In the interest of lightweight construction and enhanced driving dynamics, the next year’s G82 BMW M4 Convertible will once again make use of a soft rooftop. The last M3 Cabriolet with a canvas was the E46 M3, which was followed by two generations of hardtops – the E93 and F83 M4 (the new name for the M3 Convertible).
The current M4 Convertible weighs around 1,750 kg (3,858 lbs), so a move to a soft top should reduce the weight by about 200 kilos.
When the G80 BMW M3 debuts, it will be powered by the same new S58 engine as the BMW X3 M and X4 M. So it will be a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 engine with 473 hp as-standard. There will also be a competition model available at launch and that will pack the same engine but with 503 hp.
For those keeping score, that 503 hp is exactly the same amount as the Mercedes-AMG C63 S. Still, it’s a bit few ponies less than the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio’s 505 hp.
We know so far that the G80 BMW M3 will also be the first M3 in history to power all four wheels. According to our sources, there will be two models; a rear-wheel drive model and an all-wheel drive model; marking another first for the famed performance model. The rear-drive M3 will be available with either a manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic, while the all-wheel drive car will be automatic only. As for the M3 Competition, it will only be all-wheel drive and automatic.
We expect the G82 M4 Convertible to offer similar options.
