BMW M has just taken the wraps off its BMW M4 GTS! It’s a special edition, limited to just 700 units to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3, which has been in production since 1986.
Previewed as the M4 GTS Concept at the Sepang International Circuit recently, the production car remains unchanged showcasing the brand’s two industry firsts, the Water Injection System that provides a substantial power boost and the OLED (Organic Lights with LED) tail lamps.
Powering the M4 GTS is a 6-cylinder in-line turbocharged engine from the BMW M3/M4, but adds the aforementioned water injection technology to give the 3.0-litre unit a substantial power boost. The water injection system raises the engine’s output significantly to 500 hp and increases torque to 600 Nm. As a result, the M4 GTS races from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds and hits a limited top speed of 305 km/h, instead of the usual 250.
The standard-fitted 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) selects the optimum ratio for every driving situation with no interruption in the flow of power as it makes its way to the rear wheels. The driver can also select gears manually using either shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever. The Drivelogic shift programs and Launch Control have been retuned to the engine’s increased output.
The weight-minimised, exclusive M light-alloy wheels in star-spoke 666 M Styling are forged and polished, and come in Acid Orange. They are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (front: 265/35 R19, rear: 285/30 R20) which are adapted specifically to the BMW M4 GTS.
The three-way M coilover suspension specially tuned for the BMW M4 GTS can be adjusted to individual tastes and therefore also to the demands of different race circuits. The lightweight M carbon ceramic brakes offer a well-defined pressure point and ensure outstanding deceleration even under sustained heavy loads, such as at the limit on the race track.
Inside, the M4 GTS features carbon-fibre bucket seats, a lightweight centre console, a lightweight construction of the rear seat panelling and boot area partition, and special lightweight door and side panel trim, including door pull loops in place of solid door handles.
And on the outside of the car, the newly designed bonnet, roof and adjustable front splitter as well as the adjustable rear wing are also constructed from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
Teaming up with the diffuser made from carbon fibre below the rear bumper, the rear wing optimises the flow of air and reduces lift at the rear axle. The exhaust system has a titanium muffler, which allows a weight saving of 20%.
The familiar two sets of twin circular headlights with four corona rings ensure the best possible illumination of the road surface. They combine LED (light-emitting diode) technology with BMW Selective Beam (dazzle-free high beam assistant) and Adaptive Headlights.
The L-shaped rear lights are just as distinctive as the design of the headlights thanks to the innovative OLED rear lights which will make their series-production debut in the BMW M4 GTS. OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) 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. The flat design of OLEDs (they measure just 1.4 millimetres in height) and the ability to trigger individual light modules separately open up fresh possibilities for lighting concepts and exudes the presence of exceptional precision. As such, the tail lights underline the width of the rear end, lend the car an even more eye-catching and powerful appearance and ensure it cuts a stand-out figure in both the light and dark.
As mentioned earlier, the M4 GTS is limited to only 700 units worldwide with the US market grabbing 300 of these beast. It will also make its public debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show at the end of this month. AF will be there at TMS 2015, so stay tuned for more!
