The New 2016 BMW M4 GTS High Performance Special Edition M4-Now in the United States +VIDEO
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- First production road car with a Water Injection
System
- World-exclusive OLED light technology
- Specially designed full three-way adjustable M coilover
suspension
- Intelligent lightweight body design
- Most agile, radical and powerful M4 ever
WOODCLIFFE LAKE, NJ - October 9, 2015: BMW announced the new 2016 BMW M4 GTS giving BMW M GmbH a new and exclusive technological masterpiece which elevates the potential of the BMW M4 Coupe to an impressive new level. With its powerful, motorsport-inspired looks and high-performance technology, the BMW M4 GTS has its sights set squarely on the race track. Thanks to an innovative water injection system helping boost power to 493 bHP and track ready chassis, this Special Edition M vehicle recorded a lap time of 7 minutes 28 seconds around the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife, the world’s most challenging race circuit, making a clear statement about this model’s exceptional dynamic abilities. At the same time, the sharpest BMW M4 of all can also hold its own on public roads. BMW M GmbH is launching the BMW M4 GTS in a special edition limited to 700 units worldwide, with 300 units of this high-performance Special Edition M4 available for the first time in the US market. In so doing, it is highlighting the innovative flair of the BMW M engineers in developing trailblazing M technologies on the powertrain, chassis and lightweight construction fronts.
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.
Performance boost courtesy of innovative water injection.
At the heart of each and every BMW M model is its engine. The BMW M4 GTS uses the
multi-award-winning M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder in-line engine from the
BMW M4, capable of 7,600 rpm but adds innovative water injection technology
to give the 3.0-liter unit a substantial power boost. Unusually
high-revving for a turbocharged engine, it offers linear power delivery
over a wide engine speed range. An innovative water injection system, used
for the first time in a road car, takes this 6-cylinder in-line
turbocharged unit to new performance heights by relaxing the thermal
constraints on power and torque. The system has already proved itself on
race tracks around the world on board the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car, this
year’s lead safety car in the world’s top motorcycle racing
series.
The engine develops its maximum power of 493 bHP
– an increase of 16 percent over the BMW M4 – at 6,250 rpm.
Peak torque has been increased by 10 percent to 442 lb-ft, and is
maintained over a very wide rev band (4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm). It
accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds, on the way
to a governed top speed of 189.5 mph. Despite the significant extra power,
the engine also excels on fuel efficiency, providing similar levels to
those found in the BMW M4 Coupe.
Innovative
water injection system.
The BMW M4 GTS is the first
production road car to be fitted with a trailblazing water injection
system. With this arrangement, the BMW M engineers have utilized the
principle that water absorbs heat from the surrounding air when it changes
phases. Water is injected as a fine spray into the intake manifold plenum
chamber where it evaporates (phase change), significantly lowering the
temperature of the intake air. This action reduces the final compression
temperature in the combustion chamber, minimizes the risk of knock and
allows the turbocharged engine to operate with higher boost pressure and
advanced spark timing. The result is increased power and torque, and a
substantial improvement in efficiency. Despite the extra power output,
thermal stress on all performance-related components is reduced. All of
these features ultimately help to diminish wear and prolong engine life.
Increased power, reduced full-throttle fuel
consumption.
The benefits of water injection can be utilized
in various ways, depending on engine and vehicle type. In particular the
engineers have considerable latitude when deciding how to balance their
priorities between increased power and fuel efficiency. If water injection
is taken into account in the design of a high-performance engine right from
the start, it is possible to use turbochargers with a higher boost ratio
and compression ratio. At the same time, power losses due to an increase in
ambient temperature (> 68° F) can be compensated by increasing the
amount of water injected.
The engineering behind
intake temperature.
The output of an internal combustion
engine is physically limited by the operating temperature in the combustion
chamber. If a given operating temperature is exceeded, this will result in
uncontrolled combustion (knock), leading to power losses and, in the worst
case, to severe engine damage. This is particularly relevant in the case of
turbocharged engines, where the intake air is heated in the turbocharger
compressor to as much as 320° F. Although intercooling can be
used to cool the pressurized air, the capacity of intercooling systems is
physically limited. Depending on the design and size of the system, and the
aerodynamics of the vehicle, it is only possible to use an intercooler to
reduce the intake air temperature by as much as 160° F before it enters
the plenum chamber. This means that simply rising engine power by
increasing boost pressure is not an option as it would mean exceeding the
knock threshold.
