BMW originally wanted to badge the fourth-generation M3 as an M4, but it waited instead for the fifth generation. The newest M3, factory designation F80, differs from previous versions because it only comes as a four-door sedan. The two-door coupe and convertible versions comprise the first-generation F82 BMW M4—but the M4 is still the direct descendant of all four previous generations of the M3. That's perfectly clear, isn't it?
The F80 M3/F82 M4 family shares many components and design elements. They are the first in the M3 line to use BMW TwinPower turbocharging on their inline six-cylinder powerplants. Thanks to the engine’s 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, the car equipped with the standard six-speed manual gearbox can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. With the optional dual-clutch transmission (DCT), it becomes the first stock M3—or M4—to do zero to 60 in less than four seconds, at 3.9.
BMW says the Latest M3/M4 fraternal twins were developed with significant input from BMW race drivers. Perhaps that’s why the cars are lighter than their fourth-generation M3 predecessor, since the only thing that racecar drivers like as much as more power is less weight.
This is the fifth video in BMW’s series commemorating all generations of the BMW M3, arguably the most iconic BMW production series of the last 35 years and the BMW most desired by BMW performance enthusiasts over the years.
Enjoy number five in the BMW M3 video series and then take a look back at the previous four films that present the history of the M3.—Scott Blazey
The E90/92/93 BMW M3
The E46 BMW M3
The E36 BMW M3
The E30 BMW M3
[Photos and videos courtesy of BMW AG.]
