BMW M Models 2014 News

Slicing two cylinders off BMW's hot M-Series mid-size machines has had a remarkable effect - not only does it boost performance but it also slashes fuel consumption. Replacing the 4.0-litre V8 with a bi-turbo 3.0-litre inline six, the BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe arrive in September in their fifth generation with lightweight cladding and race-tuned drivetrain.They were shown at last week's Geneva motor show - though, strangely, set at the back of the stand to give prominence to the i8 and the front-wheel drive Touring hatchback. The M3/M4 six-cylinder replaces the V8 introduced in the 2007 E90 model, returning the cylinder count to that of the E36/46 that started as a 210kW 2.0-litre.Model designations now pick up BMW's ostensibly clearer coding of odd numbers for sedans, evens for coupes and convertibles - hence M3 for the sedan and M4 for the two-door. BMW Australia says it's champing at the bit to get the pair. No prices or final specs are available though it's unlikely they'd be an increase on the existing models.The current entry-level Pure coupe costs $131,945 as a dual-clutch automatic. Developed for the M3 and M4, the new bi-turbo engine pumps 317kW and, more importantly, 550Nm of torque - up 40 per cent on the outgoing V8-engined M3.It will be available as a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, with the latter being as quick as the manual but more frugal.The optional dual-clutch auto includes an integrated launch control and a "smoky burnout" function to allow some rear-wheel spin while the car is moving at low speeds. The BMW also engages the clutch when the car is understeering, to return it to the cornering line. The dual-clutch versions claim 8.3L/100km (8.8L for the manual), down 25 per cent on the current model.The 0-100km/h sprint takes 4.1 seconds in both variants, down from 4.6 seconds. Both cars have carbon-fibre roof panels and components to reduce weight. The coupe, for example, is only 1497kg which is down about 80kg on the existing two-door M3.For the first time, the track-specification cooling setup keeps the engine, transmission and turbochargers at the optimum temperature. Externally, the cars carry the wider stance of the donor models and add subtle aerodynamic aids to maintain downforce and ease fuel consumption.The M3 has a larger rear spoiler than the boot lip of the M4. Both have a smooth underbody and large front spoiler, both succeed in reducing lift equally at the front and rear axles.BMW M Division head of development Albert Biermann says air is channelled through the grille, then the oil cooler to create a Venturi effect that reduces front-axle lift and improves steering feel. Even the distinctive side mirrors, unique to these models, are on twin stalks to reduce drag.This reporter is on Twitter: @cg_dowling

The M3 sedan and M4 coupe will take on Benz's bahn-storming C63 AMG and already have the on-paper victory. The duo rocket to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. That's 0.1 of a second quicker than the M-B 507 Edition and 0.4 of a second faster than a standard C63.Mercedes still holds the outright power edge with 336kW and 600Nm but concedes about 100kg in weight to the BMWs. Beemer has dropped the 4.0-litre V8 (309kW/400Nm) and reverted to an in-line six-cylinder engine with a pair of turbochargers to boost outputs to 317kW and 550Nm while trimming fuel use by 25 per cent. Claimed fuel consumption is down to 8.8 litres/100km for the manual models and 8.3 seconds for the auto. The outgoing Benz uses 12.1L/100km.BMW has used carbon-fibre reinforced plastic to help trim weight and improve handling. The roof, drive shaft and front strut brace are all crafted from the high-strength composite, while the bonnet, front side panels and suspension components are aluminium.An electric power-steering unit has three in-built driving modes that regulate steering wheel heft and responsiveness. Adaptive dampers with three-way adjustment will also be offered as an option.BMW Australia spokesman Scott Croaker says the cars will arrive in Australia in the third quarter next year. "Visually the M3 represents the biggest change from the donor car," Croaker says. "The 4 Series coupe is already fairly aggressive and has a wide rear track so the changes to the M specification aren't as pronounced."In another first for BMW both cars will arrive simultaneously. "Previously there was around a six-month gap between the sedan and coupe," Croaker says. 'Now we have two separate models that doesn't apply." Croaker says final specification and pricing for Australian models has yet to be determined but prospective buyers will need $150,000 based on the cost of the current car.The vehicles will be built on the production lines of their respective family models, so M4s will be sourced from Munich and the M3 will arrive from Regensburg.BMW M3/M4 Price: $150,000 (est)Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: NoService intervals: 12 months/25,000kmResale: 57 per cent (est)Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl twin-turbo, 317kW/550NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 7-speed dual-clutch auto; RWDThirst: 8.3L-8.8L/100km, 194g-204g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.7m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: 1537-1635kgSpare: None 

