Track-focused, 368kW BMW M4 GTS bows in officially

BMW M4 GTS front quarter

BMW has officially taken the wraps off the M4 GTS ahead of its official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

Built to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the M3, BMW says the M4 GTS has its sights set squarely on the racetrack, with a lap time of 7.28 minutes around the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

At the heart of the M4 GTS is a tweaked version of the M3/M4’s six-cylinder turbocharged in-line engine. Thanks to an innovative water injection system, the 3.0-litre engine produces a substantial 368kW of power and 600Nm of torque – enough to propel the GTS from 0-100km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 305km/h, while returning a claimed 8.3L/100km.

BMW M4 GTS engine

The M4 GTS is mated to a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) as standard. Its Drivelogic shift programs and Launch Control have been retuned to the engine’s increased output.

Lightweight construction also allows the BMW M engineers to limit the car’s DIN kerb weight to 1,510 kilograms (ECE kerb weight: 1,585 kg). Its outstanding weight-to-power ratio of 3.0 kg/hp provides the perfect platform for a highly dynamic driving experience. The rigorous weight-saving measures extend through both the interior and exterior of the car. Inside, carbon-fibre bucket seats, a lightweight centre console, the 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, are clearly visible indications of the designers’ commitment to weight-saving. BMW says the rigorous application of lightweight design can also be seen in details that are out of view. The instrument panel bracing tube is made from lightweight carbon fibre. And on the outside of the car, the newly designed bonnet, roof and adjustable front splitter are also constructed from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The adjustable rear wing, too, is cut from this light but extremely durable high-tech material. It rests on intricate, CNC-machined aluminium mounts fixed to the CFRP boot lid.

BMW M4 GTS rear

Teaming up with the diffuser – again, 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 per cent.

The GTS’ exclusive M light-alloy wheels in star-spoke 666 M Styling are forged and polished, and come in Acid Orange. They are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres measuring 265/35 R19 front and 285/30 R20 rear.

The track focus GTS is suspended on three-way M coilover suspension specially tuned for the M4 GTS. It can be adjusted to individual tastes and 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.

BMW M4 GTS front quarter-5

For those planning to take their M4 GTS to the track, there’s an optional Clubsport Package that includes a roll bar in Acid Orange, a race-specification six-point harness and a fire extinguisher.

Externally, familiar twin circular headlights with four corona rings ensure the best possible illumination of the road surface, thanks to cutting-edge LED (light-emitting diode) technology with BMW Selective Beam (dazzle-free high beam assistant) and Adaptive Headlights.

BMW M4 GTS interior

The L-shaped rear lights features innovative OLED (organic light-emitting diodes) rear lights, which 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.

BMW plans to build just 700 units of the M4 GTS for worldwide consumption.

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