20:43 AM

+2 Boost

I would look at the following in no particular order: Tesla 3 Performance, M2 Competition, Low mileage E92 Competition Package (will go up in value IMHO), Audi TTRS or possibly even the RS3 (AWD and the 5Cyl is kinda neat), Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (lease it), and last but not least a kind of left field option.. a 2016+ Alpina B6.

SanJoseDriver - 6/15/2019 1:08:15 AM

+1 Boost

Can add a AMG C63S to that list as well.