Porsche has just released the sixth model in its line-up -- the Macan compact SUV -- but is already well progressed with secret plans to add yet another model to its range.The German sports-car maker appears to not be content with having posted all-time record sales last year and has even bigger visions for the future.The boss of Porsche, Matthias Muller, has indicated he would like a seventh model in the company's line-up. "If you include the super-sportscar (the 918) we have six models in our line-up," Mr Muller told journalists from China, Australia and New Zealand attending the launch of the Macan SUV in Leipzig, Germany."I think a seven-model series would be a good line up because most cars have a seven-year lifecycle," he said. "If we had seven models we could have a major event each year, as well as the (special edition) variants." Mr Muller would not say what type of car would become the seventh model.Recent speculation has centred on a two-door version of the Panamera, a mid-engined Ferrari 458 rival (to bridge the price gap between the 911 and the 918) and a budget-priced sports-car to slot in below the Boxster.However, according to Porsche insiders, the seventh model is most likely to be a mid-size sedan that would be a rival to the BMW 5 Series, and sit below the Panamera in price.The Porsche sedan would be available with rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive just like the Panamera, say company insiders, who claim it would help give Porsche economies of scale by sharing some of its components with the Macan.The mid-size Porsche sedan is said to be built off Audi's second-generation MLB (modularen langsbau) architecture, which is a development of what is already underneath the Porsche Macan.Meanwhile, Porsche says the Macan is "exactly the right vehicle at the right time" even though it has only planned to build 50,000 this year. Last year Porsche sold 75,000 Cayennes -- but the compact luxury SUV market in which the Macan competes is much larger."This year the luxury compact SUV segment will reach a total volume of 1.3 million units," said Mr Muller, adding that the category had seen a staggering 185 per cent growth in sales since 2007.Over the next 10 years, sales of luxury compact SUVs are set to exceed the 1.8 million mark, he said. "Porsche will broaden its customer base," said Mr Muller, "and most will be first-time Porsche buyers."He said Porsche had just posted a record 162,000 sales in 2013 and was on track to eclipse the 200,000 mark for the first time this year. About one-third of all Porsches are sold in China, one-third are sold in North America, and one-fifth in Europe.But Mr Muller says Porsche will continue to be a premium brand because sales growth will come from emerging markets."Porsche still only represents 0.25 per cent of cars on the road, or two to three out of every 1000 cars," said Mr Muller. "A high degree of exclusivity is assured for our brand. (But) we are going to grow profitably."This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling 

The New York motor show in April will see the announcement of which vehicle has won the 2014 World COTY, and there looks to be a tough -- and very varied -- field of finalists.Last year's winner was the Volkswagen Golf, which also took awards in pretty well every country on the globe. But this year it could be anything from the little electric BMW i3 to the offroading Jeep Cherokee and even the Citroen C4 peoplemover, judging by the shortlist.A panel of 69 motoring experts from around the world -- including Carsguide's Paul Gover and National Motoring Editor Joshua Dowling -- will choose the winner from: Audi A3, BMW 4 Series, BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford Fusion/Mondeo, Infiniti Q50, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus IS, Mazda3, Peugeot 308 and Skoda Octavia.The 10 finalists for the 2014 World Luxury Car are the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW X5, Cadillac ELR, Cadillac Escalade, Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Macan, Range Rover Sport and Rolls-Royce Wraith.Due to a tie, there are 11 finalists for the 2014 World Performance Car: Alfa Romeo 4C, Audi RS 6 Avant, BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Ford Fiesta ST, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, Mercedes-Benz A/CLA45 AMG, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 911 Turbo and Volkswagen Golf GTI.A separate panel of five 'green' experts will choose the 2014 World Green Car from Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (+ Audi e-gas), BMW i3, Honda Accord Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volkswagen XL1.Similarly, a panel of five design experts will decide on the 2014 World Car Design of the Year, from among: BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda3, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volkswagen XL1.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

