UPDATE: Although not visible in these photos, you can expect the F82 M4 coupe to receive the same (or very similar) hood lip/bulge that we recently
spotted for the first time on the F80 M3 sedan.
We've heard rumblings in recent weeks that the F82 M4 coupe had begun its public testing rounds and our spies have now spotted it for the very first time in and around the BMW M Test Center at the Nurburgring!
The prototype wears the typical heavy camouflage of early stage mules, but there's plenty to analyze. There's little doubt that this is the M version of the upcoming F32 4 Series coupe. There are the signature M quad exhausts, the flared fenders, signature blue M brakes, wide tires, and M6 steering wheel.
Body
Both the front and rear fenders on the M4 coupe are significantly flared and stretched compared to the F32
4 Series prototypes we have spotted. The rear flare is easy to spot, while the front is less conspicuous. But, one can easily see in some photos a the gap in the front fender camouflage which clearly shows the front fender as much wider than the rest of the side body. The stretched fenders will accommodate a wider track for the M4 (vs the regular 4 Series).
Although not visible in these photos, you can expect the F82 M4 coupe to receive the same (or very similar) hood lip/bulge that we recently
spotted for the first time on the F80 M3 sedan.
Underneath the completely covered front fascia will be a sleeker version of the F30 3 Series front end, with sportier lights and grilles (which have now
been revealed on the F32 4 Series prototypes). There will of course be M styled front bumper as well. The mirrors are from the F30 3 Series and for testing purposes only. The final production mirrors will be sportier, but may not be revealed until even after the concept debuts (like the F10 M5).
Carbon Fiber Roof / Brakes
This particular mule does not appear to feature a carbon fiber roof, but we're fairly sure that the production M4 Coupe will utilize a carbon fiber roof. Its brakes resemble the new 3 Series' M Sport brakes, paired with steel cross drilled rotors. The wheels are the same as seen on the
F80 M3 sedan test mules, as well as the ones peeking out from under the tarp covered
BMW Museum mystery car, which we deduced to be the M4 coupe.
Interior
The presence of shift paddles in the interior reveals that this prototype is a DCT model, but the next M3/M4 will also come with a manual transmission option, as it's already been spotted on F80 M3 prototypes. The steering wheel seen here comes from the new M6.
Powertrain
The F80 M3 and F82 M4 will be powered by an inline 6 cylinder engine with multiple turbochargers, pushing the engine's output to approximately 450 horsepowers. The engine is now rumored to be an extensively reworked and reinforced N55 6-cylinder engine with a strengthened aluminium block with a heavily modified cylinder head. The Induction technology is said to be completely new as will be the latest bi-vanos variable valve timing.
The F80 M3 / F82 M4 will not be constructed extensively from carbon fiber (CFRP) as some earlier reports had speculated. Because this next generation M3/M4 began development two years ago, it's said to have been too early to take advantage of BMW's CFRP developments with the later introduction of the BMW i cars/project. The first model (besides the i cars) that will have extensive CFRP incorporated into its construction will be the next generation 7 Series, as reported earlier.
Even without extensive CFRP construction, the next M3/M4 will be lighter than the current M3 sedan and coupe however, owing to its new aluminum chassis, and aluminum and reinforced plastic body panels.
The following is a summary of the facts we can be certain of regarding the F80 M3 / F82 M4:
- Lighter than current M3
- Faster than current M3
- More powerful than current M3
- More efficient than current M3
- Powered by an inline 6 cylinder turbo engine
- Offered with optional or standard manual transmission
- Electric Power Steering (completely reworked for precision for M3/M4)
- M3 Introduced late 2013 - early 2014
- M4 Introduced no earlier than late 2014
*Click on images for hi-resolution version*
UPDATED PHOTOS:
ORIGINAL PHOTOS:
Visual Comparison of F32 4 Series Prototypes to E92 3 Series Prototypes at Similar Testing Stage