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Bimmer M3/M4 Cars Give Carbon Fiber the Shaft

BMW AG’s M3 and M4 performance cars are shifting from lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) driveshafts to traditional steel units to allow the installation of particulate filters to help meet tougher emissions requirements.

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BMW AG’s M3 and M4 performance cars are shifting from lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) driveshafts to traditional steel units to allow the installation of particulate filters to help meet tougher emissions requirements.

Despite being heavier, the steel driveshafts are thinner and thus take up less space than their CFRP counterparts. Performance is said to be equivalent.

The steel shafts will debut on the M3 sport sedan and M4 coupe this autumn. The track-oriented M4 CS and M4 GTS models will continue to be fitted with CFRP driveshafts.

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