Car and Driver fast forwards to 2020 BMW M3

[Jason]

In this article, Car and Driver tries to predict what the performance car icons of tomorrow (year 2020) will be like. Here is what they have to say about the future 2020 M3.

BMW M3

BMW has gone direct-injection and turbo crazy, an obsession that should manifest under the hood of the next M3 as a hairier version of the turbocharged six BMW uses elsewhere. That twin-turbo 3.0-liter now makes up to 335 hp in new higher-performance versions of the Z4 and 3-series, while a single-turbo six good for 300 horses replaces the twin-turbo in most other applications. This frees the twin-turbo’s output to head for the moon. Having crossed the 400-hp threshold with the V-8 in the current M3, we don’t think BMW will go back.

Less than 400 hp is possible, however, if the engineers at M decide to go really crazy. We anticipate an overall lightening of the M3 in its next generation, and if that weight-loss plan is particularly successful, we could see a turbo four-cylinder installed in the next M3. The first M3 was powered by a four-cylinder, and if sufficient performance levels can be achieved in a lighter car, there’s a possibility BMW goes back to a four-pot—which would further slash loads of weight from the engine room. And less weight means less power to achieve the same performance—not to mention better handling.

[brava09]

Very unlikely for M3.

Could be a direction for the M1 though

[URBAN LEGEND]

Any weight savings will be added right back on with the turbo, intercooler, pipes, etc. So stay tuned for 10 more years.

[mkoesel]

It is a little hard to tell what M3 they are talking about. Year 2020 could very well be the year that the M3 goes on its standard hiatus. In other words it will be between the F3x M3 and whatever the next model after that is called. Thus when they say "next M3" it's not clear if they are talking about the F3x or the one after.

Less than 400 hp is possible, however, if the engineers at M decide to go really crazy. We anticipate an overall lightening of the M3 in its next generation, and if that weight-loss plan is particularly successful, we could see a turbo four-cylinder installed in the next M3. The first M3 was powered by a four-cylinder, and if sufficient performance levels can be achieved in a lighter car, there’s a possibility BMW goes back to a four-pot—which would further slash loads of weight from the engine room. And less weight means less power to achieve the same performance—not to mention better handling.

This could happen for the model after the F3x, but it is pretty much a given at this point that the F3x will use a six cylinder turbo. The thing is, by 2020, I would expect most cars to feature some type of hybrid drive so a four cylinder for the post-F3x M3 is not at all a bad bet. It's just that it could very well have electric motors to supplement it.

[BRDHNTR]

I can't really see them being able to lighten the car enough to ever go back to a 4 banger. The E30 can do it because it was built in a time when safety regulations were less strict. I think it is a good thing that the safety is there. It's fun to drive 20+ year old sports cars. They are light, and you feel directly connected to them. That said, I wouldn't want to drive them with 450 horsepower and go over 150mph like I have done in the E92. Sure the car is heavier, but if you want a very light M3 with a 4 cyl motor, buy an E30. You can still buy one used.

[Gumby_F80]

so sick! is anything different besides aesthetics?

[cotmfk]

The automotive industry will change in 10 years, but I don't think it will be drastic enough to change the M3 to a 4 cyl again. A 4 cyl M3 would have to have a lot of boost.

[Alchem]

2020 would be when next-next-gen M3 comes out.
My prediction: It will have have twin turbo like F30 M3 but with KERS for addtional fuel savings. Also advanced materials like CF would be much cheaper in 2020 thus car could shed weight.

[footie]

The 4cyl Turbo for the next M3 was rumoured almost two years ago. I personally don't see this next model receiving such an engine, mainly because the weight down would need to be more than a token amount and more a long the lines of 200kgs. Then a 350hp 1450kgs might be a possibility but such a dramatic weight loss program would result in a dramatic increase in cost and that wouldn't only be for the M3 but for the entire 3 series range that it is based on.

