The revelation of the brand “ iM3 » by BMW is a strong signal for the world of automobiles and sport. Although we will have to wait until 2027 to see it on our roads, its technical characteristics are enough to make purists salivate with more than 1,300 hp developed by 4 electric motors.
After years of speculation, BMW lifts part of the veil from its ambitious iM3 project. The manufacturer has in fact registered the name with the Intellectual Property Office of the European Union and is providing some information on the electric descendant of its rolling myth M3.
The New Class sauce M
At the heart of the iM3 is the Neue Klasse platform, a technological foundation designed to optimize the performance of electric vehicles. Initially presented at the Munich Motor Show in 2023, this platform is the pillar on which the new generation of electric BMWs is based, including the upcoming electric BMW 3 Series.
This platform, which obviously integrates the battery into its chassis, allows you to benefit from a center of gravity so low that it opens up new and, apparently, exciting developments for engineers. For the latter it is in fact possible to play with the suspension calibration without the body rolling, even in the most comfortable positions. In addition, the future Neue Klasse offers structural advantages that result in better driving dynamics.
Frank Weber, head of development at BMW, recently declared that “ software chassis control would deliver dynamic performance far beyond that of current sports BMWs “.
Despite its switch to electric, the iM3 promises to retain the DNA
sportsman who made the M3 famous. Frank van Meel, boss of BMW
M, also insists on the fact that, “ whatever the powertrain, a
M3 remains an M3, with the commitment to maintaining the driving experience
and character that characterize M cars “. A posture characterized by more than 90% of M customers who, according to a customer survey by the manufacturer, do not care a priori about the engine as long as performance remains first rate.
“Heart of Joy” control unit
The iM3 will feature advanced chassis control software, aiming to deliver superior dynamic performance compared to current BMW models. This system will enable precise and responsive vehicle management, even in the most demanding driving conditions.
At the heart of the iM3 is the Heart of Joy control unit, a technology that allows driving performance to be adjusted on demand. This unit centralizes control of the chassis, propulsion and powertrain, providing a seemingly joyful electrified driving experience.
The boss of BMW, Frank van Meel, recently declared that he wanted his customers to exclaim when leaving a test: “ It’s crazy, I didn’t expect that “.
Up to 1 megawatt of power
An interesting posture aided by the phenomenal power that this M3 with an electric heart would indeed produce. The iM3 is designed to deliver up to one megawatt (1,341 hp) of total power, thanks to a four-motor powertrain. This configuration would allow variable power distribution to each wheel, ensuring exceptional traction and agility. This also makes us think of the Torque Vectoring technology of certain Audi RSs, which makes it possible to better distribute the torque vectoring in the wheels depending on the profile of the road. An interesting experience that challenges (obviously there is always a limit) or at least gives the impression of pushing the laws of physics with the outside wheels pushing the car into the corner.
The automaker emphasizes that despite the inherent weight of electric vehicles, BMW places emphasis on reducing weight and maintaining the liveliness that M cars are known for. The intensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon would play a key role in this approach.
Finally, BMW M boss Frank van Meel also underlined how much his team learned from the competition. The LMDh category endurance prototype, although hybrid, already offered valuable feedback regarding electrification, but also aerodynamics and cooling.
If it will be necessary to wait until 2026 for the Neue Klasse Serie 3 to appear on the market, the supercharged iM3 version should arrive in 2027 and will coexist for a few years with the thermal M3.
Source : Coach
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