BMW M4 gets noisy (2013): listen to the new M4’s turbo straight-six here

With the unveiling of the new BMW M4 imminent, BMW’s excitement has got the better of it with the M Division releasing a video showing featuring the new M4’s engine note.

The video might be called ‘BMW M is preparing something new’, but the engine isn’t really a fresh design. It’s actually a tweaked, twin-turbo version of the 435i’s 3.0-litre straight-six, making this the first M Division 3-series derivative to use forced induction.

In its most potent guise, the ‘new’ engine (codenamed S55) develops up to 450bhp, and should be good for 100lb ft more than the outgoing E92 M3’s 4.0-litre V8. Not only does the engine boast a more potent mid-range, but the downsizing act should tip economy closer to 30mpg – the V8 M3 struggled to average more than 20mpg.

The snarling metallic rumble of the V8 has been replaced by the more traditional six-cylinder drone, so what does it sound like? Play the video and let us know whether the M Division has done the right thing or not…

Click here to read CAR’s complete scoop on the new turbocharged M3 saloon.

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