May I suggest a possible Hybrid M3 to still use this smaller 4cyl engine with a suggested 350hp but an additional boost in power coming from electric motors to the tune of 100hp to run the front wheels, the frame might well be lightened but the additional weight of batteries and motors will bring the weight back up the the current M3 figure. This would not only increase the potential performance on offer but would provide the means to decrease the CO2 emission as weel as boost the economy.

Who knows what they might do, but I do know that such an idea has been mulled over by a competitor or two.

[Lemans_Blue_M]

LOL...

It's obvious to me that Car & Driver did not contact BMW's M division before they wrote that piece.

There are a number of fatal flaws in their "predictions", including the use a of turbocharged 4-cylinder engine variant in the M3.

As long as BMW has a 1-series, that will never happen. You may see a 4-cylinder variant in the 135i, but never again will such a small powerplant be fitted to any future M3's. Period.

This was nothing more than a magazine speculating about a future M3 that fits their own "ideal" scenario. (personal wish list)

The editor (and staff writer) responsible for that quote, are more or less telling the reader what THEY would like to see, rather than basing their future predictions on something a little more tangible in nature. (i.e.- the current direction of the luxury/performance segment of the automotive industry)

That quote fails in my opinion, because C&D does not address how BMW is going to significantly reduce weight when the future safety regulations are going to actually make future cars heavier than they are now.

And the fact that BMW cannot significantly reduce that weight...without increasing the base price of the vehicle as a result. ($$$$$) It's a vicious cycle that C&D doesn't factor in at all.

The SAFE removal of just 200lbs of unladen weight from a 3600lb. vehicle will cost millions of dollars, and the individual lightweight components necessary to achieve this weight reduction (forged aluminum/magnesium, carbon fiber, high strength plastic composites) will have a higher per unit cost associated with them.

If making a safe, reliable, lightweight car of approx. 3000lbs max. was that easy...then every automobile manufacturer in the world would be doing that right now.

The fact is, for a mid-sized car like the M3, your options for effectively reducing weight are not very appealing. That decision would require a larger capitol investment in 'alternative' materials technologies. (300-500 million dollars or more)

A modern automobile manufacturer has to balance the performance, the vehicle's fuel economy, the desires of their customer base, while also adhering to the safety regulations of every country where their vehicles are sold.

That's not easy, and compromises are always going to be necessary to achieve that end goal.

If the M3 is going to be built and sold worldwide, BMW has to build the car to some universal base standards and modify it for sale in select markets. That's the way it works with any mass-produced vehicle that is sold worldwide. Regional models can have a lot more flexibility, so they can 'cheat' a little more to appease the desires of that one particular market.

If BMW tried that with the M3, it would become a very niche model that is only sold in select markets. That would never work for BMW, since the M3 is one of the companies flagship models.

If Car & Driver magazine was going to speculate on what the M3 will evolve into 10 years form now, then they should take a cue from the direction the automobile industry is moving in.

They should also look at where BMW is current investing their capitol resources.

Follow the money, and you'll be able to build an accurate road map, to what a major manufacturer is going to come up with next.

The money trail is always going to lead you in the right direction.

Here is a more likely (read: realistic)scenario of what the M3 will look like 10 years from now.

2020 BMW M3

*Powerplant type: Petrol (unleaded gasoline) fuel/Hybrid electric

*Engine details: 3.6 liter direct-injected twin-turbocharged V6 (with ceramic ball-bearings & variable-vane technology) Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing, Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery pack under the back seat to power a 100kw hybrid electric motor.

*The EPA fuel economy rating for the Hybrid gasoline/electric M3 will exceed 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

*Power output: 495hp/480lb./ft Trq. (an over boost feature will result in 500lb./ft. Trq for a short burst of power off the line)

*Transmission: 8-speed Dual-Clutch transmission /w/ 15 variable MANUAL & AUTOMATIC shift modes. (no conventional 6-speed manual available)

*Body styles available: Coupe, Convertible (no M3 Sedan available)

*KERS Brake Energy Regeneration technology on all worldwide models. (to re-charge the Lithium-Ion Hybrid battery cell)

*Curb weight: 3350 lbs. (carbon fiber & plastic composite body panels)

Base Price: 120k (Euro-spec M3), 75k (U.S.-spec M3)

*L.E.D. headlight & taillight technology

*Auto-park technology will parallel park your car perfectly with the touch of a button. (a technology LEXUS has now)

* BMW finally equips the M3 with a damn factory installed backup camera!

