Like it or not, this may be how the new M3 looks.
Every time there has been a new generation of BMW 3 series launched, the question on every car enthusiasts’ mind will inevitably be: When is the new M3 coming out?
Enthusiasts though may not be so keen on what they see here. As this, if you can stomach it or not, will most likely be what the new M3 looks like.
This realistic rendering of the new M3 is done by the resident artist at the Russian automotive new site, Kolesa. And was based on the countless spy shots obtained when the M3 was spotted testing, along with what we know of the 4 series that debuted recently.
The renderings show that the rear of the new M3 would still retain its traditional 3 series styling, with only the small rear spoiler and the quad exhausts housed in the aggressive rear diffuser gives the game away that this is an M3.
Subtle side fins, a signature of the M3 from previous generations, and the wider-than-stock side skirts also point to this being the hottest 3 series available. The twin-spoke massive alloy wheels meanwhile look reminiscent to the ones seen on the previous generation M3 Competition.
The elephant in the room though is that honking great kidney grille that dominates the front end design of the M3. Similar to the one already debuted the 4 series coupe, this halo sports sedan now wears that gigantic twin kidney grille with horizontal bars, which is further accentuated but the streaks in the bonnet that somehow make the already ginormous grille look even bigger.
Not even the elegantly sculpted front bumper with integrated front splitter and LED headlights can take the eyes of that huge front grille.
Naturally, opinions about this massive grille are split within the enthusiast community, with many debating on how much they dislike it. The general conclusion is though it seems like the aftermarket will probably make a killing doing aftermarket grille conversions on these new M3s.
Back to more traditional M3 territory, under the bonnet will most likely a twin-turbocharged straight six with two flavours of tune. The first one which is the base M3 would probably be the purists’ favourite with only 473 hp, mated to a six speed manual transmission and rear wheel drive.
Meanwhile, the Competition spec M3 will most probably extract an impressive 503 hp and 650 Nm of torque out of the twin-turbo straight six. Power will be sent through an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission to only the rear wheels or all four wheels thanks to the optional M xDrive all wheel drive system.
The M3 is stated to be officially unveiled in mid-September, alongside the M4 coupe. However if you are still in the market for a fast BMW but can’t stomach the grille, there is always the conventional looking BMW M340i xDrive that was also just recently announced.
