04-13-2016, 01:32 AM | #1 |
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BIMMERPOST First Drive BMW M4 GTS: The Apex Predator
BIMMERPOST NEWS First Drive BMW M4 GTS: The Apex Predator By Jens Meiners, BIMMERPOST correspondent From our observations over the past few years, we thought it was virtually impossible to improve upon the BMW M4. Returning to the straight-six and fitted with a plethora of chassis and body changes over the regular 4-series, the current M4 sets a benchmark in performance, agility, and fun to drive. But a few days ago, on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, we met the segment's new apex predator: The M4 GTS (official thread). It is a limited-edition version of the M4 that will be built in just 700 units. It is already sold out, and if you weren't invited to order one in advance and pay around $130K, be prepared to cough up significantly more for a second-hand example. Designed to compete on the racetrack, yet fully street legal, the M4 GTS features extensive modifications to its chassis, powertrain, and body. It's over 60 lbs lighter than a regular M4, despite its water-injection system. The M4 GTS comes with a unique tire/wheel arrangement: There are 265/35 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires up front, with 285/30 R20 rubber of the same type in the back. The tires are fitted with forged aluminum wheels; late in the development process, carbon-fiber wheels were added as an option - a five-figure option that has already been ordered by half of the M4 GTS customers. Carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers in the rear are standard. To perform on the different racetracks of the world, the M4 GTS comes with a manually adjustable coilover suspension. The kinematics of the front axle are modified, an elastic element in the regular M4's steering column has been deleted. The engineers at M GmbH couldn't leave the engine alone, either. To squeeze a full 493 horsepower and 442lb-ft of torque out of it, they added a well-proven high-performance and racing technology that hasn't been utilized by a major carmaker in decades: The M4 GTS is fitted with a water-injection system, with a 5-liter water tank mounted in the trunk, and three high-pressure injectors up front that feed two combustion chambers each. The water injection helps to cool down the intake air significantly; an engine thus equipped can be tuned for increased performance or fuel economy. In the GTS, naturally, the focus is entirely on performance, yet there is no penalty in efficiency and emissions. The straight-six powerplant whips the GTS to 62 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds; the car tops out at a governed 190 mph. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard; unlike in the regular M4, there is no way you can get a manual six-speed box. Behind the wheel, the M4 GTS delivers what it promises. Sharper, more aggressive, more pure and somewhat less forgiving than your standard M4, it launches like a rocket, its engine roars furiously through four titanium exhaust pipes, and the responses have an immediacy and urgency that tops the regular M4. The two Mitsubishi-sourced turbochargers operate virtually without lag. The stability control system can be adjusted in several levels; it can be turned off entirely., and the car charges forward with incredible urgency. Turn-in is ultra-sharp, there is always enough torque to steer the car with the rear axle. But the oversteer is easily controllable, and the car is never intimidating to the expert or even the aspiring amateur. The driver's place is noticeably distinguished from the regular M4, thanks to the special sports seats, alcantara decor, and door trim that is made from the same material that graces the i3. It is complemented by fabric straps to pull the doors to a close. And there are no rear seats here, either. The US market, unfortunately, has to do without some of the goodies available in the old world - such as carbon-fiber seat backs and a roll cage. Look to the aftermarket to bring the GTS up to international standards. The exterior is tweaked to enhance aerodynamics and lend the car a menacing and intimidating stance. Enhancements include a carbon-fiber front hood with a large opening that optimizes air flow, an adjustable front splitter, and a large, adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing. Only four colours are available: matte gray, metallic gray, white, and black. All of them are highlighted with "acid orange" accents. The visually most interesting feature might be the taillights: The M4 GTS is fitted with organic OLED taillights, and that marks the first industry-wide series production application of the technology, just before the Audi TT RS. The ultra-thin lighting units emit extremely homogenous light; their style is unique and could not be replicated with any other lighting technology on the market. Still prohibitively expensive and manufactured under lab-like conditions, the OLEDs prove that BMW isn't just catching up on lighting technology, they actually strive to take a leadership role. The closest thing to the M4 GTS is an M4 with the Competition Package - but it is still far from this racer's equivalent. You might want to get one nonetheless - so you'll be invited the next time around when M GmbH launches a special edition. The 2016 M4 GTS starts at $134,200 in the U.S. |
04-13-2016, 05:15 PM | #2 |
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Still not feeling the wheels.
They look like rusty bicycle wheels...
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04-13-2016, 05:21 PM | #4 |
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That fire extinguisher!
Want!!!
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04-13-2016, 06:35 PM | #9 | |
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04-13-2016, 06:49 PM | #10 |
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IMO the article reads like a BMW press release, but the 7:28 lap is just wow. It really shows how stable and quick the car is and it looks like limitation for an faster lap is not the chassis and downforce (grip) but engine power...
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04-13-2016, 07:15 PM | #12 | |
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04-13-2016, 07:40 PM | #13 | ||
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Bodywork looks good & I warmed up to the orange accents on the splitter, interior, etc. But the wheels, just no.
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04-13-2016, 07:57 PM | #16 |
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I thought the reason that F80 LCI didn't get the cupholder cover is because of the knee pad. So naturally because there's no knee pad here, they could put the cover..
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04-13-2016, 07:58 PM | #17 | |
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04-13-2016, 09:11 PM | #18 | ||
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04-13-2016, 09:21 PM | #19 |
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ROFL!
This just made my day man. LOL!
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04-13-2016, 09:53 PM | #20 |
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The lap video..
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04-13-2016, 10:02 PM | #21 |
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Talk about a hot lap! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to drive one. Mind you, I'll never own one but I will get seat time in one. I saw the car in person last week in Vegas and it does have a nice presence. The orange accents grew on me before I saw it in person and now I'm not mad at all. Although my clients car will have the carbon wheel option and I don't particularly care for the styling of those either.
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