Caught Testing: 2014 BMW M3 - Spy Shots

The 2014 BMW M3 sedan has been spotted undergoing winter testing while wearing only minimal disguise. From these images, the 4-door variant of the next M3 appears ready to adopt a subtler outward persona. Even with the swirly paint hiding some design details, it’s obvious this M3 is not going overboard with huge fender flares or massive air intakes. The quad exhaust and large alloy wheels (19s?) are about as extreme as this prototype gets in the looks department.

2014 BMW M3

A wilder body could find its way onto the next M3 Coupe, and BMW could always spring a surprise as the car undergoes further development and testing. We like the idea of a stealthier M3, at least in sedan format. During our test drive of the 2012 BMW 328i, we complemented the new car’s “slimmer looks and cleaner lines.” A sedan with M levels of performance in a Q-car package is a very tempting proposition.

2014 BMW M3

Turbocharged Inline-6

A forced-induction 6-cylinder engine is going to replace the 414-bhp 4.0-liter V-8 found in the current M3. Exactly how many turbochargers will be involved is up for serious debate—some have even suggested a triple-turbo arrangement could be used. BMW recently unveiled a triple-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 diesel for European-spec versions of the 5 Series, X5 and X6. The engine delivers 381 bhp and a massive 546 lb.-ft. of torque.

2013 BMW M3

A tri-turbo M3 would likely sound awesome, but we expect the twin-turbo arrangement of the current 3.0-liter N55 inline-6 will most likely be used. Fear not, power should easily top the current M3’s 414 bhp. Something in the region of 430 to 440 bhp is likely, and transmissions will include BMW’s 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox or a 6-speed manual. Overall weight should be lower than before, thanks to more extensive use of aluminum and carbon-fiber components.

These weight savings will offer a boost to performance, as well as fuel economy. The latter is not something not usually discussed with M products, but BMW is pushing hard for better fuel mileage across its entire model lineup.