The next BMW M3 (F80/F82 body codes), or M4, will be yet another highly anticipated vehicle to come out of Germany sporting the infamous BMW roundel. According to recent reports, Ludwig Willisch, President of BMW North America, has confirmed to BimmerPost.com that the next BMW M3/M4 will incorporate an inline 6-cylinder engine.

The new inline 6-cylinder will replace the current high-revving 4.0-liter V8 engine in the M3. The new inline-6 unit will have a displacement of around 3.0-liters along with forced induction from twin or tri-turbo technology. Power output from the new engine should be around 444 horsepower with a vehicle weight lighter than the current M3.

BMW’s new naming strategy (M3 or M4) will make room for a new 2-Series and M2. Since BMW is already testing the new M3/M4, we should expect to see an official reveal sometime in late 2013 or early 2014.