BMW has lifted the veil of secrecy from its new M4, revealing that the coupe will boast far more torque, noticeably less weight and comprehensively uprgraded technology compared with the M3 Coupe that it replaces.

The M4′s mechanically-identical sedan sibling, which retains the traditional M3 nameplate, has also been revealed.

Like the redesigned M3, the M4 sports a muscular-looking front fascia, flared fenders and a hood bulge that signals the presence of something mean lying beneath. Air curtains mounted in the front apron team up with “Air Breathers” – that’s BMW-speak for fender vents – to optimize airflow around the wheel arches and improve aerodynamics. Around back, a diffuser with inset quad tailpipes and a lip spoiler provide both style and function. Eighteen-inch rims are fitted as standard, while 19-inchers can be specified as an option.

The heart of the M Division’s latest creation is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six that churns out 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque from just 1,850 rpm all the way to 5,500 rpm. Those figures represent gains of 11 ponies and, more importantly, 111 lb-ft of twist compared to the old M3 Coupe’s 4.0-liter V8, with peak torque arriving 2,050 rpm earlier.

While official ratings have yet to be released, BMW claims a fuel economy improvement of 25 percent; the 2013 M3 Coupe was rated at 14/20 city/highway mpg.

Buyers will be offered the choice of new manual and dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. The standard-equipment six-speed stick features a rev-matched downshift function and helps the M4 to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in a claimed 4.1 seconds, while the seven-speed dual-clutch – which is up a gear over the previous unit – gets launch control and a slightly quicker sprint time of 3.9 seconds. Also part of the septa-cog’s bag of tricks is a “Stability Clutch Control” function that opens one of the clutches in order to quell understeer.

Upgraded M compound brakes on all four corners and a stiffened, track-tuned suspension will keep M4′s considerable power in check. As expected, the M3 Coupe’s hydraulic-assist steering gives way to a new, more efficient electric-assist setup with three different effort modes. An optional Adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled dampers also offers a trio of modes, allowing drivers to prioritize ride comfort or handling agility.

All M4s will be equipped with an Active M Differential that monitors throttle inputs, the rotational speed of the wheels and the car’s yaw rates in order to maximize traction.

Thanks in part to the increased use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and aluminum in the body and suspension, the M4 is an impressive 176 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. Contributing to the weight loss are components like the new six-speed manual (-26 lbs.), smaller engine (-22 lbs.) and carbon fiber roof (-13 lbs.).

The Inside Story

Those familiar with the standard 4-Series coupe’s interior will immediately feel at home in the M4. Model-specific cabin upgrades include a unique instrument cluster, a sporty three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, sports seats and carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and on the center console. Naturally, liberal helpings of M badging are also part of the package. A tablet-style 6.5-inch display screen mounted on top of the dashboard displays stereo and vehicle information.

Notable options will include a head-up display, a front collision warning system, full LED headlights, and, on the performance end, lightweight and extra fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes.

The M4 will make its in-the-sheetmetal debut at the North American International Auto Show in January, after which it will ship out to dealership by early summer. Watch for pricing, standard features and the full options list to be released closer to that launch date.

After an image leak early this morning tipped its hand, BMW has published a complete set of details concerning its new-generation M3 performance sedan. Significantly lighter than the outgoing model, the redesigned M3 also gains a torquier and more efficient six-cylinder motor.

Additionally, the Blue Roundel has unveiled the 2015 M3′s sleek two-door counterpart, the M3 Coupe-replacing 2015 BMW M4.

Less is More

In place of its predecessor’s characterful but thirsty 4.0-liter V8, the new M3 uses a downsized 3.0-liter inline-six that relies on twin turbochargers to produce 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque from just 1,850 rpm all the way to 5,500 rpm. Those figures represent gains of 11 ponies and, more importantly, 111 lb-ft of twist compared to the old eight, with peak torque arriving 2,050 rpm earlier.

While official ratings have yet to be released, BMW claims a fuel economy improvement of 25 percent; the 2013 M3 was rated at 14/20 city/highway mpg.

Buyers will continue to have the choice of manual and dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, but both have been redesigned. The standard-equipment six-speed stick features a rev-matched downshift function and helps the sedan to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in a claimed 4.1 seconds, while the seven-speed dual-clutch – which is up a gear over the previous unit – gets launch control and a slightly quicker sprint time of 3.9 seconds. Also part of the septa-cog’s bag of tricks is a “Stability Clutch Control” function that opens one of the clutches in order to quell understeer.

Upgraded M compound brakes on all four corners and a stiffened, track-tuned suspension will keep M3′s newfound power in check. As expected, hydraulic-assist steering gives way to a new, more efficient electric-assist setup with three different effort modes. An optional Adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled dampers also offers a trio of modes, allowing drivers to prioritize ride comfort or handling agility.

