Sub-$300k for limited edition BMW M4 GTS

Building on the spirit of the BMW E46 M3 CSL, the new, limited-edition BMW M4 GTS is the powered-up, track-focused variant of the M4. Its iconic status is assured by the brand’s latest thinking in lightweight construction and racetrack engineering, while simultaneously increasing power output.

“The BMW M4 GTS is a sports car radically designed for superior dynamics and breath-taking performance on the race track,” said Frank van Meel, Chief Executive Officer of BMW M GmbH.

“This is our way of demonstrating what is possible with a road-legal vehicle today.”

Despite the hefty $295,000 (plus on roads) BMW wants for each M4 GTS, all 25-unit (out of 700 global production) Australian allocation has already been spoken for. Deliveries for this road-going race car are expected from September.

BMW M has further honed the remarkable 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged straight-six found in the M3 and M4 via the addition of a water injection system.

A world first for a production car, the M4 GTS draws from a five-litre water tank (mounted in the luggage compartment floor) to spray water mist into the engine’s air intake collector. Capable of reducing combustion chamber temperatures by around 25 degrees Celsius, the water injection system allows more efficient combustion, enabling higher charging pressure (from 2.2 to 2.5bar) and an earlier ignition point.

Successfully tested on the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car in 2015, this innovative system contributes to a peak power output of 368kW at 6250rpm and 600Nm from 4000-5500rpm, up from the standard car’s 317kW / 550Nm.

Paired exclusively to a seven-speed M DCT double-clutch transmission, the M4 GTS is capable of hitting 100km/h from standstill in just 3.8 seconds, thanks to an integrated launch control system. Top speed is a rousing 305km/h.

Weighing only 1510kg, the BMW M4 GTS is 30kg lighter than a regular BMW M4 fitted with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission.

The weight savings come from extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the M4 GTS’ construction. In addition to the CFRP roof (already seen on the M3 and M4), the M4 GTS gains a CFRP bonnet, which is 25 per cent lighter than an aluminium equivalent and contributes to a lower centre of gravity.

The strong, lightweight material is also used for the rear diffuser, front splitter and rear wing (on aluminium mounts).

Contributing further to the weight reduction are a titanium quad-exhaust system, carbon-ceramic brake discs and staggered M light alloy wheels, measuring 19 inches up-front and 20 inches for the rear and sporting Acid Orange highlights.

Recaro M carbon race bucket seats, weighing 50 per cent less than the regular M4 seats, highlight the interior; a rear-seat deletion and minimalist door panels featuring BMW M door pull straps in place of handles reinforce the M4 GTS’s intent.

A specific centre console features Alcantara trim and weighs 30 per cent less than the regular M4 unit. The lightweight fabric is also applied to the steering wheel, which is finished with orange stitching at the 12 o’clock position to further focus the driver.

The M4 GTS’s carbon-fibre front splitter, highlighted in Acid Orange, is manually adjustable. The road setting retracts the splitter for improved cooling and pedestrian protection, while the race track setting smooths out airflow underneath the vehicle, providing 105 Newtons of downforce at 200km/h.

A carbon rear spoiler, mounted on aluminium supports, is three-way adjustable with a minimum-drag setting for road use and two options for the track. In full downforce mode, the rear spoiler generates 375 Newtons of downforce at 200km/h.

Owners can also tune the BMW M4 GTS’s suspension to suit the road – or track – that lies ahead.

The M Coilover suspension is three-way mechanically adjustable, allowing up to 16 ‘clicks’ of damper rebound adjustment. High-speed damper compression is adjustable over 14 clicks, while low-speed compression can be set at any one of six clicks.

Additionally, manual ride height adjustment can also be effected via a dial on the suspension struts.

M Carbon Ceramic brakes use six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, offering the latest in fade resistance while significantly reducing unsprung weight.

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres have been specifically tuned for the BMW M4 GTS, sized 265/35/ZR19 on the front axle and 285/30/ZR20 on the rear.