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Next BMW M3 sedan to be plug-in hybrid?

BMW has a lot in mind for the next-generation 3 Series and 4 Series cars, and we're hearing about it now even though they're not expected for another three or four years. The sedan is expected to be lighter, wider, with a longer wheelbase and a lower center of gravity. Rumored tech updates include the water injection system debuted in production on the BMW 1 Series, and the 4 Series convertible might go back to a fabric top. Now The Detroit Bureau reports BMW insiders have revealed that the next M3 will get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. We've heard about plug-in variants in the mix for the G20 3 Series using a small displacement four-cylinder, but not on the M3 and possibly M4. The goal is familiar, according to the "several senior company officials:" to improve the performance while reducing the emissions footprint. Apparently, the power unit being worked on uses a "similar engine" to the 425-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six employed at the moment, with power sent to the rear wheels. Electric assistance would come from a KERS-like unit that would also - and only - send power to the rear wheels. Torque is said to go up at least 73 pound-feet from the 406 lb-ft available currently, and all-electric range might be as much as 20 miles. Plenty of carbon fiber will help offset the weight of the lithium-ion batteries. Despite company obfuscations, we know BMW is working on a hybrid powertrain for a vehicle rumored to be called either i5 or i7, and would use one or two electric motors to drive the front wheels while the traditional ICE drives the rear wheels. This potential M3 and M4 powertrain would be an offshoot of that engineering. Automobile speculates there will be electric turbochargers and a horsepower number around 500. Related Video:

BMW recalls 2016 7 Series because airbags might not deploy

The Basics: BMW will recall 6,110 units of the 2016 7 Series, including versions of the 740 and 750 models with production dates from July 1, 2015, to December 11, 2015. The Problem: The luxury sedans have an airbag control module that could randomly reset because of an electrical short. If a driver has an accident while the system is resetting, then the airbags might not deploy. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The Fix: Dealers will replace the air bag control module. If You Own One: The recall will begin on May 16. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Air Bags may not Deploy due to Residue on Module Report Receipt Date: MAR 25, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V173000 Component(s): AIR BAGS Potential Number of Units Affected: 6,110 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) BMW 740LI 2016 BMW 750LI 2016 BMW 750LXI 2016 Details Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 740Li, 750Li, and 750Lxi vehicles manufactured July 1, 2015, to December 11, 2015. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may randomly reset due to an electrical short circuit as a result of residual metallic particles from the manufacturing process. CONSEQUENCE: In the event of a crash while the air bag module is resetting, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

BMW says current M3 sold out, no new AWD M models planned

Car and Driver asked the head of BMW M, Friedrich Nitschke, a few questions about what the go-fast division had in mind for the future, and was rewarded with some enlightening answers. The best news to purist ears is that Nitschke said customers don't want all-wheel drive on their M cars, so it's the rear wheels alone that will propel new product into the future. If you want both an M badge and four driven wheels, it's the X5 M, X6 M and M Performance models you're looking for in the catalog.
"Mixed bag" is the phrase you're looking for regarding the other answers. Nitschke said that future M engines "at the core of their architecture" would "be closer to BMW AG engines" that are optimized for M cars, instead of following in the line of unique marvels like the V10 and naturally aspirated V8. They will keep the high redlines, however, with Nitschke saying "there is room beyond" the 7,000 rpm mark in BMW's current V8 turbos.
Managing weight will keep the same priority for M that it is for every other brand, so electrically assisted power steering is coming, as is an "unconventional" materials mix. At the smaller end of the M scale, Nitschke described three-cylinder engines as "attractive," saying that the brand can produce more than 310 horsepower from a three-pot.