With the new BMW M4 Coupe out in the open it's only a matter of time before its convertible counterpart is unveiled. Carsguide spy photographers have captured the new M4 Convertible in minimal camouflage, leaving little to the imagination.The front-end design is, logically, identical to that of the M4 Coupe. BMW's new 'connected' headlight design – integrated with the wider kidney grille -- features with large, aggressive-looking air intakes below. Like the M4 Coupe, the Convertible also features a bonnet bulge, more aerodynamic door mirrors, 'gills' in the front fenders and quad exhaust tips.The M4 Convertible is also considerably wider than standard 4 Series Convertible models with flared front and rear wheel arches housing wider wheels and tyres that give a sportier stance. A metal folding hardtop that exaggerates the convertible's hip width has also replaced the Coupe's long sloping roof so the M4 Convertible looks especially aggressive when viewed from the rear.And with a 3.0-litre twin turbo straight-six engine under the bonnet, you'll probably be seeing a lot of the M4's rear. Peak power is up from 309kw to 315kw and torque has risen from 400nm to 550nm compared to the old M3 Convertible, which the M4 replaces. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional M-DCT double clutch system. The M4 transmits its power to the road through an electronically controlled limited slip differential dubbed 'Active M-Differential.'In Coupe form the M4 takes just 4.1 seconds to reach 100km/h if the M-DCT gearbox is optioned or 4.8 seconds for the three-pedalled car. But the convertible is expected to be slightly slower due to its extra curb weight. Like the new M4 Coupe the latest topless M car is expected to be significantly lighter than the M3 model that it replaces thanks to increased use of aluminium and carbon fibre in the body. The new model will also be more fuel-efficient than the old V8-powered M3.Expect the new BMW M4 Convertible to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month and go on sale in overseas markets shortly afterward, possibly reaching Australia at the end of the year or early in 2015. 

The US car industry has come full circle and returns to old-fashioned horsepower at this year's Detroit motor show, with large pick-ups and "America's Ferrari" set to steal the limelight from imported exotica.Centre of attention at the show, which opened overnight Australian time, is Ford's new F Series truck, which has for decades held the title as the planet's favourite vehicle and makes a watershed move to aluminium construction.The bold decision, aimed at cutting fuel consumption, takes aluminium mainstream and makes Forda pioneer in volume production using the metal.Demand for pick-ups has rebounded since the global financial crisis and Ford sold more than 760,000 of the outgoing F Series last year, up 18 per cent.It has kept details of the redesign secret and will hope it can upstage its rival from General Motors, the Chevrolet Silverado, tipped to win Truck of the Year.US buyers strongly favour full-size pick-ups but last year GM broke ranks and offered a version of the smaller Colorado, described as "mid-size" in the US. At a preview event for the show, GM unveiled the GMC Canyon, a more upmarket version of the Colorado with a bull nose and acres of chrome.It marked the first appearance for Mary Barra since she was named chief executive - the only woman to lead one of the car giants. "I'm honoured to stand here tonight and humbly lead this team," Ms Barra said. "It's a team of men and women doing unbelievably great work."It comes just weeks after GM shed its "government motors" tag, with Washington selling the last of the shares acquired during the GFC. As well as a truck award, GM is also in the running for Car of the Year with two out of the three finalists -- a Cadillac and its reborn Chevrolet Corvette. The new Corvette has earned a reputation for delivering Italian sportscar performance at a fraction of the price. A track-focused version, called the Z06, will be GM's show star.The Z06 will compete for crowd attention with the Ford Mustang, which makes its first public appearance after private unveilings last month.GM's recovery milestone has a parallel at Chrysler, after Fiat recently acquired complete control.The smallest of the US "Big Three" is now wholly foreign-owned but rebounding thanks to a focus on Americana, with its controversially redesigned Jeep Cherokee SUV winning over sceptics. It too is in the running for Truck of the Year.Unlike the F Series and Corvette, it will be shipped to Australia starting mid-year. Hometown drawcards will force foreign brands backstage despite an impressive line-up.German and Japanese carmakers are also stressing traditional petrol-driven horsepower with an exceptional crop of performance cars. BMW debuts two halo junior executives in the M3 sedan and M4 coupe, which drop V8s in favour of six cylinders but have more power and better efficiency thanks to turbocharging.Lexus has the M4 in its sights with the RC F, a V8 coupe based on its mid-size luxury sedan. Meanwhile, Mercedes rolls out its next generation C-Class and a tuned version of its small off-roader, the GLA 45 AMG; Porsche shows a retro-flavoured 911 Targa sportscar; and Mini a concept that previews the upcoming John Cooper Works go-fast edition.Audi will attract attention for a crossover concept. It is expected to preview its smallest SUV yet, likely to be called Q1. The Detroit show has yet to return to its glory days of over-the-top presentations and for-the-fun-of-it concept cars, but the industry has been bolstered by 15.6 million sales last year and newfound confidence after the economic storm of four years ago.   

