The current generation BMW M3 will mark the end of the naturally-aspirated era for BMW M vehicles as forced induction has been earmarked as the future, meaning that all future M vehicles will be force-fed.
Ever tightening emission standards mean that every automaker is trying to squeeze every last mile out of every last drop of fuel, with performance vehicles the first to be given a makeover. In Munich, that means turbocharging and start-stop tech, two technologies that will improve the F10 M5’s fuel economy by up to 25 per cent.
A quick glance at BMW’s current M portfolio clearly distinguishes the odd one out in the induction department. Autoblog also quotes a source within BMW that has confirmed the V8 in the current M3 will be the last naturally aspirated engine in an M offering.
While a turbo, no matter how linear or lag-free, will never compare to the high-revving, screaming nature of past M mills, the future dictates forced induction and apparently the clock has struck on that time.
Source: Autoblog