That's what I think the BMW M3 will look like in 2020.

I also think that assessment is a hell of a lot more likely than what Car & Driver is proposing.

[BigHat]

These C&D guys are clueless.

What I think you're likely to see is a performance focused hybrid. Nothing like the torque of an electric motor to augment a decently powered gasoline engine. Battery innovations in weight and charge capacity will likely make this possible and support a GREENER car approaching Tesla-like performance w/o the hassle.

[Imola.ZHP]

ROFLMAO

Does C&D think people will pay (todays money) $70,000 for a 4-cylinder car?

Idiots...

I could see...

Next gen M1 4-cylinder
Next gen M3 6-cylinder

[FSHNGRY]

who gives a shit..its 10 years away.. the e9x m3 came out 2 years ago.. lets enjoy it while its still hot.

[Kyoshi71]

Originally Posted by vonsazkin

By 2040, it will be a 2 cylinder.

Hillarious!!

[JCtx]

I could bet my house there won't be a 4-cyl M3 again. A smaller than 3-liter I6 is possible in the future, but not an I4 IMO. Heck, maybe we all be dust by then .

[Alex@Alpine]

With gas prices, I can see this happening

[BMW269]

Nonsens.
BMW M1 F20------->FI I4
BMW M3 F30------->FI I6

Audi S4/S5 B9------>FI I4

What is later we do not know and I do not care. I want my M3 E92, maybe M1 E82.


BMW:
Please add seize, weight, comfort, security, turbos, reactors, playstation, to all fridge, beds, armor on all M Cars (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8, M10, X1 M, X2 M, X3 M, X5 M, X6 M, Z2 M, Z4 M......)

BUT

Please build one real unconfortable-and-unsecure-2-seater-front-engine-rear-wheel-drive-6-speed-manual-transmission-M Car and call it just:

BMW M CSL
2.4l NA DI I6
336 HP
312 Nm
Redline@9.000 RPM
800 kg

[330CIZHP]

As discussed many times before, now that M cars are going turbo, you can forget about high-revving engines. 7000 rpm is the max rpm you will be seeing new M cars sporting. M5 already has that confirmed redline much like X5 M and X6 M.

Originally Posted by Levi

Nonsens.
BMW M1 F20------->FI I4
BMW M3 F30------->FI I6

Audi S4/S5 B9------>FI I4

What is later we do not know and I do not care. I want my M3 E92, maybe M1 E82.


BMW:
Please add seize, weight, comfort, security, turbos, reactors, playstation, to all fridge, beds, armor on all M Cars (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8, M10, X1 M, X2 M, X3 M, X5 M, X6 M, Z2 M, Z4 M......)

BUT

Please build one real unconfortable-and-unsecure-2-seater-front-engine-rear-wheel-drive-6-speed-manual-transmission-M Car and call it just:

BMW M CSL
2.4l NA DI I6
336 HP
312 Nm
Redline@9.000 RPM
800 kg

[EJ_92606]

quote: *Auto-park technology will parallel park your car perfectly with the touch of a button. (a technology LEXUS has now)

Hello....as does BMW!

[sufu]

whatever it will be, I don't want to see V8 anymore.
Give me a super lightweight M3 with L6 or V6 will be great!

[mkoesel]

I am kinda surprised so many are rejecting the 4 cyl idea. They are ditching the N/A V8, so beyond that who cares what powers the car as long as it performs?

[e46e92love]

My vote is for the Flux-Capacitor to finally be introduced by BMW. You know they are working on one.....

Cheers,
e46e92