2014 Detroit: Straight-sixes return to 2015 BMW M3 Sedan & M4 Coupe

Story and photos by John LeBlanc DETROIT – Germany’s BMW is feeling pretty good these days. Sales are up, and when sales are up, it’s way easier to build niche, high-performance cars. So this year’s Detroit auto show for BMW was all about its swift M models. A bit of BMW chest-bumping first: The brand says it sold more BMWs than ever in the U.S. in 2013 — an “all-time record.” And it’s also the “Number One Premium Sales Leader across the Americas in 2013.” But wait, there’s even more good news: globally, BMW says it was the “clear number one premium car company in the world in 2013,” over 1.96 million vehicles. As you would expect, BMW is expecting to ride that momentum into 2014. And although these new high-performance 2015 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe won’t sell in great numbers, they will attract buyers to showrooms. Especially older BMW owners who may be wondering if the Ultimate Drive Machines really are all that “Ultimate.” For starters, BMW says the new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe are lighter, more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the old V8-powered M3. The 3 Series Sedan-based M3 and 4 Series Coupe-based M4 are powered as-god-intended with straight-six gas engines. A couple of turbos help deliver 431 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque. Both the M3  and M4 Coupe cover the run from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. Plus, BMW claims a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared to the outgoing eight-cylinder engines. BMW says the M3 and M4 plethora of scoops, intakes and spoilers decreases lift at the front and rear axles. BMW has also widened the narrower 3 Series track to match that of the wider M4 Coupe too. Arriving later this spring, you’ll be able to judge for yourself if this new pair of BMW M machines really is “ultimate”, or not.

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