宝马下一代M3更多细节近日浮出水面，新车预计将在2019年法兰克福车展发布。新一代M3将与5系和7系共享宝马的CLAR平台。虽然新车比现行版更大，但由于CLAR平台更多的采用了铝制材料和高刚性钢材，因此车重将进一步降低。为降低车重，新车还将更多采用碳纤维材质。据报道，宝马的目标是将M3的整备质量控制在3500磅（约合1589公斤）以内。虽然有传言称，新一代M3还将提供混动系统，但英媒报道称，新车将搭载基于现行版3.0升直列六缸，但经过改进的引擎，预计功率将从目前的425马力提升至470马力。宝马曾考虑为新车提供全驱系统，但考虑到重量和成本的问题，因此只能放弃，新车仍将采用后轮驱动。另外，新车除了提供八速自动变速器外，还将提供六速手动变速器。除了M3，以M3为基础的M4轿跑车和敞篷车以及满血版的4系GrandCoupe都将于2020年上市。
2020 BMW M3 to retain turbo-six, manual gearbox
New details have emerged regarding BMW's next-generation M3 super saloon. BMW is expected to unveil its new M3 at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The new M3 will jump to BMW's CLAR modular architecture, which currently underpins the 5 Series and the 7 Series sedans. Although the new M3 will be larger than today's model, the CLAR-based sedan will actually be lighter thanks to a greater mix of aluminum and high-strength steel in its construction. The new M3 will also feature a few carbon fiber bits to help keep weight in check. BMW is reportedly targeting a curb weight of no more than 3,500 pounds.
While rumors have been swirling that the next M3 might employ a hybrid drivetrain, Autocar reports that the sedan will instead use an evolution of today's turbocharged 3.0L inline-six engine. However, power is expected to increase from 425 horsepower to around 470 horsepower.
BMW engineers had been weighing an all-wheel drive system for the new M3 based on the system in the latest M5, but that idea has been scrapped due to weight and cost concerns. The new M3 will stick to its traditional rear-wheel drive layout.
Although it was believed that the next M3 would be offered exclusively with BMW's eight-speed auto, insiders say the car's six-speed manual will be making a return. However, take that reporting with a grain of salt as the take rate for the M3's manual gearbox has been extremely low over the last few years.
As with BMW's currently lineup, the M3 sedan will serve as the basis for the next M4 coupe and convertible. BMW might also extend the full-blown M treatment to the 4 Series Grand Coupe for the first time. Those models, along with the new M3, are expected to hit showrooms sometime in 2020.