A year after the launch of the BMW M4 Coupe, BMW is previewing the more hardcore version of the high-performance model, the M4 GTS.
Scheduled to be unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in pre-production form, the BMW Concept M4 GTS follows in the footsteps of the BMW M3 special models such as the BMW M3 Evolution (1988), BMW M3 Sport Evolution (1990), BMW M3 GT (1995), BMW M3 CSL (2003), BMW M3 GTS (2010) and BMW M3 CRT (2011).
Compared to the standard BMW M4 Coupe, the limited-edition M4 GTS will bring race-derived technology, a power boost and lightweight design measures.
“While the BMW M4 Coupe embodies the ideal combination of motor sport genes and unrestricted everyday usability, the BMW Concept M4 GTS previews an emotionally powerful and exclusive special model conceived with an eye for trailblazing technology and a keen focus on the race track,” said Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division.
Despite the obvious track capabilities, the car is fully road-legal. The Concept M4 GTS showcases new technologies destined to debut in the production model, including the innovative water injection system and rear lights with OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology.
Compared to the standard BMW M4 Coupe, the M4 GTS study features performance-focused design elements such as the manually adjustable front splitter and rear wing – both in exposed carbon. The bonnet is made of CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic), which helps further lower the car’s weight and center of gravity, while the wide front air intake optimizes airflow and minimizes front axle lift.
The Concept M4 GTS is painted Frozen Dark Grey Metallic, with Acid Orange accents on the front splitter and forged light-alloy wheels in 666 M styling. Sized 9.5 J x 19 (front) and 10.5 J x 20 (rear), the wheels are shod with Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres (265/35 R19 at the front, 285/30 R20 at the rear). BMW says the mixed-size tyres “provide the ideal conduit for the stand-out dynamic attributes of the BMW Concept M4 GTS.”
The 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder in-line engine is equipped with the same water injection system from the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car, with the technology providing “a noticeable increase in output and torque.” However, no official figures have been released yet. The engine also features an innovative and effective cooling system consisting of a main radiator plus additional radiators for the high- and low-temperature circuits, transmission and turbocharger.
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