BMW M4 GTS revealed – 500 hp, 600 Nm, 700 units

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The BMW M4 GTS has been revealed as a 700-unit limited edition to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3, which has been with us since 1986.

Described as the M division’s tech showpiece that elevates the M4’s potential to another level, this production car was accurately previewed by the Concept M4 GTS that made recent appearances at Pebble Beach in August and Sepang the following month.

“Special-edition models like the BMW M3 GT, BMW M3 CSL, BMW M3 GTS and BMW M3 CRT have a decades-long tradition in our mid-size line-up – and that continues with the BMW M4. They sharpen the character of the BMW M brand and embody an emotionally rich and exclusive driving experience,” says Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH.

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“We’ve created a sports machine for the race track that delivers top-end dynamics and inspirational performance. It allows us to demonstrate what is possible today with a road-legal car. Owners can drive their M4 GTS to circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, the Nürburgring or Laguna Seca – for clubsport events, for example – and then set lap times there that raise the bar to extremely high levels for road-legal cars,” he added. The M4 GTS laps the Nürburgring in 7.28 minutes.

The M3/M4’s 3.0 litre turbo inline six has been given water injection technology (tested by the 2015 MotoGP Safety Car, more details here) that raises output to 500 hp and 600 Nm from 431 hp and 550 Nm. Despite this, fuel economy and CO2 emissions of the standard car have been maintained at 8.3 litres per 100 km and 194 g/km. 0 to 100 km/h is completed in a mere 3.8 seconds and top speed is limited to 305 km/h.

The seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch gearbox’s Drivelogic shift programs and Launch Control have been retuned to match the engine’s bigger output.

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It’s not just more power but less mass as well, at just 1,510 kg. Rigorous weight-saving measures include carbon-fibre bucket seats; lightweight centre console, rear seat panelling and boot area partition (glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) shelf and rear panel in CF sandwich construction, saves around 40%); lightweight door and side panel trim, including door pull loops in place of solid handles. Out of view things too, like the CF instrument panel bracing tube.

Outside, the newly designed bonnet, roof and adjustable front splitter are shaped from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The adjustable rear wing, too, is cut from this light but durable material. It rests on CNC-machined aluminium mounts fixed to a CFRP boot lid. Teaming up with the CF diffuser, the wing reduces lift at the rear axle. The titanium muffler is 20% lighter and has an “emotionally rich soundtrack”.

The three-way M coilover suspension can be adjusted to individual tastes and demands of different race circuits. Track work will also benefit from M carbon ceramic brakes. Those striking rims are forged star-spoke 666 M Styling items in Acid Orange. They are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres – front 265/35 R19, rear 285/30 R20.

The CF bucket seats are around 50% lighter than regular M4 chairs, but North American market units are fitted with different bucket-style M sports seats (including lightweight backrests with cut-outs) in line with local registration requirements. An optional Clubsport Package includes a roll bar in Acid Orange behind the front seats, a race-spec six-point harness and a fire extinguisher.

Lastly, the headlights are LED adaptive and dazzle-free BMW Selective Beam units, but the L-shaped rear lights are OLED (organic light-emitting diodes, previewed by the M4 Concept Iconic Lights from CES 2015) units making their series-production debut.

OLEDs, which are just 1.4 mm in height are a new kind of light source that light up over their full surface with a very homogeneous effect – unlike LED units, which emit their light in the form of points. This opens up fresh possibilities for lighting concepts, as exhibited by the rather elaborate design of the M4 GTS’ rear lights.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Fair driver on Oct 07, 2015 at 10:22 am

    Wow Wow Wow….. this is a real deal machine….not a cheating cheating dieselgate car…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 0
    • DonkeyKong on Oct 07, 2015 at 11:28 am

      This is a junk. Proton produces better cars that trash. We Malaysans must change ur perception towards Proton and embrace our national pride.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 19
  • beastie on Oct 07, 2015 at 10:24 am

    stunning, from interior to exterior. the only thing that i dislike imo is the rims.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Is it me or the BMW M3 GTS looks gorgeous? Love the combination of Frozen Dark Grey with Acid Orange.. And look at the tail lights..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Oct 07, 2015 at 10:57 am

    This is one fast track car, it’s as quick as the 458 Italia around the ring and of the 700 units, 300 is reserved for the US of A!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Kenneth Fook on Oct 07, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Still a 6 cylinder loser. =( BMW, where dem V8?!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 11
    • If I can slap you with one hand, why should I use another hand?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
    • Annoynimouse on Oct 07, 2015 at 10:49 pm

      Nah! I prefer the straight six over the V8. The one in the CSL is addictive…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • DPCraft on Oct 07, 2015 at 11:33 am

    The new taillights design looks like hyundai :(

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
  • If I’m not mistaken, that tail lights is using laser similar like the one shown in the BMWxAUDI show. or just search youtube.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • tiny wing

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • superdriver on Oct 07, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    This is the car that makes a man go sluuurrrppp….drool.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • JackChaiVoonChoon on Oct 07, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    Should I change my BMW i8 to this new BMW M4 GTS?But I dislike like V6.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • You dislike the V6, this is I6 not V6 read before you comment.
      BMW i8 is I3, you own a I3 and dislike V6?? are you short of Ubat or what?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Kupang Boy on Oct 07, 2015 at 10:51 pm

      Why would you want to change? No money to buy the car?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Can it beat Alfa Romeo Giulia fastest lap time on Nurburgring? ;)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 6
  • JackChaiVoonChoon on Oct 07, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    Should I change my gorgeous BMW i8 to this BMW M4 GTS.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
 

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