October 2015, the rumor finally came to an end. BMW enthusiasts received the most exciting news that we have been waiting for.
The BMW M4 GTS was officially confirmed for the US release. Marching band and parade, please! BMW M GmbH launched their supercar BMW M4 GTS in a limited Special Edition totaling 700 units worldwide, and of which 300 of them are made available to the US buyers for the first time, and they will be available in the US as 2016 models.
BMW M4 GTS Price
The impressive car comes with an impressive price tag of course. MSRP of the M4 GTS starts at a steep £121,770 which is equivalent to approximately $132,388. The M4 GTS’ price is double the cost of a BMW M4.
The Official BMW M4 GTS Racing Video
[vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdlQaAcML84″]The Special Edition M4 GTS accomplishes a remarkable lap time of 7 minutes 28 seconds around the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife, the world’s most challenging race circuit. Comparing to the M4’s lap time of 7 minutes 52 seconds, the GTS can cut to the chase by an astonishing 24 seconds.
FYI, the number one on record lap time of 6 minutes 48 seconds on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit is currently held by the Radical SR8 LM, a 450 HP, V8-engine racing beast.
How Fast is the BMW M4 GTS?
We know that the GTS is fast, but exactly how fast? With its full potential of 493 BHP, equivalent to approximately 500 HP, the engine receives 16% more power at 6,250 RPM comparing to the M4. Its maximum torque of 442 lb-ft is a 10% increase compared to the M4 and is kept over a wide rev range between 4,000 RPM to 5,500 RPM. The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is at an impressive 3.7 seconds.
BMW M4 GTS Specs
The M4 GTS has more horsepower, more torque, and more speed compared to the standard M4 model.
- 500 HP (493 BHP)
- 442 lb-ft torque
- Top speed of 189.5 mph
- DIN kerb weight of 1,510 kilograms (ECE kerb weight: 1,585 kg).
- Weight-to-power ratio of 3.0 kg/HP
What is Unique about the Special Edition BMW M4 GTS?
Several remarkable technology breakthroughs are making their magic on the limited edition M4 GTS. Out of which, the following two are first-in-the-world technologies premiering in this new-found sensation.
- First production road-going car with a Water Injection System
- BMW exclusively engineered OLED light technology
Check out the top 3 new technologies that made the BMW M4 GTS one-of-a-kind. Mr. Frank van Meel, the current CEO of BMW M GmbH expressed in BMW’s press release:
Special Edition models sharpen the character of the BMW M brand and embody an emotionally rich and exclusive driving experience. We’ve taken Sports 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 club sports events, for example – and then set lap times there that raise the bar to extremely high levels for road-legal cars.
BMW M4 GTS Water Injection Technology
The 3.0-liter, in-line 6-cylinder utilized for the BMW M4 GTS is the same esteemed M TwinPower Turbocharged-engine used for the M4 model. The critical component which transformed the GTS into a supercharged power plant is the Water Injection Technology previously seen on the official BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car. This is the first time that Water Injection has ever been paired with a street-legal vehicle. The exciting outcome demonstrates the full potential of the M4 GTS.
The “unusually high-revving” turbo engine delivers increased power surges over a wide engine speed range. The addition of the trailblazing water injection system relaxes the thermal constraints on power and torque, which in turn delivers outstanding power without compromising fuel efficiency.
Here is How BMW Explained the Water Injection Technology
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.
BMW M4 GTS Turbocharged Engine
The M4 GTS M TwinPower Turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine is composed by the award-winning combination of two mono-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve lift control, and Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing.
The unit is constructed from extremely rigid closed-deck crankcase design with a twin-wire-arc-sprayed coated cylinder bores. The assemblage enables the system to develop higher pressure in the cylinder and thus drastically increases power production in the engine while significantly reduces weight. Also, the rigid forged crankshaft also loses weight. Its noticeable rotating mass reduction improves throttle response as well as acceleration.
The Sophisticated Oil Supply System of the BMW M4 GTS
What is unique about the M4 GTS’s aluminum oil sump is its special design inspired by BMW Motorsports, which keeps the oil in control even under significant lateral forces. Together with the oil suction sump and precisely engineered oil return system, the turbocharger is able to sustain stability in oil circulation at fast accelerations and braking. The system ensures optimal and consistent oil supply to the engine at all times.
BMW M4 GTS M 7-Speed M Double-Clutch Transmission
The fine-tuned BMW M 7-Speed M Double-Clutch Transmission with DriveLogic (M DCT) delivers exceptionally smooth and agile automatic shifting without interruption and torque sacrifice. In addition to automatic shifting, this highly advanced transmission also enables shifting without torque interruption. Gear change can also be accomplished effortlessly with the paddle shifter on the steering wheel.