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. 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000LUXURY CARSAudi A8: Audi will refresh its A8 flagship sedan lineup by mid-2014, with subtle styling tweaks and interior details, along with shuffled drivetrain options. (Approximately $188,000-$249,000)Audi RS7 Sportback: Essentially a five-door hatch version of the existing RS6 Avant, the RS7 will arrive in February with sleeker Sportback styling than the wagon, and the same 412kW/700Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. 0-100km/h is the same 3.9 seconds too. (Approximately $240,000)Bentley Continental GT S: While Bentley prepares its first SUV model, there’s not much else in store for 2014 from the legendary Brit aside from powered-up new S models added to the V8 Continental GT lineup. (Approximately $380,000)Jaguar XJR: Jaguar will add the new XJR to its XJ big sedan lineup in the first quarter, with the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 performance flagship to sit above the existing Supersport range-topper. (Approximately $350,000)Lexus RC: Lexus’ new RC coupe should arrive before the end of 2014 to take on the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, with a choice of petrol V6 and hybrid drivetrains likely to expand to include a high-performance 5.0-litre V8 RC-F soon after. (Approximately $70,000-$130,000)Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli: 2014 is set to be a big year for Maserati, with the new Quattroporte (Approximately from $250,000) arriving in V6 form in January, and V8 form in February, with the return of the smaller Ghibli sedan ( Approximately from $150,000) in March.Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Mercedes will cap its local S-Class sedan lineup in January, with the arrival of the $385,000 S63 AMG high performance model. The 430kW/900Nm twin-turbo V8 S63 will sit above the existing S350 and S500 models, and be joined by the diesel-electric S350 BlueTec hybrid and twin-turbo V6 S400 variants by June. (Approximately $250,000-$385,000)Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe: Mercedes’ upcoming S-Class Coupe is expected down under before the year’s end, with the yet to be officially revealed new model replacing the existing CL coupe models. A drop-top version is also planned, and a V8 and V12 petrol-only lineup is expected with an entry price north of $300,000 likely.Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid: The plug-in Panamera E-Hybrid is also due early in the year, with a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and 70kW electric motor to enable 3.1L/100km fuel use with 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds. (Approximately $296,900)SUV/4WDLand Rover Range Rover: Before mid-year, Land Rover will add a range-topping lineup (Approximately $250,000) with new hybrid versions of it and the Sport expected before the end of the year. (Approximately $102,000-$182,000)Porsche Macan: Porsche will add the new sub-Cayenne Macan SUV to its Australian lineup from June, with the cheapest diesel model forming a new entry point to Porsche ownership at $84,900. Twin-turbo 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6s will sit further up the price scale, with the 294kW top-spec capable of 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds. (Approximately $84,900-$122,900)SPORTS/PERFORMANCEAston Martin V12 Vantage S: Aston will add its fastest model this side of the ultra-exclusive One-77 in the first quarter of this year, in the form of the track-ready V12 Vantage S coupe. (Approximately $450,000)BMW M3 and M4: BMW’s new M3 and M4 mid-size performance heroes are set to arrive after mid-year, with the move to twin-turbo six power resulting in the fastest M3 to date, and matched by the renamed M4 coupe. (Approximately $124,000-$180,000)BMW i8: The i8 plug-in hybrid sports car is expected to arrive before the year’s end, blending grand tourer luxury with 4.4 second 0-100km/h acceleration and 2.5L/100km fuel economy. (Approximately $200,000)Ferrari 458 Speciale: The first of 60 Australian examples of Ferrari’s hardcore 458 Speciale are set to arrive before mid-year, with the lighter, more powerful track-focused special able to lap Fiorano 1.5 seconds faster than the old Enzo flagship. (Approximately $550,000)Jaguar F-Type Coupe: Jaguar will add the recently unveiled Coupe version of its stunning F-Type in the third quarter, with the 20kg lighter V6, V6 S and V8 S variants also expected to slightly undercut their soft-top counterparts on price. The Coupe-only F-Type R will sit at the top of the hardtop range, with the 404kW/680Nm spec V8 promising 0-100km/h acceleration in the order of 4.2 seconds. (Approximately $125,000-$200,000)Lamborghini Huracan: With the Gallardo now officially out of production, Lamborghini is keen to follow with its Huracan replacement to sit beneath the V12 Aventador models before June. The V10 Huracan is set to challenge Ferrari’s 458 with an uprated version of the Gallardo’s 5.2-litre V10 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. From $428,000Nissan GT-R: Nissan will bring its