This is where the BMW M
division’s solution comes in: if water is injected in a fine spray
mist into the intake plenum chamber, it is possible to reduce the
temperature of the intake air by an additional 80° F. This further
cooling of the pressurized air makes it possible to advance the spark
timing closer to the optimal value. This results in a more efficient
combustion process, while at the same time reducing the final combustion
temperature. An additional advantage is the fact that cool air is more
dense which increases the amount of oxygen in the combustion mixture and
results in a higher mean combustion pressure, leading to optimized power
and torque development. This efficient in-cylinder cooling system also
reduces the thermal stress on a broad range of components including not
only the pistons, exhaust valves and catalytic converter but also, due to
the lower exhaust gas temperatures, the turbocharger.
Water injection raises the knock threshold.
Using
water injection to raise the knock threshold also goes a long way towards
resolving a fundamental conflict in the design of high-performance engines,
caused by the fact that power output and fuel consumption are closely
dependent on compression ratio. This is particularly true in the case of
highly turbocharged engines like the M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder in-line
engine. Here, a high compression ratio provides high efficiency and low
fuel consumption at low and medium throttle. In the full-throttle range,
however, the compression ratio is limited by the knock threshold. Water
injection provides a particularly effective way of raising the knock
threshold, allowing for a higher compression ratio. The end result is
optimized power output over a wide operating range.
Clever practical implementation of the water injection
system.
The BMW M division’s engineers opted for an
arrangement of three water injectors in the intake plenum chamber where
each supply water to two of the straight-6 engine’s cylinders. This
solution makes for uniform water distribution and a compact system
design.
An underfloor compartment in the trunk houses a
1.3 gallon water tank, the water pump, sensors and valves. The pump and all
the sensors and actuators are controlled by an expanded engine management
system. The pump supplies water to the injectors at a pressure of
approximately 145 psi. The injection quantity can be varied depending on
load, engine speed and temperature, which helps to keep water consumption
to a minimum. Under hard driving on the track, the water tank might have to
be topped up every time the vehicle is refueled. However under normal
everyday operating conditions, the intervals are much longer. Even in
highway driving, the water tank only needs topping up at every fifth
refueling interval. Otherwise the system is maintenance-free, for maximum
everyday practicality.
The BMW M water injection system
is equipped with a sophisticated self-diagnosis system. If the water tank
runs dry, or in the event of a system malfunction, appropriate measures are
taken to protect the engine. Boost pressure and spark timing are adjusted,
allowing the engine to continue to operate safely. Even when things are
working normally, a variety of precautions are taken to keep the system
fully functional. Every time the engine is switched off, all the water in
the hose system is drained into the tank to prevent system components from
icing up in sub-zero temperatures. The water tank is frost-proof.
Additional engine highlights.
The BMW
M4 GTS turbocharged engine features a very rigid closed-deck crankcase
design that makes it possible to develop higher pressure in the cylinder
for improved power output. Instead of liners, the cylinder bores feature a
twin-wire arc-sprayed coating, which results in a significant reduction in
engine weight.
A further technical highlight is the
forged and highly torsionally rigid crankshaft which, as well as providing
increased torque-carrying capacity, is also lighter. The substantial
reduction in rotating masses results in improved throttle response and
acceleration.
On the track, the high performance
capability of the BMW M4 GTS places extra demands on the engine oil supply
system. In designing this system, the BMW M division has once again taken
full advantage of its extensive motorsport experience. The aluminum oil
sump is designed to limit the movement of the oil under the influence of
strong lateral forces, while an oil suction pump and a sophisticated oil
return system to the turbocharger help to maintain stable oil circulation
under extreme acceleration and deceleration. Oil is supplied continuously
to all engine components in all driving situations, whether in everyday
driving or during a hard weekend drive at the track.
The
typical BMW M exhaust system design features four tailpipes, in this case
each with an 80-millimeter diameter and laser-engraved M emblem. The
expected performance car engine exhaust note is provided by a carefully
designed lightweight titanium rear silencer. This set-up provides a
striking, emotionally charged and unmistakable BMW M sound over the entire
engine speed range, minimizing exhaust back-pressure while giving precise
feedback on engine load. Additionally the driver can adjust the exhaust
note profile depending on which of the various preconfigured drive modes is
selected.