BMW M4 GTS Advance Electromechanical Steering System
Like the normal M4, the GTS 7-Speed M Double-Clutch Transmission provides three different steering profiles ranging from leisure driving to very sporty:
- COMFORT
- SPORT
- SPORT+
Drivers can make their desired drive mode selection via the BMW Drivelogic button located on the center console. Setting preferences can be stored in the M1 and M2 memory buttons in the M Drive menu for easy recalls.
BMW engineers worked meticulously on the steering configuration. It has integrated Servotronic function to electronically adjust the level of power assistance according to different road speed. The M4 GTS steering column does not consist of an elastic section in order to maximize the precision of driver feedback.
The BMW M Driving Dynamic Control System
Every function in the BMW M4 GTS is geared towards performance. The M Driving Dynamic Control System can be personalized with the driver preferred settings via the M Button in the M Drive menu. With a touch of a button, drive settings can be activated from the M1 or M2 button on the steering wheel which instantly engages the performance dynamics that the driver specifies.
The BMW M Dynamic Stability Control
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) together with the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), has been given a new three-way coilover suspension upgrade for improved control on oversteering and understeering. The newly engineered suspension system is equipped with mechanically adjustable compression and rebound settings. It is capable of precise independent adjustment of low and high-speed compression.
The BMW M Dynamic Mode
A special DSC mode – the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) unleashes extra sportiness in the drive. However, this mode possesses an intervening safety net if the vehicle is reaching towards its limit where stability is being compromised.
The M DSC OFF Mode
DSC OFF Mode takes the training wheels off the car and allows drivers to push the limits on tracks and make those drift moves happen without boundaries.
In addition, an extra M function is introduced in the GTS variant that is called the Stability Clutch Control, which further enhances the stability of the drive by minimizing oversteering.
To Learn more about BMW M functions, refer to our Complete Guide to the BMW M Button.
BMW M4 GTS Further Enhanced Rear-Wheel Drive with Active M Differential
What makes the Special Edition M4 GTS more performance oriented is its specially tuned Active M Differential. The electronically controlled multi-plate limited slip differential is controlled with speed and precision to further optimize traction under any driving situation.
The system proactively analyzes and detects loss of traction on any side of the vehicle at an early stage, and reacts instantly to vary the locking action scaling from 0% to 100%. Active M Differential is also interlinked with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) to constantly monitor the accelerator pedal position, yaw rate, and wheel speed.
The overall reaction of the system prevents wheel spin on low-traction surfaces which allows maximum power transfer to the ground and greatly enhances performance. The Active M Differential makes a drastic difference in friction coefficient between both sides of the rear wheels so that tight corners and sharp bends can be outdone with much-improved stability. This is one essential key to the performance of the GTS as every millisecond counts in a race.
M4 GTS Performance Wheels and Tires
Tires for this ultimate-performance coupe require low-weight, high-stiffness, forged wheels with mixed-size Michelin Pilot Sports Cup 2 tires with the following specs:
- Front: 265/35 R19 – The 19-inch front wheels (9.5 J x 19) are designed for steering precision. Also, the swivel bearing permits the upgrade of 9.5-inch wide front wheels.
- Rear: 285/30 R20 – The 20-inch (10.5 J x 20) rear wheels are paired with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires to keep the car grounded and to transfer optimal power to the road.
The “Ultra-High Performance” M Carbon Ceramic Brakes
Unparalleled performance calls for the most fine-tuned performance parts. The M4 GTS comes equipped with the glistening gold 6-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) brake calipers and painted M logo. These special M Carbon Ceramic Brakes are constructed of carbon-fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) which is precisely designed for track performance.
The M Carbon Ceramic Brake discs are made up of the following two elements:
- Brake support body (containing the cooling ducts) consists of high carbon fiber content, and its inner friction layer and outer friction layer consist of high ceramic properties.
- Brake disc hub consists of a compound design, structured out of aluminum. It is connected to the brake disc ring by radial friction bearings.
Also, these carbon ceramic brakes feature specially designed friction layers. The design makes the carbon ceramic discs comparably lighter and fade-resistant. It improves the performance with enhanced friction coefficient, better ventilation on the front-brake guards, and a much-prolonged lifespan.
The M4 GTS is no doubt the ultimate M model crafted for track and streets. BMW has yet again outdone itself with this limited-edition masterpiece. Watch the M4 GTS unleash its full potential on the world’s most challenging Nordschleife race track.