latest incarnation of the GT-R performance coupe down under from March, with cosmetic upgrades the key changes for 2014. New LED headlights and taillights are changed for the first time since 2007, and mesh wheels keep Nissan’s giant-killer a fresh opponent for Porsche’s new 911 Turbo models. (Approximately from $170,000)Porsche 911 Turbo and GT3: Porsche will launch several key hi-po versions of the 991 911 to its Australian lineup in the first half of 2014, with the $359,800 Turbo and $441,300 Turbo S arriving first in coupe and convertible ($29,000 premium) guises, with the $294,000 track-oriented and now PDK-only GT3 soon after.Porsche 911 Targa: The new semi-convertible unveiled in Detroit will touch down in Australia before mis-year, with a new folding roof mechanism and all-wheel drive 4 and 4S versions. Both manual and PDK auto will be available, and prices will sit $2,300-$3,300 over existing Cabriolet models. (Approximately $247,900-$291,050)CONVERTIBLESAston Martin Vanquish Volante: For those who prefer their V12 Astons roofless and with a back seat, Aston will bring the Vanquish Volante to Australia in the first quarter of 2014. (Approximately $510,000)Bentley Continental GTC S: Like the hardtop GT, the soft top Continental GTC is set to score a powered up S model in 2014. (Approximately $420,000)BMW 4 Series convertible: The folding hardtop version of BMW’s 4-Series coupe is expected by March, and echo its hardtop sibling with 420d, 428i, and 435i drivetrains. (Approximately $85,000-$120,000)   

Following the recent reveals of the performance-focused BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe, the German car brand has launched configurators so you can build your own, rotate it to get a look from all angles -- and then order it, if you're one of the lucky future buyers.The configurators will let you choose your car's alloy wheels, paint colour and then head into the cabin to customise the upholstery, interior trims and accent lines. Because we're a pretty restrained bunch at Carsguide, we've gone for the M3 in Yas Marina Blue body colour with M 19-inch double-spoke black wheels, Silverstone orange leather upholstery with gloss black trim and accent lines.Try the BMW M3 configuratorFor the M4 we decided on Austin Yellow paint, again the M 19-inch double-spoke black wheels (yes, we've got a bit of a thing for them), Black Merino leather with Blue Shadow trim and black chrome accent lines.Try the BMW M4 configuratorAnd in our Walter Mitty daydreams, we'll be imagining the shove from the twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engines' boosted outputs of 317kW and 550Nm (up from 309kW and 400Nm) handled by the carryover choice of the either six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch DCT auto -- both now blipping the throttle on downshifts.Then there's the claimed  0-100km/h figure of 4.1 seconds for both cars, with top speeds limited to 250km/h, or 280km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package. And the cherry on top of our heavily frosted daydreams would have to be the 'smoky burnout' mode -- although keeping that in our imagination would also keep our licences intact.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Images of the new BMW M3 and M4 have been revealed via an online BMW blog ahead of their official debut tomorrow. As you'd expect, the photos show a more aggressive treatment for the bodies, with muscular wheelarches housing big alloys, quad exhaust tips, and M badged heat extraction vents behind the front wheels.Watch the desktop version of the official BMW M3 and M4 video here.With the new BMW 4-Series already in Australian showrooms  attention will now be focusing on what we can expect in the coming BMW M3 and M4 that are set to arrive next May, BMW has alreqady comfirmed the outputs for the cars, announcing them at a technology workshop. The new M3 and M4 will deliver about 320 kilowatts of power and 'far beyond' 500 Newton-metres of torque from the latest 3.0-litre turbo in-line six-cylinder engine.The M3 gets a considerable hike over the same engine in the 4-Series 435i Carsguide tested in July, which delivers 225kW and 400Nm. But it's less of a jump over the outgoing M3's 4.0-litre V8 with 309kW and 400Nm. The M4's output is said to be 310kW, but we've also heard talk of a bigger 3.3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder that could offer 336kW. The German carmaker says that the engines are also much more efficient, achieving a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of 'around 25 per cent'.BMW has reportedly decided on a more modest power hike in favour of a wider torque spread than the V8, also helped by a new cylinder head. In addition, the coming M3 and M4 will be lighter, with weight-saving strategies joining a carryover carbon-fibre roof to keep it tipping the scales in the target range of about 1500kg -- a drop of 100kg on the outgoing M3. More details will be revealed tomorrow, in preparation for the official unveiling at January's Detroit motor show.Watch the BMW M3 and M4 testing at the Nurburgring.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott