It was thought to be a foregone conclusion that the next-generation of the BMW M3 would revert to an inline-six engine, but a new report suggests BMW could be considering a whole different direction for the next iteration of the popular sports car.
While an inline-six is still on the table, BMW enthusiast site M3post.com is reporting that the German automaker is also considering a V6 for the next M3. According to the report, the V6 would essentially be a shortened version of the S63 turbocharged V8 destined for the engine bay of the upcoming M5.
The V6 would come fitted with at least one turbocharger and could possibly see duty in the Z4 and X3. Output would certainly be up to M3 standards, but it remains to be seen if BMW has the ball bearings to alienate its faithful enthusiasts with anything but all six cylinders in a row.
The next M3 is still about three years out, so BMW has plenty of time to change its mind. In addition to the V6, there is also a rumor floating around that the next M3 receive its power from a V8, but we still firmly believe the M3 will arrive with a turbocharged inline-six.
References
1.’Rumor: BMW Testing…’ view
