New details on next-gen 2014 BMW M3 breaks cover

The next generation BMW M3 is widely expected to make its world premiere next March at the Geneva Motor Show. The new model will be the first M3 to get a turbocharged straight-six engine, available exclusively with a dual clutch gearbox.

Under the hood, the powertrain will churn approximately 450bhp and 650Nm of torque, in line with two of its rivals, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and the Audi RS5. That double clutch gearbox will probably be the one fitted to the larger M5, but it will be updated when fitted to the new M3.

A new feature for the upcoming M3 is going to be the electro-mechanical steering, while the electronic M differential will be kept. The new generation of the BMW M3 is expected to get a three-stage dynamic damper control, just like the M5 and the M6. The unitary steel structure will be carried over from the current M3 (F80), but aluminum will be intensively used for the doors and hood in order to lower the car's kerb weight under current M3's 1605kg.