2014 BMW M3

August 1985. This was the day BMW announced the most powerful 3-Series they have ever built. And in its 25 years of history, the M3 has seen four different generations and evolved from a 2.3-liter inline-four cylinder engine with 200 horsepower to an impressive V8 hitting 420 horsepower. It may not be the best sports car out there, but it is surely one that combines most of the virtues required from a sports car: an extraordinary look, great performance, the best class handling, and a luxurious interior.

In 2013, the sports car’s history will move on to its next chapter as BMW will be set to reveal the new generation M3, featuring a twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six engine for the first time. This engine will be bumping up the M3’s horsepower to 450.

UPDATE 07/08/2011: The British magazine AutoExpress has revealed new details about the upcoming generation BMW M3 set to be released in 2014. It seems that the new BMW M3 will be powered by a fresh 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine equipped with three turbos – one powered by electricity, rather than the exhaust gases. Output will be around 450 horsepower (up from the current output of 420 horsepower). The body will feature a mix of steel and ultra-light carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.

UPDATE 08/16/2011: Three turbos? Not so, says Autocar, whose sources are telling them that the future M3 will feature a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that is currently under development. This source describes the new engine "as being heavily differentiated from the company’s existing twin-turbocharged ‘N54’ and twin-scroll turbocharged ‘N55’ 3.0-liter engines." Apparently, the new engine will come with a management system, induction system, cylinder head, pistons, and connecting rods. We were kind of pumped about the three turbos so we’ll just have to wait and see what develops.

UPDATE 11/03/2011: BMW has filed a new patent for an electric-powered turbocharger, bringing back the old rumors about a new 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine equipped with three turbos. Hit the jump for details on this new technology! (F30Post)

UPDATE 05/22/2012: President of BMW North America, Mr. Ludwig Willisch has finally confirmed that the next M3 will feature an in-line-six layout - the same layout that will be used for the M4.

Willisch also said that, at some point, BMW was indeed considering a V6 engine for the next M3, but in the end, this choice was dropped. What he didn’t specify was whether or not the new inline-6 engine will get bi-turbo or tri-turbo. Regardless of the technology, the future M3 will deliver at least 450 horsepower.

Ludwig Willisch also confirmed that the next M3 will be lighter, faster, more powerful, and more efficient than the current M3. It will be offered with an optional or standard manual transmission.

Updated 08/13/2013: BMW has dropped a teaser video of the upcoming M3 sports sedan. The video offers us the first listen to the new straight-six engine.

Updated 08/28/2013: Our spy photographers caught the 2014 M3 out testing again, but this time, it is wearing very little camo. Basically, BMW only covered up its M styling goodies and the new to-the-grille headlights. You can see the newest spy shots after the jump.