We knew it was coming, but BMW officially introduced the BMW M3 and M4 to the public at the North American International Auto Show.

Both cars share the same 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged motor capable of producing 425-horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Owners will have the choice of purchasing their new M in either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or the more conventional manual.

While BMW managed to improve the performance of the cars over their predecessors, weight has also been reduced. The new M4 is 176 pounds lighter than the M3 coupe its replacing.

With the DCT transmission, the M4 is capable of reaching 100 km in roughly 4 seconds, while the manual will reach that speed in 4.2 sec.

What makes these new models especially exciting is the new track-specification cooling system, which ensures that both the M3 and M4 are continuously driving at optimum engine, turbo and transmission temperatures. Some of this is achieved through the new air intake system which includes a indirect intercooler that maximizes charge pressure and engine output.