New BMW M3's Manual Spied During Test Drive
Despite the fact that higher echelons of BMW management previously assured admirers of BMW equipped with stick shifters that the upcoming BMW M3 will come with a manual transmission option, but until recently this promise hasn’t been backed with any substantial evidence. Fortunately, the physical proof has been detected in the city streets.
We are talking about images of the M3 test mule
in the city streets covered in the usual camouflage. The leaked interior image
surely confirms that the rumors on the manual M3 are not empty words.
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Interior of the new BMW M3 with a manual gear stick
It was also mentioned that the upcoming manual
M3 (and M4) won’t be considered as an ultimate performance-oriented, as modern
and sophisticated automatic units can shift gears faster than any professional
driver. But at the same time, it’s hard to argue that new models equipped with
manual transmissions have a certain charm and attractive effect. Earlier, BMW
officials mentioned that a surprisingly high demand on the American market
motivated the company to consider the possibility of a manual M3. Thus, it
seems like the automaker has finally heard prayers of auto enthusiasts.
In addition to a manual option image and some
more interior upgrades, the leaked images also demonstrate some peculiar
exterior features, specifically the production side sills and wider fenders.
Out back there's a lip spoiler on the trunk. And, of course, there's the
massive front grille.
When it comes to another powertrain characteristics and specific numbers, it is assumed that the new M3 and M4 will be equipped with the same 3.0-liter engine installed in the X3 M and X4 M. Although this remains to be confirmed, the base M3 is expected to generate 473 hp, as the M3 Competition will have 503 hp. However, the M3 Competition is planned to be equipped with AWD system as standard, though it can be altered to RWD just like it can be in the current M5. It is still unknown when the automaker plans to present manual M3 (M4) models, but it's expected to hit the market around the same time as a 2021 model.
