VIDEO: BMW reveals 500hp M4 GTS ahead of Tokyo

By CARSIFU | 7 October 2015


MUNICH: BMW M GmbH has launched a special edition M4 GTS that lapped the infamous Nürburgring-Nordschleife with a time of 7 minutes 28 seconds.

The new performance car is limited to 700 units and is to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3, which has been in production since 1986.

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The BMW M4 GTS uses a titanium exhaust system that's 20% lighter and is connected to a turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine found in the BMW M3/M4, but adds water injection technology to boost the 3.0-litre powerplant's output to 500hp and 600Nm - giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 3.0kg/hp.

With a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission managing power to the rear wheels, it means the 1,585kg (kerb) M4 GTS is able to catapult to 100kph from standstill in 3.8 seconds while top speed is limited to 305kph.

Furthermore, its Drivelogic shift programs and Launch Control have been retuned specifically to the engine’s increased output.

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The front feature two sets of twin circular headlights with four corona rings that combine LED technology with BMW's Selective Beam (dazzle-free high beam assistant) and Adaptive Headlight, while the rear L-shaped lights uses OLEDs that light up over their full surface with a very homogeneous effect.

Inside, there are a pair of carbon-fibre M bucket seats with Alcantara/Merino leather, which weighs 50% less than standard, while graced with the signature M stripes in the backrests.

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Also following the lightweight carbon fibre ways are the centre console, rear seat panelling, boot area partition and side panel door trims, while the instrument panel bracing tube uses carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic (CFRP).

CFRP has also been applied to the newly designed bonnet, boot lid, roof, rear diffuser, adjustable rear wing and adjustable front splitter.

In place of a rear seat bench, the BMW M4 GTS features a glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) shelf and the M sports steering wheel with a "12 o’clock” marker has been exclusively wrapped in Alcantara.

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It rolls on polished forged light-alloy wheels in star-spoke 666 M Styling are and come in Acid Orange, while wearing 265/35 (19-inch front) and 285/30 (20-inch rear) Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres specifically for the M4 GTS.

Partially hidden by the wheels are the lightweight M carbon ceramic brakes

Suspension is a three-way M coilover that's also specially tuned for the M4 GTS and can be adjusted to individual tastes at different race circuits.

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There's an optional Clubsport Package for avid track-goers and includes a roll bar in Acid Orange behind the front seats, a race-specification six-point harness (not availanle in the US version) and a fire extinguisher.

"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," said BMW M CEO Frank van Meel.

The BMW M4 GTS will debut at the upcoming 2015 Tokyo Motor Show along side the German carmaker’s flagship 7-Series and the X1 Sport Activity Vehicle.




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