2015 BMW M3 / 2015 BMW M4 Preview - 2014 Detroit Auto Show

The 2015 BMW M3 sedan and the 2015 BMW M4 coupe represent the front line for the German brand in its high performance attack on countrymen like the Audi RS series and the Mercedes-Benz AMG division.  All-new for the current model year, the M3 sedan and the M4 coupe not only ride on a next-generation chassis but also make the move to a forced induction engine design after ditching last year's high-strung V-8.  2015 also marks the first time that the M3 loses its coupe variant to the newly-created M4 model line, splitting the brand's one-two punch in an effort to compete harder against an increasingly competent array of rivals.

What’s New for the 2015 BMW M3 / 2015 BMW M4:

• BMW M3 sedan joined by BMW M4 coupe
• V-8 traded for turbocharged six-cylinder mill
• All-new platform for both models

2015 BMW M3 / 2015 BMW M4 Debut: Styling and Design

The 2015 BMW M3 and 2015 BMW M4 feature the same, hyper-aggressive array of swelling fenders and bulging air inlets that communicate to passers-by that these are no ordinary performance automobiles.  That being said, the new M3 and M4 are more subtly styled than their predecessor - although the power dome on the hood is still present, there's a lack of adornment that keeps the cars cleaner than the model they replace.  This is especially true from the rear view, where a smoothed out bumper treatment rests over a set of quad exhaust tips and a gentle scalloping to either side not found on the standard 3 Series or 4 Series.  Carbon fiber under the hood and inside the cabin further set the M editions apart from their more modest origins.

2015 BMW M3 / 2015 BMW M4 Debut: What’s Under the Hood

The 2015 BMW M3 and 2015 BMW M4 are both motivated by the same 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes use of twin turbochargers to produce 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque - a small increase of 11 units for each respective measure when compared to last year's eight-cylinder mill.  BMW has preserved the high-revving character of the M drivetrain, imposing a redline of 7,600 rpm, and each car can be specified with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.  The latter makes a 0-60-mph time of 3.9 seconds possible, which is slightly quicker than the outgoing M3, and a top speed of 155 horsepower is programmed into the new vehicles.

2015 BMW M3 / 2015 BMW M4 Debut: Features and Technology

Fans of spirited driving will be happy to know that BMW has managed to trim 175 lbs from the curb weight of the 2015 BMW M3 and 2015 BMW M4, which means that the new cars feature a total mass that is more in line with the M3 from two generations previous.  The extensive use of carbon fiber, as well as advanced chassis design, played the biggest roles in cutting the weight of both cars.  An electronically active rear differential found previously in the BMW M5 and BMW M6 makes its debut with the M3 and M4 models, and the cars also gain three driver-controlled electric power steering settings as well as the availability of an adaptive suspension system and carbon-ceramic brakes for track duty.

2015 BMW M3 / 2015 BMW M4 Debut: What Autobytel Thinks

There's no doubt that the 2015 BMW M3 and 2015 BMW M4 will offer exceptional performance for anyone able to afford their respective $62,000 and $64,200 price tags.  The fact that the cars are lighter than before should go a long way towards soothing the lamentations of purists upset that the M series has moved almost exclusively to turbocharged engine options.  The presence of forced induction is also likely to make both models much easier to tune via the aftermarket, which means that monster M3 and M4 builds are likely only a few months away from their summer debuts in showrooms.