BMW M4 debut delayed to early 2014; likely to drop manual gear box

BMW M badge cars have gone through a reshuffling in its hierarchy which resulted in the company dropping the M3 badge for its performance sports coupes based on the 3 Series.  The extravagant saga before the official unveil, culminated at the recent Pebble Beach where the near finished M4 prototype was on display. Though the prototype promises to uphold the M badge honour, the details of the production model may not be overwhelming.

To begin with, the smoke about its possible launch at this year’s LA Motor Show has been cleared and news has emerged that BMW has scheduled the launch for next year’s Detroit Auto Show. If that news took you aback, the next one might be even little harder to take in. Sources have confirmed that the next iconic M4 (a name that we are still only getting used to), will drop the manual box and opt for a dual clutch auto box as standard. Disheartening news for the purists, it shows a changing trend in the performance focused auto sector with the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 also opting for the PDK gear box in the name of performance.

Nonetheless, we are hoping that when the car is officially launched, it will offer us enough adrenalin to deal with the extent of changes. BMW are also believed to be playing their cards close to the chest regarding the underpinnings, the glimpses we get from the prototype don’t make us what to think otherwise.

Source: Autoblog