Next gen M3 could well be 4WD and automatic only, but what if there’s money to be made in a manual one?
Less equipment for more money is hardly a new concept in the car industry. Numerous lightweight specials over the years have been sold at a premium, and the genre has enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years, too, with manufacturers realising that a market exists for simpler, more analogue cars at a time of radical technological advance: see Porsche 911 R, Aston Vantage V12 S manual, Audi R8 RWS and so on (the latter not more expensive, granted).
One manufacturer yet to embrace the trend is BMW, with M cars now heavier and more complex than they’ve ever been. Even an M2 Competition, one of the best in recent history, is heavier than the standard M2 because of its new engine. However, that may all be about to change with the next generation of M3.
If Car is to be believed, there will be a ‘Pure’ version of the upcoming car, available exclusively with a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, while the regular model gets all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission as standard. While that might seem a wee bit cynical, it might also be the best way of preserving right-drive and the fast-fading prospect of a third pedal.
Think of the 911 R argument: if options like the single-mass flywheel, manual gearbox, titanium exhaust and 500hp GT3 engine were quietly introduced to the Carrera options list, they might have received quite the same attention as a bespoke, stripey, homage-happy model. Manual M3s have not been popular with new buyers ever since any kind of automatic has been available – look at how many SMG E46s are still around – so the logic of combining the option with a designated trim level makes sense.
The early intel also suggests that the Pure M3 and M4 will have less power than the flagship version – 460hp against 480hp – and probably reduced torque as well because BMW doesn’t have a manual that can handle more than 480lb ft. The 3.0-litre straight six will be bolstered with water injection like the M4 GTS and renamed as ‘S58’, said to be the most sophisticated inline six BMW has ever made.
The regular M3 is thought to inherit a version of the M xDrive all-wheel drive from the M5, along with an eight-speed auto replacing the DCT – BMW having hinted previously at automatics taking the place once occupied by dual-clutchers. Expect acceleration and lap times to improve with the additional ratio and traction, with the Pure – or whatever its production name is – there to cater for those who feel the M3 is all getting a bit much.
The next generation of M3 and M4 is due at Frankfurt in September, BMW naturally using its home show to make the big reveal. Naturally all of this is informed conjecture for now, though rumours of a rear-drive only, manual-only M3 ought to appease those who feel BMW have abandoned their illustrious heritage to some extent. With a dedicated model they might even put the effort into making the manual nicer to use – let’s wait and see. And hope. More news no doubt following soon!
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