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For what has seemed like years now, enthusiasts have been speculating what kind of power BMW’s next M3 would have. Well, speculate no further, as BMW has finally announced official numbers and specifications of the new M3’s powerplant.

The new M3 will be powered by a 420hp 4.0 liter V8 engine with a peak torque figure of 400Nm (295lb-ft). This powerplant is actually based on the 5.0L V10 found in the current M5 and M6 models. As expected, the new M3 will be a high-revver, with a redline of 8,300rpm and peak torque at 3,900rpm.

But this isn’t one of your typical high revving engines, as it isn’t gutless off the bottom end. BMW claims that 85% of the M3’s torque is availble over a speed range of 6,500rpm thanks to the Double Vanos technology. In addition, BMW has employed several lightweight materials in the engine’s construction, and results in a V8 that is lighter than the straight-six found in the E46 M3.

I don’t know about you, but this engine sounds like an absolute riot. Who knows, it might be enough to make me forget that the new M3 looks like it was designed by ex-APC and Wings West employees.

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Full press release after the jump…

Description in Brief.
• First eight-cylinder for the BMW M3 sports car.
• Supreme performance ensured by 309 kW/420 hp from 4.0 litres.
• Maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres (295 lb-ft) at 3, 900 rpm, 85 per cent of maximum torque over a speed range of 6,500 rpm.
• Unique thrust and muscle ensured by consistent implementation of the M high-speed engine concept, maximum engine speed 8,300 rpm.
• Consistent lightweight construction of engine and ancillary units, new V8 power unit one of the lightest eight-cylinders in the world, lighter than the straight-six power unit in the former model.
• Variable camshaft control, low-pressure double-VANOS for an optimum charge cycle, system offering full power and performance even with normal engine oil pressure.
• Eight individual throttle butterflies for spontaneous engine response.
• Consistent and reliable oil supply with longitudinal and lateral acceleration up to 1.4 g ensured by two oil pumps and wet sump oil lubrication optimised for supreme dynamic behaviour.
• Exhaust system optimising cylinder charge, optimised for weight and function by means of internal high-pressure remoulding,
exhaust emissions fulfil EU4 and LEV 2 standards.
• Upgraded MSS60 engine control unit for optimum coordination of all engine functions with the various control systems in the car.
• Ion flow technology recognising and distinguishing engine knocking phenomena as well as misfiring and miscombustion by measurement of ion flow in the combustion chambers.
• Brake Energy Regeneration with intelligent alternator control.