M TwinPower Turbo
technology.
The BMW M4 GTS engine’s M TwinPower Turbo
package comprises two fast-responding mono-scroll turbochargers, High
Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve lift control and
Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing. The result is smooth
and efficient power delivery with extremely sharp response.
7-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic.
The BMW M Division’s 7-speed M double-clutch
transmission with Drivelogic (M DCT) sets standards in terms of smooth
power delivery, lightning quick up-shift gear changes, perfect rev-matching
downshifts and track-ready design. In addition to automatic shifting, this
highly advanced transmission also enables shifting without torque
interruption, using the steering wheel shift paddles or center console
mounted gear lever. Manual mode also offers a specially configured Launch
Control system that provides ultra-fast acceleration off the line, with
optimal gear changes for the subsequent upshifts.
Drivelogic offers a choice of three shift programs.
The Drivelogic program for the 7-speed M double-clutch transmission offers
three selectable shift programs, which can be engaged using the Drivelogic
button on the center console. These programs differ in terms of engagement
speed and the rpm points at which the gearshifts take place. The spectrum
ranges from extremely sporty to a more relaxed, yet dynamic shifting. A
further M function, Stability Clutch Control, provides assistance in sporty
driving situations. It automatically disengages the clutch when necessary
to prevent oversteer.
Unbeatable precision and
clear feedback chassis. The perfect ally for BMW M Power.
The BMW M division specializes in developing cars that combine precise
steering, outstanding agility with a refined driving experience and superb
traction and stability. All BMW M models – including the new BMW M4
GTS – unite excellent track capability that has been tested on the
Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop), the most challenging racing
circuit in the world, with high standards of everyday driveability. At the
same time, the BMW M4 GTS’s enhanced performance and track
capabilities are backed up by additional refinements on the chassis
front.
Aluminum and Carbon-Fiber construction
support the “Ultimate Driving Machine”.
First
and foremost, an ultra-dynamic driving experience depends on a suspension
system that combines low weight with high stiffness. Just like the BMW M4,
the BMW M4 GTS is equipped with lightweight aluminum control arms, wheel
carriers and axle subframes. On the double-joint spring-strut front axle
alone, this cuts weight by more than 10 pounds compared with conventional
steel components. Play-free ball joints and specially developed elastomer
bearings provide optimal, direct transmission of longitudinal and
transverse forces. The aluminum stiffening plate, CFRP front strut tower
brace and additional bolted connections between the axle subframe and body
structure all make for a stiffer front end.
At the rear,
all control arms and wheel carriers on the five-link axle are of forged
aluminum, which reduces the unsprung masses by more than 6 pounds compared
with a conventional design. The racing-derived rigid connection between the
rear axle subframe and the body, dispensing with rubber bushings, improves
wheel location and tracking stability.
Specially
designed full three-way M coilover suspension
The BMW M4 GTS
features a three-way adjustable coilover suspension with mechanically
adjustable compression and rebound settings, with precise independent
adjustment of low-speed and high-speed compression. This allows the
suspension to be customized to the characteristics of different tracks.
Moreover, the anti-roll bars and support mounts are closely matched to the
significantly increased engine power and are specifically designed for the
“Ultimate Driving Machine”.
Precise
engineering also extend to the steering system.
The
steering system has also been adapted to the BMW M4 GTS’s track
capabilities. The steering torque curve, always critical for a smooth
steering feel, has been further optimized by modifications to the front
suspension kinematics and the incorporation of features such as asymmetric
steering support mounts and a motorsport-derived, custom-designed, milled
swivel bearing. This design allows optimized axle geometry for lateral
dynamics and steering torque, which again translates to enhanced driving
dynamics.
The swivel bearing also allows the use of 9.5
inch wide front wheels. The higher damper clamp in conjunction with the
ball joint in the front axle support mount results in substantially
increased camber stiffness. It also provides faster response to lateral
forces, which is already enhanced by the wider wheels. For further improved
lateral grip, the BMW M engineers have retained the 19-inch front tires,
while the rear axle makes use of 10.5 inch wide wheels running on 20 inch
diameter tires. The front camber setting has been adapted to a minus two
degree setting for increased cornering lateral forces.
