… And it’s coming to the US!
Not too long ago, BMW released their M4 GTS Concept with track-focused engineering, innovative OLED light technology, and advanced Water Injection System. Almost all of the highlights seen on the concept have carried over to the production car, and the new BMW M4 GTS is finally coming over to the United States!
“Special Edition models 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. Owners can drive their BMW 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.” says Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH.
The new 2016 BMW M4 GTS is the first production vehicle to utilize a Water Injection System. The system shoots a fine spray of water into the intake manifold that helps to lower the temperature of the intake air by up to 80-degrees Fahrenheit, allowing for higher boost pressure and compression ratios.
The 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six cylinder is very similar to the unit found in the standard BMW M4, however a few small yet effective internal modifications make for a more reliable and more powerful motor capable of sustained track usage. In total, the engine produces 493 bhp at 6,250 RPM and 442 lb-ft. of torque from 4,000 to 5,500 RPM – an increase of 16- and 10-percent over the standard M4, respectively. The increase in power is audible as well thanks to the new exhaust system with lightweight titanium muffler and quad 80-mm tailpipes with laser-engraved M logos.
The muscular output is sent through the seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic (M DCT) with manual mode and launch control in the 2016 BMW M4 GTS. Three selectable shift settings, rev-matching, and other electronic features work with the Active M rear differential with hollow output shafts, and single-piece driveshaft made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for incredible performance. In the new BMW M4 GTS, accelerating to 60 mph from rest takes only 3.7 seconds to complete while top speed is all the way back at 189.5 mph. A lap of the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife takes a mere 7-minutes, 28-seconds at the hands of a skilled driver.
Beneath the sheetmetal of the BMW M4 GTS is a chassis that’s designed to slice corners using as little weight as possible. Lightweight control arms, play-free ball joints, double-joint spring-strut design, and more cuts over 10 pounds at the front axle. Forged aluminum makes up the rear control arms and wheel carriers to cut an additional six pounds of weight. Adjustability was a point of emphasis as well and is seen in the three-way adjustable coilover suspension with adjustable compression and rebound at low and high speeds.
Beneath the flared fenders of the 2016 BMW M4 GTS sit forged M-star wheels in Acid Orange. A wide 9.5J x 19 front and 10.5J x 20 rear staggered setup is used for enhanced steering and handling while 265/35 R19 and 285/30 R20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires provide all sorts of grip.
Weight was also cut in the form of new M carbon ceramic brakes made from carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbinde (C/SiC). Gold-painted six-piston calipers shine proudly up front while four-piston calipers with the M-logo sit at the rear. The system helps to improve overall performance by reducing rotating mass and offers a fade-free, long-lasting solution to hardcore stopping.
Engineers didn’t stop at the brakes; they gave the 2016 BMW M4 GTS all sorts of lightweight goodies inside and out. A CFRP roof sheds 13 pounds, a CFRP ventilated hood with power dome is 25-percent lighter than the standard M4’s hood; the trunklid is made from CFRP and plastic; the three-way adjustable rear spoiler is also constructed from CFRP with CNC milled aluminum struts. Each aerodynamic component also features a carbon fiber construction to keep weight down while also generating downforce and improving cooling.
Another innovation on the BMW M4 GTS is the use of OLED (organic light-emitting diodes) at the rear. The rear lighting is made up of the OLEDs, which measure a mere 1.4 mm in height and can trigger individual light modules separately. This allows for a three-dimensional depth and more creativity with light designs.
Inside, weight savings and motorsports was the theme for the BMW M4 GTS. Both front seats are bucket-style M units in Alcantara with backrest cutouts to shed a few pounds. An asymmetrical center console is 30-percent lighter than its traditional counterpart. Both of the rear seats were also removed and replaced with a glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) trim with carbon sandwich bulkhead, while a steel roll bar sits between to improve structural rigidity. Behind the two front seats also sits a fire extinguisher with two kilograms of solution within reach of both driver and passenger.
An M-sports steering wheel covered in anthracite-colored Alcantara faces the driver with an Acid Orange 12-o’clock marker similar to racing units. Alcantara adorns much of the interior with Acid Orange stitching and highlights while carbon fiber trim pieces cut weight. BMW engineers even went as far as to replace the traditional door handles with fabric pulls to save weight.
The new 2016 BMW M4 GTS will be strictly limited to 700 units worldwide with 300 of them being available for the first time in the United States.
2016 BMW M4 GTS Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-six
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 493 bhp at 6,250 RPM
Maximum Torque: 442 lb-ft. from 4,000 to 5,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic (M DCT)
Differential: Multi-plate, limited slip Active M Differentail with hollow output shafts
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
Top Speed: 189.5 mph
2016 BMW M4 GTS Gallery
Source: BMW
Would you like to take the new BMW M4 GTS to the Nürburgring-Nordschleife?
