BMW M Division aiming to take on Mercedes-AMG and Audi Sport with massive 26 car lineup; many models to launch in India
BMW’s M Division is preparing for a wide expansion of its portfolio. There will be 26 performance focused M Division models from the Bavarian auto giant and upcoming 2019 BMW M3 is going to spearhead the lineup. The sixth generation BMW M3 is likely to make its debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of its sales begins in UK market in early 2020.
It is vividly clear that BMW M Division is aiming to throw tough rivalry to the competitors like Mercedes-AMG and Audi Sport. A part of this aggressive strategy is to launch a range of new M and slightly softer M-Performance models. With such wide range of product portfolio, the German luxury car maker hopes to see significant sales surge in coming future.
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As BMW reveals, the M3 and its mechanically identical sibling, second generation M4 Coupe and Cabriolet will be at the heart of the expansion project. Apart from that, M5 will also play key role in the strategy. Speaking about the upcoming 2019 BMW M3, it is based on the new generation 3-Series sedan.
This performance focused sedan is underpinned by the luxury automaker’s CLAR platform that is also shared by the 5-Series and 7-Series and their respective M variants. The new M3 will incorporate a wide range of lightweight carbon fibre components in order to boost its performance significantly. It is expected to be weighed below 1,585 kg of the recently unveiled M3 CS.
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There will be a carbon fibre roof as well taking inspiration from M5. Apart from the carbon fibre components, this performance sedan will also get extensive aluminium and high strength steel. While, there were speculations that it could receive a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, BMW rubbishes that claim and confirms the new M3 will continue with conventional fuel powered engine.
Expect the car to be powered by an upgraded version of 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Also, there will be an 8-speed automatic transmission on offer as well. The engine is likely to produce 10% more power output compared to the current model. It will remain a rear-wheel drive model.
(Representative Image)