2015 BMW M3 and M4 unveiled | video

Licence-threatening burnout modes could well be the new launch control if the new BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe are anything to go by, with confirmation of the optional new feature coming just days after reports of the 2015 Ford Mustang also boasting the pyrotechnic function.

While ‘Smokey Burnout Mode’ might be handy at Summernats or when recreating 1980s music videos, BMW’s new hi-po mid-sizers are also more powerful, faster, lighter and more efficient than the M3 Sedan and Coupe they replace.

Watch the desktop version of the BMW M3, M4, 2 Series, i8 and i3 at Detroit video here.

Also watch the official M3 and M4 video here.  

The looks of the new M3 and M4 come as no surprise though, with the enhancements over the garden variety 3 and 4 Series models a predictable facsimile of the impressive M4 Coupe concept unveiled at Pebble Beach in August.

Also no surprise is the new models’ return to a six-cylinder configuration after the 4.0L V8 E90/92 series, the new M3 and M4 use a twin-turbo dry-sump 3.0L straight six that revs to a 700rpm fewer 7600 redline, but power climbs from 309 to 317kW and torque jumps from 400 to 550Nm. 

The flexible turbo layout makes max power from 5500-7300rpm, and max torque is available across a Nullarbor-like 1850-5500rpm. Such figures promise to rectify the tractability missing from the naturally aspirated V8, which achieved peak torque at 3900rpm and power at the stratospheric 8300rpm redline. 

Another bonus from the reduced-capacity turbo layout is a 25 per cent fuel consumption improvement over the current models’ 11.2 (auto) and 12.4L/100km (manual) combined figures, with both M3 and M4 recording 8.3 (auto) and 8.8L/100km (manual) on the European cycle.

Both models are at least 80kg lighter than their forebears thanks to greater use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminium, and the Sedan now matches the Coupe’s carbon roof panel for the first time.

These improvements result in a claimed 0-100km/h figure of 4.1 seconds for both models, an improvement of at least half a second over the previous M3. Top speed is limited to 250km/h, or 280km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.

Thankfully, the choice of either six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch DCT auto options remain for the new M3 and M4, and the new manual joins the DCT in blipping the throttle on downshifts.

Power is sent to the Active M Differential via a 40 per cent lighter one-piece carbon fibre driveshaft, and the Nurburgring-honed M3 and M4 boast their track readiness with a sophisticated integrated cooling system for the engine, turbochargers and transmission.

Also preparing the new models for the track is an M-specific suspension setup with standard lightweight forged 18 inch alloys. Staggered widths of 9 and 10 inches front and rear are wrapped in 255 and 275mm tyres, while heavier 19 inch rims and a carbon ceramic braking package remain optional.

One detail unique to the new M3 and M4 is a serpent-like carbon-fibre strut brace draped between the suspension towers for chassis rigidity, and its one feature that’s destined for Ebay replication. 

The new BMW M3 and M4 are expected to arrive on Australian shores some time after mid-year.