Summer can’t come fast enough.
For most of the United States, the snow is finally starting to melt or at least there is some kind of end in sight. To go along with those rising temperatures, BWM has unveiled the new 2015 M4 Convertible that will officially drop its top at the 2014 New York International Auto Show this month.
The new BMW M4 Convertible promises to have all the driving pleasure of the M4 Coupe with the open-top experience of a convertible. The German automaker has taken steps to reduce weight in all the right places and added some innovations to make the drive more enjoyable than ever before in the previous M3 Convertibles.
The all-new twin-turbocharged S55B30 3.0-liter provides all the trust at high RPMs and fills the cabin with a beautiful inline-six engine sound. Thanks to BMW’s M TwinPower technology and all sorts of other high-tech wizardry, the engine throws out 425 horsepower from 5,500 to 7,300 RPM and 406 lb-ft. from 1,850 to 5,500 RPM. That power is sent to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT dual-clutch gearbox, allowing the BMW M4 Convertible to reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds or 4.2 seconds, respectively.
Dynamics are still the name of the game in the BMW M4 Convertible. The convertible comes standard with the Active M Differential to ensure maximum traction at the rear wheels as well as an electromechanical steering system to provide superb feedback and steering response. Bringing things to a halt are M compound brakes while the potent M carbon ceramic brakes and their gold-painted calipers can be had as an option. Also available is the nimble Adaptive M suspension with three different modes to suit any driving style.
As with all convertibles, weight was a concern and BMW took all the necessary steps to keep it to a minimum. The new BMW M4 Convertible is even about 90 lbs. lighter than its M3 predecessor, as it comes in at 4,055 lbs. This was achieved thanks to the use of an aluminum hood and front fenders as well as numerous chassis components. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) is also used throughout the car such as with the driveshaft and strut brace in the engine compartment.
All of the striking new design and styling cues of the F82 BMW M4 Coupe are used throughout the M4 Convertible. The commanding “power dome” hood, air curtains, kidney bean grille, twin headlights, and muscular proportions all create an intimidating presence on the M4 Convertible. BMW opted to use a three-piece retractable hardtop with a sound-deadening headliner that reduces noise by up to 2 dB. The roof can be retracted or deployed at speeds of 11 mph and takes just 20 seconds to perform the operation. The U.S. will also receive a redesigned wind block that is lighter and more effective than previous components.
Inside the BMW M4 Convertible’s cabin are all the fun motorsports-oriented goodies we’ve come to expect. The front bucket-style M sports seats feature three-temperature neck warmers and illuminated M logos on the backrests. BMW M components adorn the entire interior from the steering wheel and gauges to the door sills and floor mats. BMW’s ConnectedDrive technology and driving aids are all available to tinker with an optional Heads-Up Display providing M-specific functions like gear display, tachometer, and Optimum Shift indicators on the windshield.
The new BMW M4 Convertible will carry on with the 26-year history of the M3 Convertibles in the automaker’s lineup. The new 2015 M4 Convertible will make its official debut at the 2014 New York International Auto Show and be available in the U.S. at dealers in the summer.
2015 BMW M4 Convertible Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-six
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 425 from 5,500 to 7,300 RPM
Maximum Torque: 406 lb-ft. from 1,850 to 5,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual (std.) / Seven-speed DCT (optional)
Drive: Rear-wheel
Differential: Standard Active M Differential
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds (manual) / 4.2 seconds (DCT)
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
2015 BMW M4 Convertible Gallery
Source: BMW
Would you choose the BMW M4 Convertible over the M4 Coupe?
