With the new BMW M4 Coupe due to be released next year, it’s a great time to take a look back at the evolution of BMW’s legendary Motorsport division.
This is a big point in the M’s life, after all. Not only is it their 35th anniversary this month, but with the M4 Coupe comes the end of the beloved M3 Coupe and Convertible. That’s a sad deal for a lot of enthusiasts; since 1985, the M3 has always been a lightweight, high-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive driver’s car.
But with new technology also comes more weight, and the M3 was no exception to this de-evolution. In 2007 with the introduction of the E92 M3 Coupe, M3 fanboys balked at the new car’s big V8 and bulky weight. I really like the new M3 personally, but completely understand why long-time fans wouldn’t. I appreciate them both with a different expectation.
The M4 won’t change that, but will serve as a sort of overlap if the M3 Coupe stayed on the market. With the car coming in 2014, we’ll see soon how the car stands up. I have a feeling it’s going to be good.
Now, starting with the famous BMW M1 back in 1978, let’s take a look at BMW’s M-Series up until today and the near future with this enormous inforgraphic:
