M4 GTS Concept

[mstmng]

BMW has a reputation of releasing uprated M3s over the years, going all the way back to the legendary E30 of the ’80s and early ’90s. With some rare, watered-down exceptions, though — the E46 ZCP and E92 Lime Rock Park Edition, for instance — they haven't made it to the US. That changes with the new M4 GTS, being shown in concept form at Pebble Beach this week.

Like the last-generation M3 GTS, the Concept M4 GTS is focused on shaving weight and boosting power to help transform the car from a road machine into a road-track hybrid. It looks like BMW isn't talking exact numbers yet, but the GTS will get a boost over the standard M4's 425 horsepower thanks to water injection, which sprays a fine mist into the engine's intake manifold. That keeps it cooler, which allows the turbocharger to operate at higher boost without compromising reliability. (M3 engines have generally been reliable over the years, apart from a nasty issue early in the E46's run that eventually got fixed.)

Other performance-oriented changes on the GTS include a hood made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) — the same strong, ultra-lightweight material used extensively on the i3 and i8 — instead of aluminum, and a manually adjustable splitter and wing. (And, goodness, what a wing it is.)

The car is painted in a menacing, matte dark gray trimmed with orange, just to make sure everyone on the road realizes you're not driving a workaday M4. In back, the concept is fitted with the OLED taillights that BMW has been touting lately, though it's not clear whether they'll make it to the production model.

There's no word yet on exactly when this is going on sale, but it'll be a limited-production affair — so be ready to get your deposit in very, very quickly.

[FLOMACKS]

I really want this to be a good car for them. They're dying for something that can re-engage the enthusiasts.

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by FLOMACKS

I really want this to be a good car for them. They're dying for something that can re-engage the enthusiasts.

I couldn't have said it better. BMW really needs something to contend with their competitors. Seems like this new M4 GTS and the new M2 should keep BMW in the game for a little while. At least until the 2018/2019 C63 AMG Coupe Black Series comes out.

[SocalBM]

Vomited. Twice.

[clar]

Damn that ricey wing

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by clar

Damn that ricey wing

+1

[Hoopumpers]

meh

[HXS]

If that wing was a few inches lower (maybe half an inch on top of the trunk), it would look soooo much better.

[FLOMACKS]

Yeah, they fucked it up.

[gmfive]

That wing needs to go, it does not belong on a BMW. I have a similar opinion of the 991 GT3's wing though it's slightly better.

[clar]

Those fugly wheels looked like from their old design in the 90's. Damn slackers.