Further enhanced rear-wheel drive with Active M
Differential.
Other features helping to add an extra edge to
the driving dynamics include the rear differential’s hollow
lightweight output shafts and the Active M Differential. To optimize
traction and stability, the latter uses an electronically controlled
multi-plate limited-slip differential, which is adapted to the
significantly enhanced performance capability of the BMW M4 GTS. The
multi-plate limited-slip differential is proactively controlled with
extremely high precision and speed. Its control unit is linked to the
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system and takes into account accelerator
pedal position, wheel speeds and vehicle yaw. All driving situations can
therefore be precisely analyzed and an imminent loss of traction at one
side of the vehicle is identified at a very early stage. When necessary,
the system reacts with split-second speed to vary the locking action, which
can be anywhere between zero and 100 percent. This prevents wheel spin on
low-traction surfaces, on split-traction surfaces with a big difference in
friction coefficient between the left and right rear wheels, on tight
hairpin bends or during fast steering maneuvers. The optimized traction
also provides superb stability in challenging conditions and allows to
optimally transfer the power to the ground while accelerating out of
corners.
Electronic assistance systems
adjustable to personal driving style.
M Dynamic Mode (MDM),
a special DSC mode, can be activated whenever drivers want an extra-sporty
driving experience. Whereas DSC focuses on correcting understeer or
oversteer, M Dynamic Mode allows more wheel slip for controlled drifting.
This mode caters to sporty-minded drivers, although – unlike DSC OFF
mode – the system still intervenes if the vehicle reaches a critical
stability threshold. The DSC system and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
have been configured to take into account the BMW M4 GTS’s increased
performance and its newly developed three-way coilover suspension.
Tire development was integrated into the suspension set-up
right from the start. For high-performance sports cars like the BMW M4 GTS,
steering feel and precision are a particularly important priority when
developing the front tires, alongside lateral stability and the
transmission of braking forces, while for the rear tires the focus is on
traction, lateral stability and directional stability. To meet the very
highest dynamic standards, the BMW M4 GTS is equipped with low-weight,
high-stiffness forged wheels running on mixed-size Michelin Pilot Sport Cup
2 tires (front: 265/35 R19; rear: 285/30 R20). The 19-inch front wheels
(9.5 J x 19) improve steering precision, while the 20-inch (10.5 J x 20)
rear wheels provide outstanding traction and an optimal transfer of drive
power to the road. The Cup tires complement the fine-tuned suspension
set-up by ensuring optimal traction and precise feedback for exceptionally
agile handling.
The electromechanical steering system
was also developed in-house by the BMW M division. Strong points of this
specially configured steering system, which forms the key control interface
between driver and vehicle, include its direct steering feel and precise
feedback. To further improve driver feedback, BMW M engineers opted for no
elastic section in the BMW M4 GTS steering column. The integrated
Servotronic function electronically adjusts the level of power assist
according to road speed, providing optimal steering characteristics at all
speeds. The Servotronic button on the center console offers three different
settings, each with its own specific profile: COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+.
These settings can be programmed into the M1 and M2 buttons in the M Drive
menu. They can then be activated while driving by pressing the appropriate
steering wheel button. In each case the level of steering assistance is
adapted to the current requirements and the driver’s personal
preferences.
Choice of drive settings –
from moderately sporty to extremely sporty.
The
characteristics of the electronic accelerator pedal can be customized using
the M Driving Dynamic Control system. On the road, the settings can be
configured for a more temperate sporty performance. For track use, on the
other hand, priority can be given to instantaneous and explosive power
delivery. It is also possible, using the M Drive menu or the DSC OFF
button, to choose one of three different settings for the Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) system (DSC, MDM or DSC OFF), while different shift
characteristics for the seven-speed M double-clutch transmission can be
selected using the Drivelogic button on the center console. In this way,
drivers can choose their own personal combination of drive settings,
putting the accent either on the extreme sporty performance of which the
BMW M4 GTS is capable or on somewhat more tempered dynamism. Via the M
Drive menu, two sets of preferred personal configurations can be programmed
into the M1 or M2 steering wheel buttons for instant access. The
personalized settings for all the relevant systems can then be activated
while driving at a single touch of the appropriate button.
Nürburgring Tested - Ultra-high performance M Carbon
Ceramic Brakes.
