How about high revving, force fed development of the S65 V8, 600 Nm of torque, 600 hp at 8000 rpm. (similar concept to the McLaren MP4-12C 3.8 V8 engine. Gearbox, double clutch 7-speed
Gertag 7DCI600 able to handle up to 600 Nm. BMW went back from 94 to 92 mm on the bore, perhaps to make it more reliable or perhaps to be able to add forced induction without having to alter the bore.
M3 then moving to a force fed 3 litre inline 6, 450 Nm, 425 hp at 8000 rpm.