All M3s will be equipped with an Active M Differential that keeps tabs on throttle inputs, the rotational speed of the wheels and the car’s yaw rates in order to maximize traction.

Thanks in part to the increased use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and aluminum in the body and suspension, the M3 is an impressive 176 lbs. lighter than before. Contributing to the weight loss are components like the new six-speed manual (-26 lbs.), smaller engine (-22 lbs.) and carbon fiber roof (-11 lbs.).

Looking the Part

Outside, the M3 wears a heavily-sculpted front bumper, a discreet hood bulge and flared fenders all around. Air curtains mounted in the front apron team up with “Air Breathers” – that’s BMW-speak for fender vents – to optimize airflow around the wheel arches and improve aerodynamics. Around back, a diffuser with inset quad tailpipes and a Gurney-style spoiler provide both style and function. Eighteen-inch rims are fitted as standard, while 19-inchers can be specified as an option.

The M3′s cabin is closely modeled after the standard 3-Series, with differences including an M-specific instrument cluster, a sporty three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, sports seats and carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and on the center console. Naturally, liberal helpings of M badging are also part of the package. A tablet-style 6.5-inch display screen mounted on top of the dashboard displays stereo and vehicle information.

Notable options will include a head-up display, a front collision warning system, full LED headlights, and, on the performance end, lightweight and extra fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes.

Following its formal debut next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 2015 M3 will arrive at dealerships in early summer. Expect pricing, standard features and the full options list to be released closer to that launch date.

GM’s recent announcement that it will pull out of Australia in 2017 is causing ripples in the nations’s manufacturing industry. Toyota, the sole remaining automaker to have local production in Oz, says it will face “unprecedented pressure” if it were to continue building cars there as the supplier base shrinks.

It appears Ford’s decision to pull out by 2016 has created a domino effect, in which local suppliers of everything from wiring to paint coating will face uncertain futures. Potential interruptions in the supply chain and issues with the already rising Australian dollar may make it prohibitive for Toyota to continue operation of its Aussie factories.

According to Automotive News, the Australian auto industry has about 150 suppliers and employs 42,000 people. In the same article, GM says it costs about US$3400 more to produce a car in Australia thanks to high labor costs and the aforementioned currency exchange rate.

Some component manufacturers have been planning for this shift, and are looking into military or solar applications. Others have stated they would shut their doors if Toyota were to pull out. Says one supplier representative, “If automotive goes, manufacturing is finished.”

Toyota has been building cars in Australia since 1963, and currently makes the Aurion, Camry and Camry Hybrid models both for local sales and export to 13 markets in Oceania and the Middle East.

Henceforth, sporting Hyundais will be marked with the letter N. The Korean automaker is launching “N” as a performance sub-brand to coincide with the official reveal of its i20 WRC car.

The new moniker will launch with a tie-in to the i20 rally car, featuring prominently with its Shell Helix livery. Additionally, Hyundai promises more factory-produced performance models wearing N badges in the future. The letter N was chosen in honor of Hyundai’s Namyang R&D center, says the automaker, though realistically it also happens to be one of the few remaining letters that hasn’t yet been commandeered by another company.

The i20 WRC was first revealed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, but it was just a prototype car. Since then, Hyundai has formed a fully supported race team to go head to head against more established rivals.

Former Citroen driver Thierry Neuville and former Mini driver Dani Sordo have come on board as the A team for Hyundai-Shell. In addition, Juho Hänninen and Chris Atkinson pilot a second car in select races during the 2014 season.

Performance specs of the i20 WRC weren’t disclosed, but fans will be able to see it in action when it debuts at the 82nd Monte Carlo Rally January 16.

Lamborghini has published a second teaser video that previews the successor to the Gallardo. Tentatively christened Cabrera, Lamborghini’s newest supercar will likely bow sometime next year as a 2015 model.

Like the first film, the latest video sets the stage for the Cabrera’s unveiling and reveals nothing in the way of concrete details, but earlier spy photos indicate the Cabrera will borrow styling cues from the Lamborghini’s Aventador flagship. The Cabrera will also adopt the Aventador’s use of lightweight composites – such as carbon fiber and aluminum – which should result in a significant weight loss compared to the outgoing Gallardo.

Up front, the “eyes” of the bull are exposed, revealing that the Cabrera will adopt the same style of LED daytime running lights as the Aventador. Two large are inlets are also visible in the outer sections of the front bumper, with another scoop located in the center.

Out back we can now see Aventador-inspired taillights, along with quad exhaust outlets. There is also plenty of venting around the Cabrera’s rear haunches to feed its V10 engine, which is expected to produce at least 600 horsepower. The Cabrera will be offered exclusively with an automatic transmission.

Carbon ceramic discs can be seen peeking out from behind the Cabrera’s multi-spoke wheels, indicating the stopping tech will at least be on the car’s option list, if not standard.

Look for the Lamborghini Cabrera to make its auto show debut sometime in 2014.