Based on a report by motor1.com citing an “anonymous source” from the BMW Blog, the sportiest version of the recently shown G20 3-series will not ditch the three-pedal layout soon, despite prior comments by BMW M boss, Frank van Meel, that autonomous technology would eventually seal its fate.
“Buyers vote with their wallets. Being an engineer I would say from a rational standpoint that even though the manual gearbox is lighter than an automated gearbox it uses more fuel and is slower, so it doesn't really make sense,” van Meel told Australia’s caradvice.com.au back in July.
“But from the emotional standpoint, a lot of customers say 'I don't care, I want to have one'. As long as we have these take rates on M2, but also the M3 and M4, we're going to offer manuals because we listen to our customers. If demand is so high, then why not fulfill it? The bad news is that if we one day have autonomous cars, then the manual cannot work anymore, so that would be, let's say, the natural end”.
Although details regarding the M3 are still unknown, reports are that will come powered by the new S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six used by the forthcoming X3 and X4 M, which could see it produce the same 331kW as the outgoing F80 Competition Pack (CP).
The G20 M3 CP meanwhile will allegedly make in the region of 368kW, and despite BMW remaining mum otherwise, the M3 will keep its rear-wheel drive layout as the fitment of the manual ‘box could lead to a costly re-development of the xDrive all-wheel drive system. This also means that the seven-speed M DCT could be retained as the self-shifting option instead of the M5’s torque converter eight-speed Steptronic.
At present, rumours are that the M3 will bow in Geneva next year, though this is purely speculative.
