NEXT BMW M3 TO SPORT A V6 ENGINE?

Could BMW really be mulling over a V6 for its next M3 sports car? The company has already started development of its first masterbrand-branded front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars, an act akin to asking a priest to pray to the devil. Yet as a mass-manufacturer, albeit one with a premium tag on it, BMW needs to save costs in order to stay competitive. FWD cars are larger, therefore more spacious, therefore more desirable for customers.

But a V6? BMW has been known for its straight layout engines, ranging from 4 to 6-cylinder. Only the 5 series previously went V8 and then V10 recently with the M5, while the 7 Series even went and still goes up to V12. V engines have only been confined to 8, 10 or 12 cylinders at Munich. Apparently things might soon change.

It started with a V8-engined M3 which broke off from tradition to become the first V-engined M3 as well as the first to offer 8 cylinders. Now it seems a V6 is on the cards as well. Being considered for next-generation prince M3 are a twin turbo V6, twin turbo V8 displacing 4.0-litre and a twin turbo straight 6. All these hypothetical engines should kick out around 370kW when all is said and done, making that M3 as powerful as the V10 M5.

The next BMW M3 Coupe is only expected to hit dealership showroom floors in 2013, followed in 2014 by its Convertible brother. Times will be very interesting indeed.