In keeping with its outstanding performance
potential, the BMW M4 GTS is equipped with lightweight, optimized,
ultra-high-performance M carbon ceramic brakes, which are designed for a
further enhanced track capability and longer life. The brakes are made of
carbon-fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC).
The
brake discs are made up of two elements: the support body with the cooling
ducts is made out of a high carbon fiber content, while the inner and outer
friction layers have a high ceramic content. The brake disc hub is of
compound design and made of aluminum. It is connected to the brake disc
ring by radial friction bearings. This design, with the special friction
layer, gives the carbon ceramic brake discs an operating life of several
times that of conventional brake discs. The modified rear brake system of
the BMW M4 GTS features modified specifications for an improved friction
coefficient. At the same time, the front brake guards have been adapted to
improve ventilation.
Visually, the M carbon ceramic
brakes can be distinguished by their gold-painted 6-piston (front) or
four-piston (rear) brake calipers with colored M logo. Particularly during
high-performance driving on the track, they boast excellent modulation,
outstanding deceleration capabilities and stable, fade-resistant
performance. Being much lighter than a conventional brake system, they also
contribute to the all-round reduction in unsprung masses and therefore also
enhance driving dynamics.
Intelligent
lightweight design
Intelligent lightweight engineering,
already a vital consideration for the BMW M4, has been taken to new and
even more uncompromising levels on the BMW M4 GTS. The goal was to minimize
curb weight in order to give the new model outstanding driving dynamics,
top-class agility and highest efficiency. Rigorous weight reduction
measures include even the smallest details of the BMW M4 GTS, delivering a
DIN curb weight of 3,329 pounds (ECE curb weight: 3,494 lbs). Its
outstanding weight to power ratio of roughly 6.5 lbs/hp provides the
perfect platform for a highly dynamic driving experience.
The low weight of the BMW M4 GTS improves not only performance but also
dynamics and handling. Drivers perceive the benefits in the form of even
more responsive steering, more precise cornering, shorter stopping
distances and new levels of control when pushing the vehicle to its
limits.
High-tech carbon construction reduces
weight.
Like the BMW M4 Coupe, the BMW M4 GTS has a
carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof that is more than 13 pounds
lighter than a corresponding metal roof. Lightweight, robust CFRP is also
used for the hood, which is approximately 25 percent lighter than its
aluminum counterpart on the BMW M4. Both of these lightweight components
play an important role in lowering the center of gravity (CG) and improving
axle load distribution. In the BMW M4 GTS, BMW reaps the benefits of its
many years’ experience in high-tech carbon construction. The use of
CFRP continues under the skin as well, for example in components such as
the instrument panel support.
The contoured roof line
with the typical center channel carries over into the trunk lid,
emphasizing the very sporty personality of the BMW M4 GTS. The geometry of
the trunk lid, which is made of CFRP and plastic, is precisely designed to
optimize the rear aerodynamics and to help direct air to the lightweight
CFRP rear spoiler. The spoiler is attached to the trunk lid by two
CNC-milled aluminum supports, each consisting of an intricate strut
arrangement that optimally combines high stiffness with very low weight.
Lightweight exposed carbon fiber is also on display in the
adjustable splitter underneath the BMW M4 GTS’s front apron and in
the rear apron diffuser. Exterior lightweight design measures continue with
the exclusive forged, machine-polished, low-weight BMW M star-spoke wheels
in Acid Orange and the M carbon ceramic brakes, both of which not only cut
down on overall weight but also significantly reduce unsprung masses. The M
engineers have also extended their uncompromising focus on lightweight
engineering to the sports exhaust system, which features a titanium rear
silencer. The BMW M4 GTS’s sports exhaust system produces an
authentic racing engine note while providing a 20 percent weight reduction
when compared to a stainless steel component.
Extensive weight reduction continues under the skin.
Needless to say, lightweight engineering is not just confined to the
visible areas of the body. For example, the BMW M4 GTS’s single-piece
driveshaft is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), which is even
lighter than the corresponding component in the BMW M4. The low mass and
high stiffness of the CFRP means that the driveshaft can be produced as a
single-piece component, without a center bearing. This achieves weight
savings of 40 percent over a conventional component, with a simultaneous
reduction in rotating masses. This in turn results in improved powertrain
dynamics and better response.
