BMW’s decision to rename the 3-Series Coupe the 4-Series has certainly resulted in a lot of debate. Munich’s reasoning is that the Coupe is different enough to its saloon sibling, upon which it is based, to deserve a new designation.
Moreover, it adheres to the carmaker’s decision to name coupes, convertibles and sportier-looking sedans (think 6 Series Gran Coupe) with even numbers, something that will also be applied to the forthcoming 1-Series Coupe that will be renamed the 2-Series.
Does the name change really matter? You betcha; that’s because it will also affect the M-Division-fettled range topper of the coupe and possibly convertible range, which will no longer be named the M3 (though, the name will continue with the sedan) but the M4.
That’s a break with tradition greater than the switch to turbocharging. After all, we’ve beginning to get accustomed to turbocharged M-cars, such as the M5, and bringing back an in-line six-cylinder harks back to the E36 and E46 models. The real reason, of course, is that downsizing and turbocharging help the new car, which bears the F82 code-name, to conform to more strict emission regulations while offering much the same horsepower, better torque (thanks to the blowers) and be more eco-friendly.
The cooking 4-Series has been officially unveiled as a thinly-disguised concept ahead of its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show next month and is quite a looker. Even though the M4 has already been caught on camera and on film doing the rounds at the ‘Ring, it wore camouflage and we’ll have to wait for next fall’s Frankfurt Motor Show, for the concept and mid-to-late 2014 for sales to begin.
In the meantime, here’s a couple of renderings courtesy of JAdesigns75 for the F30Post forums that show us how the upcoming M4 could look like. The car certainly looks the part, complete with hood bulge, double-bubble roof, aggressive front air intakes to feed the (two, or is it three?) turbochargers and of course wheel arch-filling alloys and quad tail pipes.
So, what do you think? Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section right after the break.
By Andrew Tsaousis
Designer: JAdesigns75 , Story References: F30 Post
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