The next generation M3, due for 2014, is currently parading around in its paisley pajamas, but spyshots raise the question of which engines will fit under the hood. Internet rumors suggested that BMW would drop the sedan body, as it would overlap with the M4 four-door coupe. However, photos that have fallen into Autoevolution's hands show this can’t be true.
The pictures show that the new M3 doesn’t have that muscular bulge on the bonnet that made room for the V8 in the current generation, so a forced-induction six-cylinder is a likely choice. No word on whether the unit will be twin-turbo or the rumored tri-turbo, with the extra one powered by electricity rather than exhaust gasses. But the engine block should be a new one, not the current N54/N55 3.0-liter from the current BMW lineup.
Noticeable cosmetic changes over the 2013 BMW 3-Series sedan include bulging fenders, especially visible at the back, where the track has been widened. The whole front fascia is much more aggressive than, with bigger air intakes and LED fog lights. Despite the camouflage, we can clearly see the outline of the typical BMW headlights. Expect to see the next-gen M3 in late 2013, with the regular 3-Series preceding it a year earlier. —Paul Duchene
