Say hello to the
new-generation BMW M4 Coupe, albeit in prototype form. Spotted by our spy photographers while it
was being unloaded from a truck, the car is heavily camouflaged and not willing
to show anything important. The grille remains hidden beneath plastic cladding,
yet we expect it to be larger than on the current model.
Elsewhere,
the model-specific body kit consists of bigger bumpers, wider air intakes at
the front, bulkier side skirts and a ducklid spoiler. These, along with the
quad exhaust pipes, M wheels and badges, re-tuned chassis, high-performance
brakes and a few other extras will help it stand out over the regular 4-Series
Coupe.
If
you won’t see it coming, then you most definitely hear it, thanks to its
sonorous 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six. The engine that already powers the
latest X3 M and X4 M, pumping out 473 and 503 horsepower in the regular and
Competition specs, respectively, will also be shared with the next-gen M4
Convertible and M3 Sedan.
The
latter was already confirmed with a rear-wheel drive option and manual
transmission, so the two-door models should follow the same route. The rest of
the lineup will enjoy an M-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive system, similar to the
one found in the new M5, and an auto ‘box. CS and CSL versions are also in the
cards and might expand to the upcoming M4s. These premium compact sports models
will premiere towards the end of 2020, and full production will reportedly
start the following year.
