Visit the roads that lead up to the Nurburgring and
if you’re lucky, you might actually spot some BMW prototypes, since the
automaker’s M Division has a test center in the area. This latest discovery, courtesy
of our eagle-eyed spy photographers, sees the all-new 2020 M4 Cabriolet finally
getting its day in the sun. The car is unfortunately heavily camouflaged
(inside and out), making out details regarding its design is quite tricky.
Much like that convertible 2020 4-Series prototype
spotted back in April, the M4 version also switches from a hard-top design like
on the outgoing model, to a soft-top system – a solution that is easier and
cheaper to manufacture, and also weights significantly less. In the case of the current M4
Cabriolet, the hard-top makes it about 229 kg heavier than the Coupe,
so a reduction in weight on that front would be much appreciated. In addition,
a folding soft-top will also improve luggage space, so in the end, everybody
wins.
This M4 Cabriolet prototype is equipped with wider
fenders, larger air intakes, chunkier bumpers, bigger wheels and brakes, plus a
quad-pipe exhaust system. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the
current-gen model, seen as how it will employ BMW’s latest design language,
which is a lot edgier than before – for better or for worse.
Whether it’s the M4 or the M3, they will both
reportedly utilize the same 3.0-liter twin turbocharged straight-six unit from
the latest X3 M and X4 M models, meaning 473 HP – or 48 HP more than
their predecessors. As for peak torque, that comes down to 598 Nm.
We could also likely see Competition versions of both the M3 and M4, which
could mean 503 HP if the previously-mentioned M-powered crossovers are
anything to go by.
It’s also been reported that in base spec, the M3/M4
combo will be available with a rear-wheel drive setup, although all-wheel drive
could be offered optionally. As for the interior of the M4 Cabriolet, we only need to take what we
know about the 2020 4-Series’ cabin and add a sportier steering wheel, sports
seats, perhaps some carbon fiber inserts and so on. The all-new BMW M4 is expected to
be unveiled circa mid-2020 as both a Coupe and a Convertible.
