Those who grew up dreaming of a BMW M3 probably did not imagine that the day would come when the model would begin to say goodbye to the traditional engine and manual transmission. But that moment already has a date marked. BMW confirmed that the current generation of the M3, known internally as the G80, will end its cycle in 2027 and will not have direct continuity until 2028.

Read also: Brutal! Ferrari reveals its first electric car with 1,050 horsepower

The news especially hit the most purist fans because this stage of the M3 still keeps alive a recipe that practically disappeared in the industry. Six-cylinder biturbo, rear-wheel drive and manual transmission option. A combination that today seems almost an endangered species.

You can read: Volkswagen launches a rival to the Tesla Model 3 for $15,000 dollars

The German brand had already been preparing the ground with the launch of the M3 CS Handschalter, a special edition developed for North America that functions as a final tribute to the classic BMW M sports car.

The last great M3 with traditional essence

The M3 CS Handschalter represents exactly what many enthusiasts feel is disappearing. It has a six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and the well-known 3.0-liter biturbo inline six-cylinder engine.

BMW will produce this version in very small quantities. Only 40 units will arrive in Canada and the volume for the United States will also be limited, something that practically makes it a future collector's item from day one.

The price will not be affordable for everyone either. It starts at approximately $108,450 before adding options or additional packages. Those who want to enter the manual M3 universe will still be able to opt for less extreme variants that start around $80,650.

The next M3 will change completely

Even if this generation disappears, BMW will not abandon the M3 name. What will radically change will be the concept of the car.

The future generation will be built on the Neue Klasse platform and will coexist with combustion variants and even a completely electric version. According to first reports, the next M3 with a thermal engine will continue to use a six-cylinder biturbo, although accompanied by mild-hybrid technology to comply with stricter environmental regulations.

The real leap will come with the new electric M3. Internally known as ZA0, this sports sedan will use four electric motors and a battery greater than 100 kWh net capacity.

BMW is even working on systems capable of simulating gear changes and generating artificial sounds inspired by V10 engines to try to maintain part of the emotional experience.

The manual transmission enters a critical area

Beyond electrification, there is another detail that greatly worries BMW M followers. Everything indicates that the manual transmission's days are numbered within the sports division.

Brand executives recognized that developing new manual transmissions is becoming less and less profitable due to the low level of demand and the technical limitations compared to modern automatic transmissions.

Currently BMW still maintains manual options on models like the M2 and M4, but both would also have an expiration date before the end of the decade.

The head of BMW M himself admitted that it will be “very difficult” to see a new generation of manual boxes in the coming years. That phrase ended up reinforcing a feeling that was already circulating among fans. Today's sports cars could be the last truly analog BMW M.

The German brand promises that the next M3 will be faster, more efficient and much more technologically advanced. There will be configurable traction systems, modes that imitate rear propulsion and even accelerations greater than any previous M3.

Even so, for many fans that is not enough to replace the mechanical sensation of a six-cylinder associated with a clutch pedal.