All weight-saving measures
are designed with an eye to improved driving dynamics. A good example is
the CFRP strut brace in the engine compartment. Weighing a little over 3
pounds, it offers superior stiffness to a comparable aluminum component. At
the same time it plays a key part in ensuring eager turn-in and excellent
steering precision.
Authentic racing feel in the
interior.
The many lightweight features in the interior of
the BMW M4 GTS don’t just save weight, they also exude an authentic
racing feel. This Special Edition vehicle is fitted with different
bucket-style M sports seats in Alcantara (including lightweight backrests
with cut-outs). In between the seats, the BMW M4 GTS boasts a new,
asymmetrically styled lightweight center console that shaves around 30
percent off the weight of the corresponding component in the BMW M4
Coupe.
A further weight-saving measure is the deletion
of the rear seats. This area is now trimmed in glass-fiber-reinforced
plastic (GFRP), with a carbon sandwich bulkhead to the rear. Both of these
elements are designed for reduced weight, a lower center of gravity and
maximum stiffness. The across-the-board lightweight engineering approach
also extends to the door panel trim and rear side panel trim with modified
design geometry and special lightweight construction based on renewable
natural materials. Conventional door handles are replaced by door release
pull loops, while Alcantara trim makes an appearance only on the armrests.
The weight of the door panel trim has been reduced in half compared with
standard components.
Three-dimensional front-end
design.
Viewed from the front, the visual features that
stand out the most are its muscular contours and the prominent
three-dimensionality of its lines, which lend it a particularly expressive
face. Characteristic design elements, such as a cutting-edge design take on
the familiar twin circular headlamps with LED technology, the eye-catching
front grille with M double bars in black and the powerfully sculpted front
apron with its trio of large air intakes, dedicated to cooling the
high-performance engine and brakes, immediately set it apart as the work of
BMW M and spotlight its even more sportier pretensions. Needless to say,
the BMW M4 GTS also features the striking M exterior mirrors in twin-stalk
style and hallmark powerdome on the hood. The carbon-fiber-reinforced
plastic (CFRP) hood is painted in body color and features a large air
outlet. Thanks to the use of CFRP, the hood weighs 25 percent less than an
aluminum equivalent, which helps both to lower the car’s center of
gravity and further improve the balance of weight between the front and
rear axle. The air outlet on the hood optimizes the airflow and reduces
lift at the front axle. The front end’s weight-minimized splitter is
made from lightweight exposed carbon fiber, has a contrasting stripe in
bright Acid Orange running along its leading edge and can be set in two
positions for road or track. The splitter divides the surging air,
channeling part of it deliberately under the car to optimize aerodynamics.
Here, the airflow is accelerated on its way to the carbon-fiber diffuser at
the rear.
Low-slung silhouette, dynamic
lines.
The flanks of the BMW M4 GTS pick up the dynamic
verve of its front end and extend it rearwards. Hallmark BMW proportions
– long hood, long wheelbase, set-back greenhouse, short overhangs
– are emphasized by M design elements. Muscular wheel arches and
dramatic surfacing translate the dynamic potential of the BMW M4 GTS into
tangible form. This potential is accentuated by the M gills – in
high-gloss black like the kidney grille surround – which fulfills
both a stylistic and functional role. The gills house Air Breathers, which
team up with Air Curtains in the front apron to optimize airflow through
the wheel arches and enhance aerodynamics in the process.
The combination of a dark-colored, clear-coated CFRP roof and contoured
roofline gives the BMW M4 GTS a hunkered-down look, with the cant rails
painted in body color perceived as the car’s highest point. The
flowing roofline lends an extra touch of elegance to the ultra-sporty
appearance of the BMW M4 GTS. The large, forged M light-alloy wheels,
featuring distinctive star-spoke design in Acid Orange and polished
surfacing, appear to fill the wheel arches even more completely and give
the BMW M4 GTS a compact, powerful appearance. The car’s lines pick
up speed again as they stream rearwards, accentuate the body’s
aerodynamic flow and, at the same time, add muscle to the rear end.
Rear wing and diffuser made from lightweight
CFRP.
