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Not arriving until 2027, the all-electric\u00a0upcoming\u00a0version of the high-performance BMW M3 aims to improve driveability with a unique chassis control system.<\/p>\n
Known as the Heart of Joy, the control system is capable of sending variable amounts of power to four motors.<\/p>\n
Frank Weber, head of development at BMW, explained how the Heart of Joy will give the new M3 a unique driving experience.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThis is a controller that has taken the last 20 or 30 years of our experience into a control unit. Everything that is driving-performance related, chassis-control related, propulsion-powertrain related is now in one integrated control unit.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s almost the history of how you control a vehicle that is in that thing. We do it ourselves, we don\u2019t buy it. The software is proprietary. This is why we talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Petrol alternative offers ‘better’ performance<\/strong><\/p>\n Whilst the amount of power offered in the new BMW M3 has yet to be revealed, Frank stated that, in its most powerful form, the Heart of Joy control system can handle 1,341 horsepower.<\/p>\n Its styling will be equally as bold, featuring four thin LED strips for headlamps and a particularly stretched version of the company\u2019s famous kidney grilles.<\/p>\n The next generation BMW M3 will also feature air intakes in the front bumpers, wings, and rear doors.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Speaking to AutoCar, Frank van Meel, boss of the high-performance M-line of BMW, is convinced that the first electric model to bare the name will be a success with fans.<\/p>\n He explained: \u201cThe story of the M3 is everlasting. Every time we change the story of the engine, from four-cylinder to six-cylinder to eight-cylinder to six-cylinder and a turbocharger, the story continues.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe it will go electric \u2013 but if it does, it will always be an M3. Whatever the powertrain, you should always be able to drive our cars and know they are M cars.\u201d<\/p>\n First seen in 1986, BMW had only planned to sell 5,000 M3\u2019s in order for the model to qualify in Group A rallying.<\/p>\n However, with a 0-60mph acceleration time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 146mph, the model quickly gained popularity as a status symbol.<\/p>\n Whilst sales of the model have been on the decline, BMW hope that the switch to electrics will recharge interest in the name.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/24\/590x\/secondary\/bmw-heart-of-joy-4967855.jpg?r=1695161645692\")
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