BMW M3 Still may have a Manual Option

Recently at an auto exhibition in Paris, BMW presented a new generation of the well-known 3 Series Sedan, which will hit the market in the early 2019. At the same time the Auto Giant still works on development of the M3 version, which got spotted during driving tests at the Nürburgring race track.

Check out BMW presentation at the Motor Show in Paris

According to some media sources, the senior management of BMW considers the possibility of equipping the G20 M3 with a manual gearbox. This news got a positive response from BMW admirers. As a result, this M3 model may become one of the few sport cars equipped with the manual gearbox, in contrast with its principal competitors Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio or Audi S5.

The new BMW G20 M3 spotted during a test drive

Moreover, it is unclear whether the М3 will have its standard RWD or it will be an AWD solution implemented in the М5 model. Moreover, the next M3 is expected to come with the enhanced twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with the power of up to 500 hp, the same solution will be implemented in the new M4. This powertrain will replace the engine S55. The torque capacity is expected to reach up to 450 pound-feet. While the current M3 produces 425 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque.

However, if a manual is offered, it’s unlikely to be implemented with Bimmer’s xDrive AWD unit, which is specifically produced to be paired with the ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox used in other numerous BMW models. The presentation of the new BMW M3 is expected at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019, and it will go on sale in 2020. It is planned that the price will be approximately 70 thousand dollars, which is much more costly than the previous generations.

Recently, the future of manual transmissions has become the subject of wide speculation. More and more automakers have to give up a manual option, as being unprofitable, and equip new models with automatic transmissions to stay competitive on major markets, especially in the USA. So, for example, Audi also has recently decided to finally give up on manufacturing of cars equipped with the manual gearbox for the US market due to sluggish demand.