The back end of the BMW M4 GTS can be distinguished
clearly from that of the BMW M4 Coupe. On the trunk lid, for example, an
adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing resting on intricate, CNC-machined
aluminum struts provides a head-turning design feature. The rear wing can
be adjusted through three positions – one for road driving and two
others that can be selected according to individual preference on the
track. Identifying features of the BMW M4 include the flared rear wheel
arches which, together with the car’s wide track, underline its
confident appearance. The double-chamber exhaust system, with its two pairs
of tailpipes, is another signature BMW M feature. Here, the titanium
tailpipes – with their 80-millimeter diameter and laser-engraved M
logo – are another reference to the standalone character of the BMW
M4 GTS. They are framed by a clearly structured rear apron and flank the
exposed carbon-fiber diffuser. The diffuser forms a single aerodynamic unit
with the rear wing and front splitter, which is likewise made from carbon
fiber. They work together to optimize airflow and, in so doing, improve
downforce and roadholding.
The trunk lid of the BMW M4
GTS also performs an integral aerodynamic role. Its specifically contoured
lines channel the air at the rear of the car and improve airflow to the
rear wing. In this way, the pair of lines spawned by the powerdome on the
hood and extending over the CFRP roof in clearly defined contours reach
their journey’s end at the trunk lid.
World premiere for OLED rear lights.
The rear lights
of the BMW M4 GTS are the first of any series-produced vehicle to feature
BMW Organic Light with OLED technology. OLEDs (organic light-emitting
diodes) generate their light using wafer-thin layers of semi-conducting
organic materials. Unlike LEDs, which emit their light in the form of
points, OLEDs light up over their full surface with a homogeneous effect.
Their flat design (they measure just 1.4 millimeters in height) and the
ability to trigger individual light modules separately open up fresh
possibilities for a characteristic and distinctive BMW lighting design
– both at night and daylight.
Pure-bred,
exclusive interior offers flawless ergonomics.
The M sports
steering wheel, likewise covered in exclusive, anthracite-colored
Alcantara, represents a clear nod to motor racing and is exceptionally
grippy. A perforated stripe in contrasting Acid Orange at the “12
o’clock” position on the wheel marks the steering’s
central positon, which comes in handy when the driver is pushing hard on
the track. The Alcantara-covered interior trim strip has a perforated GTS
badge with Acid Orange highlighting. The new center console of the BMW M4
GTS is asymmetric in design and lightweight in construction. Like the
handbrake lever gaiter, it is covered in anthracite-colored Alcantara with
edging adorned with dark grey contrast stitching.
The
interior door panels and rear side panels also include lightweight design
elements produced specially for the BMW M4 GTS. These display a new, purist
geometry and are made from renewable raw materials. For example, the
handles normally found on the inside of the doors are replaced here by pull
loops which, like the seat belts, also come in black and feature
longitudinal stripes in the signature M colors. Together with the Alcantara
covering used for the armrests only, the door trim deepens the
stripped-back and purpose-driven character of the interior. The omission of
a rear seat bench takes this approach to another new level. The rear seat
surfaces are replaced by an innovative glass-fiber-reinforced plastic
(GFRP) shelf, combined with a rear panel made in a carbon-fiber sandwich
construction. Lowering the car’s weight and center of gravity, while
also ensuring unbeatable rigidity, once again took priority here.
A central feature of the interior is the roll bar, which is
made from high-strength steels and mounted behind the front seats. Its Acid
Orange paint finish provides another color accent, and its influence is not
confined to the interior; visible from the outside, it also helps shape the
overall perception of the BMW M4 GTS and signals the car’s sense of
purpose and racing intent.
A fire extinguisher
containing two kilograms of extinguishing agent is another safety feature
of the interior. It is fitted centrally behind the front seats within easy
reach of both driver and passenger.
Wide range
of carefully selected standard equipment.
The BMW M4 GTS
underlines its impressive dynamic caliber with a range of specifically
selected and exclusive equipment fitted at the factory. As well as the
high-quality Alcantara/Merino leather interior trim, this includes the BMW
Navigation system, air conditioning, Adaptive LED Headlights, Park Distance
Control (PDC) front and rear, automatically dimming rear-view and exterior
mirrors and BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim. A selection of
signature BMW M equipment features such as M door sill finishers, an M
footrest, an M gearshift lever, M-specific circular instruments with white
graphics, an M sports steering wheel with Alcantara covering and a central
position marker in Acid Orange, plus electroplated-look gearshift paddles,
round off the overall package. Four color shades are available for the
exterior paintwork. Customers can also choose from Sapphire Black metallic,
Mineral Grey metallic, Alpine White and Frozen Dark Grey Metallic paint
finish.
