2020 BMW M3 to get manual and rear-wheel drive
As well as the core all-wheel drive version, next-gen BMW M3 Pure will be a cheap, pared back version for M car enthusiastsBMW will not abandon purists who desire a powerful rear-drive manual M car, it has been revealed, with the German car-maker secretly developing a cheaper, pared-back version of the next-gen G80 BMW M3 and M4.
According to Car magazine, the rear-wheel drive models will be badged 'Pure' and sit below the more powerful all-wheel drive core 2020 BMW M3 and M4.
The recipe for the M3 Pure is simple. It will get a six-speed manual in place of the standard car's eight-speed automatic and lose the driven driveshaft to the front wheels; a move that, combined, is expected to slash at least 50kg from the kerbweight.
Perhaps even more intriguing, BMW won't charge a premium for the M3 and M4 Pure -- that's because it will be down on power and torque compared to the standard automatic all-wheel drive versions.
The BMW M developed six-speed manual transmission is torque limited to around 650Nm.
Speaking of torque, Car says the next-gen BMW M3 and M4 will feature an updated version of the current car's twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder that will feature a water-injection system lifted from the M4 GTS.
Power for the standard M3 is expected to be around 354kW while the less powerful M3 Pure is set to receive a still generous 339kW.
The new version is expected to pack plenty of new tech, including an advanced drift-mode for the standard M3 and M4 that switches the M xDrive all-wheel drive to a rear-wheel drive for huge slides.
Once the M3 and M4 arrives it will be joined by more extreme models including another CS and the return of the legendary 'CSL' nameplate that's expected to feature a big aero kit.
Expect to see G80 BMW M3 and M4 unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show this September.
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