The BMW M4 GTS: Motorsport expertise delivers the ultimate driving machine
Ultra-desirable, lightweight performance models have always been part of the BMW philosophy. These limited-edition M-badged cars always deliver the ultimate in sports-oriented design, power with efficiency and precise driving dynamics. Today, that family lineage welcomes its latest member – the all-new BMW M4 GTS.
Quite simply, it is the fastest production road car the brand has ever offered to customers. Developed and tested extensively at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, it has recorded a lap time of 7mins 28 secs – almost 30 seconds quicker than a standard M4.
Unique exterior design elements demonstrate the performance credentials of the car, and include the world premiere of BMW’s Organic Light with LED (OLED) lighting technology on a series-production model. Inside, the rear bench has been completely removed to save weight, leaving two carbon-fibre sports seats.
Under the bonnet is an enhanced version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine, tuned to deliver 500hp. The result is a car which accelerates from zero to 62mph in only 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed limited to 190mph.
With its intelligent lightweight design, the new BMW M4 GTS has a kerb weight of only 1,510kg. It has been engineered to provide a truly authentic motorsport-derived driving experience, agile and potent in every way. With precision handling and unprecedented levels of feedback, it is focused on track use, but meets all global regulations for use on public roads.
The car’s one-year production run will see just 700 examples built worldwide, with UK sales of 30 units. That equates to four per cent of the total, making Britain the fourth-largest market.
The M4 GTS will make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on 28 October
2015. Production will begin in March 2016 with launch scheduled for June 2016. The UK price is £121,770 OTR.
M Cars: Setting the pace in the sports car class over five decades
Founded in 1972 under its original name of BMW Motorsport GmbH, BMW’s performance-oriented M division has a proud and successful history of limited-edition models. That began in 1988 with the launch of M3 Evolution, and continued with the BMW M3 Sport Evolution (1990), the BMW M3 GT (1995), the BMW M3 CSL (2003), the BMW M3 GTS (2010) and the BMW M3 CRT (2011).
With a new naming strategy in place for the mid-size coupé, the lineage continues with the new BMW M4 GTS. It is a car for passionate and enthusiastic drivers, a state-of-the-art showcase of the engineering expertise of the M team. Boasting powerful, motor sport-inspired looks and high-performance innovations in powertrain, chassis and lightweight construction the M4 GTS has its sights set squarely on the race track. A lap time of 7 mins 28 secs minutes around the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife is a clear statement of its exceptional abilities.
Limited to 700 units, the largest market will be the USA, accounting for 43 per cent of production. This car marks the first time that a high-performance special edition in the M3/M4 model range has made available in the important North American market.
Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, commented: “Special-edition models like the 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 GTS.
He continued: “These cars sharpen the character of the BMW M brand and embody an emotionally rich and exclusive driving experience. We’ve taken a radical route with the set-up of the BMW M4 GTS to create 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.”
