Next petrol BMW M3 breaks cover – and it could offer a manual ‘box

The combustion-engined version of the next-generation BMW M3 has surfaced in tests at the Nürburgring – and the super-saloon could continue to offer a manual gearbox.

Speaking to Autocar at last week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, BMW M boss Frank van Meel said the division’s petrol performance cars will offer manuals for “as long as possible”.