The new BMW M4 GTS.
Technical Specifications.
BMW M4 GTS | ||||
Body | ||||
No of doors/seats | 2/2 | |||
Length/width/height (unladen) | mm | 4698/1870/1383 | ||
Wheelbase | mm | 2812 | ||
Track, front/rear | mm | 1596/1604 | ||
Ground clearance | mm | 108 | ||
Turning circle | m | 12.2 | ||
Fuel tank capacity | app ltr | 60 | ||
Cooling system incl heater | ltr | 10.0 | ||
Engine oil1) | ltr | 7.0 | ||
Weight, unladen, to DIN/EU | kg | 1510/1585 | ||
Max load to DIN | kg | 390 | ||
Max permissible weight | kg | 1900 | ||
Max axle load, front/rear | kg | 975/1000 | ||
Max trailer load, Braked (12%)/unbraked | kg | ---/--- | ||
Max roofload/max towbar download | kg | ---/--- | ||
Luggage comp capacity | ltr | 445 | ||
Air resistance2 | cd x A | 0.34 x 2.25 | ||
Power Unit | ||||
Config/No of cyls/valves | In-line/6/4 | |||
Engine technology | M TwinPower Turbo technology: two
MonoScroll turbochargers, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve lift control, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing, Water Injection | |||
Effective capacity | cc | 2979 | ||
Stroke/bore | mm | 89.6/84.0 | ||
Compression ratio | :1 | 10.2 | ||
Fuel | min. RON 95 | |||
Max output | bHP | 493 | ||
at | rpm | 6250 | ||
Max torque | lb-ft | 442 | ||
at | rpm | 4000–5500 | ||
Electrical System | ||||
Battery/installation | Ah/– | 69/Luggage compartment | ||
Alternator | A/W | 209/2926 | ||
Driving Dynamics and Safety | ||||
Suspension, front | Three-way M coilover suspension with aluminum double-joint spring-strut axle and M-specific elastokinematics | |||
Suspension, rear | Three-way M coilover suspension with five-link axle in lightweight construction | |||
Brakes, front | M carbon ceramic disc brakes vented with 6-piston fixed callipers | |||
Brakes, rear | M carbon ceramic disc brakes vented with four-piston fixed callipers | |||
Driving stability systems | Standard: DSC incl ABS and M Dynamic Mode, CBC (Cornering Brake Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control), Dry Braking function, Fading Compensation, Start-Off Assistant, Active M Differential linked to Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) | |||
Safety equipment | Standard: airbags for driver and front passenger, side airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags for front seats, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts on all seats with belt latch tensioner and belt force limiter | |||
Steering | Electric Power Steering (EPS) with M-specific Servotronic function | |||
Steering ratio, overall | :1 | 15.0 | ||
Tyres, front/rear | 265/35 ZR19 98Y 285/30 ZR20 99Y |
|||
Rims, front/rear | 9.5J x 19 Light Alloy 10.5J x 20 Light Alloy |
BMW M4 GTS | |||||
Transmission | |||||
Type of transmission | Seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic | ||||
Gear ratios I | :1 | 4.806 | |||
II | :1 | 2.593 | |||
III | :1 | 1.701 | |||
IV | :1 | 1.277 | |||
V | :1 | 1.000 | |||
VI | :1 | 0.844 | |||
VII | :1 | 0.671 | |||
R | :1 | 4.172 | |||
Final drive | :1 | 3.462 | |||
Performance | |||||
Output per litre | bHP/ltr | 165.5 | |||
Acceleration 0–60 mph | sec | 3.7 | |||
Top speed | mph | 189.5 | |||
BMW EfficientDynamics | |||||
BMW EfficientDynamics standard features | Brake Energy Regeneration, electromechanical power steering, Automatic Start/Stop function, Optimum Gearshift Indicator in manual mode, intelligent lightweight construction, on-demand operation of ancillary units, map-regulated oil pump, Li-ion battery, differential with optimised warm-up behaviour, aerodynamics (Air Curtains, Air Breathers, underside panelling, front spoiler, rear wing with gurney flap) | ||||
1) Oil change
2) Provisional data
3) Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions depend on the selected tyre format