At
the Pebble Beach Concours d’Élégance this summer, BMW granted us a first look at an upcoming higher-performance
version of the M4, the
M4 GTS. Far from being another high-powered derivative for collectors, this
special edition is a real technology showcase.
The
M4 GTS features two BMW-claimed firsts: a water-injection system
designed to sharply increase power, and OLED (organic LED) taillights, a
technology that will underscore BMW’s charge forward in lighting technology.
The
unique water-injection system cools down the intake temperature, allowing for
an even higher boost pressure. We have explained the
system in detail;
the takeaway is that it increases efficiency and high-end power significantly.
In the case of the M4’s S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six, maximum power rises
from 425 horsepower at 5500 rpm to 493 horsepower, available at 6250 rpm.
Maximum torque, which is 406 lb-ft (from 1850 to 5500 rpm) on the regular M4,
rises to 442 lb-ft, available from 4000 to 5500 rpm.
Remarkably,
fuel consumption remains identical at least in the European cycle. Performance,
on the other hand, increases noticeably: The sprint from zero to 60 mph
now takes 3.7 seconds instead of the regular M4’s 3.9 seconds (factory figures). Top
speed, which is limited to 155 mph on the M4, rises to a governed 189.5
mph on the GTS, as the press release notes meticulously. The M4 GTS comes with
a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic only; the regular model’s slick-shifting
six-speed manual won’t be offered.
BMW’s
M GmbH has also revised the chassis significantly: There is a three-way,
manually adjustable coil-over suspension, and the anti-roll bars and supporting
mounts have been tweaked. The steering column now does without an elastic
section, and the power assist has been retuned. The front camber setting is
adjusted, too, along with the active rear differential. The M4 GTS rolls on
265/35R-19 rubber up front and 285/35R-20 in the rear; the wheels are called
“666M.” Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard.
The
radical nature of the M4 GTS is visible in its lightweight technology, as well.
It surpasses the already impressive level of the regular M4, which is massively
changed from the standard 4-series. The rear seats are deleted, the center
console and door panels are far lighter, and straps replace the interior door
handles.
BMW
has scrapped the M4’s aluminum front hood for a carbon-fiber unit; the costly
material is also used for the adjustable rear wing, the rear diffuser, and the
front splitter. A titanium exhaust system delivers a soundtrack that is “highly
emotional.”
The
list of equipment includes a roll bar and a fire extinguisher. It unfortunately
doesn’t include the carbon-fiber seats fitted in other markets. U.S.
regulations require the installment of more conventional sports seats.
Although
the M4 GTS is designed for highly skilled drivers and ready for the track, it
does include features that most buyers prefer not to live without, such as
electronic parking assist and navigation.
Celebrating 30 years of the M3, this M4 is the purest BMW on the market right
now. Pricing has not been announced yet. Nevertheless, with just 700 units
being made globally, and 300 of those earmarked for the States.
