Face of next BMW M3 caught while testing

Behold our first clear glimpse at the 2014 BMW M3. Photographers spotted the high performance sedan undergoing hot-weather testing in Death Valley. Engineers peeled back a slab of heavy nose cladding for the first time, revealing the machine's menacing lower valance and headlamps. The design features sizable air intakes down low, and it looks as if a new hood is part of the recipe as well. If these photos are any indication, the M3 will continue to boast a prominent power bulge for the next model year.

Massive drilled rotors and similarly potent-looking calipers are part of the song and dance, which is a good thing. BMW has made it clear the 2014 M3 will bow with a forced induction inline six in place of the current model's fire-breathing high-rev V8. Even so, we don't expect to see a reduction in power or performance.