BMW Is Reportedly Working on a Manual-Only Rear-Drive Version of the Next M3

The newest BMW M5 is the first in the model’s history to sport all-wheel drive and a torque-converter automatic transmission, and we expect the next M3 and M4 to do the same. But, these twins won’t abandon rear-wheel drive and manual gearboxes, either. In fact, BMW is apparently working on pared-back, rear-drive only versions of the M3 and M4.

So reports UK’s Car magazine. Apparently, BMW is calling these cars the M3 and M4 Pure, though that designation isn’t final. Car says that they’ll be the only M3 and M4 variants to offer a manual transmission, and neither will get a driveshaft sending power to the front axle. The M3 and M4 Pure should be a little cheaper than the regular versions too, though unfortunately, they’ll be a little down on power, since BMW doesn’t have a manual that can handle over 480 lb-ft of torque.

Speaking of power and torque, Car reports that the M3 and M4 will stick with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six that will sport an M4 GTS-esque water-injection system. The M3 and M4 Pure models will serve up 454 hp, while the regular models will have 474 hp. All-wheel drive, dubbed M xDrive, will be an option for the regular M3 and M4, and like the M5, it’ll offer a two-wheel drive mode for languid slides.

Of course, there’ll be more powerful, track-focused variants following the hierarchy established by previous M boss Frank Van Meel. Expect a Competition version to follow soon after the new M3 and M4 debut, and eventually, there’ll be CS and CSL versions, too. That’s right—BMW is bringing back the M3 CSL nameplate. Expectations will surely be high. 

Car says we’ll see the next M3 and M4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. We can’t wait.