07-18-2012, 02:32 AM | #1 |
Moderator / European Editor
1590
Rep 6,752
Posts |
2015 BMW M4 Coupe (F82) Spied!
BIMMERPOST NEWS 2015 BMW M4 Coupe (F82) Spied! 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:
*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
To provide some perspective of how the F32 compares to the E92 at a similar testing/camouflage stage, we revisit the earliest E92 coupe test prototype photos from back at the end of 2005 and we've posted below a comparison of the F32 coupe at this early stage camouflage compared to the E92 coupe during its early stages of testing. Scrutinizing the photos, it's easy to see how a camouflaged coupe appears overly lengthy and bulky, especially with respect to the front and rear fascias, which still have heavy and cumbersome camouflage. Keeping in mind how attractive the E92 coupe turned out in production form, we wouldn't bet against BMW with respect to the F32's (or F82 M4's) design. Of course it's always a bit silly to declare final judgment on a car based on preliminary heavy-camo images, so the point here is that it's wise to reserve your judgments until the car is fully revealed (or at least loses most of its camouflage). * E92 3 Series Coupe Prototype (from 2005) vs. F32 4 Series Coupe Prototype (2012) |
07-18-2012, 03:19 AM | #2 |
Captain
118
Rep 888
Posts |
Some Observations:
Of course it's very early to judge but the general shape looks very unexciting to me. Of course who knows what camo panels are under there... Was expecting bigger front brakes... maybe six piston brakes. Fender flares look a bit odd. I'll wait to see how this shapes out. Hopefully it doesn't end up like the C63 lol. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 03:27 AM | #3 |
Lieutenant General
643
Rep 10,404
Posts |
Damn, I want a close up of that tachometer. I guess though that would only be really insightful if it was both running and warmed up...
What is with the really odd tail lights? Nice brakes, well nice calipers at least. Unfortunately the rotors look like the same old BMW Motorsport design. They are good in that they are composite, probably fairly lightweight an aluminum hat but they still have that poor design feature where the hat blocks much of the cooling flow... Ugly too visible muffler (again), ugh. Anyone think the mirrors are a finalized design?
__________________
E92 M3 | Space Gray on Fox Red | M-DCT | CF Roof | RAC RG63 Wheels | Brembo 380mm BBK | | Vorsteiner Ti Exhaust | Matte Black Grilles/Side Gills/Rear Emblem/Mirrors | | Alekshop Back up Camera | GP Thunders | BMW Aluminum Pedals | Elite Angels | | XPEL Full Front Wrap | Hardwired V1 | Interior Xenon Light Kit | |
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 03:31 AM | #4 | |
Administrator
43803
Rep 21,327
Posts |
Quote:
Per the article that's now been posted above, the mirrors are prototype stage only. The production model will see sportier mirrors.
__________________
Check on the Latest BMW News
Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 03:51 AM | #5 |
Private First Class
9
Rep 126
Posts |
For anyone who is worried-- refer to the following post also by Jason: http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=611044
It reminds you that camo is there for just that... hiding the nuances of the true design underneath |
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 03:53 AM | #6 | |
Administrator
43803
Rep 21,327
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
Check on the Latest BMW News
Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 03:58 AM | #7 |
Major
430
Rep 1,461
Posts
Drives: 2018 M3CS
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Winnipeg
|
So excited for this. I already know its going to be my next car.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 04:15 AM | #9 |
Brigadier General
436
Rep 4,567
Posts |
It's too early to make much of the design at this point, as it's still plastered with camo.
Interesting muffler canisters, though. And I am not a fan of the tapered and rolled exhaust tips. The tapering is a new thing for M cars -- they almost look like x28i tips. Not a fan at all -- I'll wait for the single-walled straight-cut M Performance exhaust.
__________________
'09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather | ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL | link 1 / link 2
Mods: M Performance exhaust | ZCP retrofit | Euro airbox | GTS DCT flash | JPN 240 ECU flash | Euro LCI taillights | CRT lip | OEM alarm retrofit | Space Gray bumper plugs | BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem |
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 04:21 AM | #10 |
Administrator
43803
Rep 21,327
Posts |
Added more photos to the article.
__________________
Check on the Latest BMW News
Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel |
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 04:27 AM | #11 |
DSC OFF
29
Rep 182
Posts
Drives: 2011 135i, N55, 6MT, MPK
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Yelm, WA
|
Why must BMW tease... I want to know what it looks like, and I want to know now!
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 05:17 AM | #13 |
Colonel
4103
Rep 2,067
Posts |
Can't wait to welcome her in my stable
__________________
2004 e87 118d (ret.), 2007 e92 330d (ret.), 2007 e87 130i M-sport (ret.), 2009 e92 M3 (ret.), 2010 f10 535d M-sport (ret.), 2015 f10 M5 CP (ret.), 2017 f82 M4 CP (ret.)
2022 g26 i4 M50 & 2009 e70 X5 35d |
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 06:01 AM | #15 |
Banned
475
Rep 4,392
Posts |
A beefed up N55 with multiple turbos with 450 hp to the crank. Hmm. I just dont like the idea of it having anything to do with a N55.
O'well, we will see soon enough |
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 06:02 AM | #16 |
8:39
38
Rep 696
Posts |
I was driving next to the M4 and new M3 on Autobahn 3 headed towards the Ring. They look ok but one thing still remains, the M3 sounds like a Pontiac Grand-Am with a flow master muffler.
__________________
"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity."
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 07:00 AM | #19 |
Lieutenant Colonel
174
Rep 1,529
Posts |
Any chance some one could post our E9x when it was at that stage? I have a feeling that comparing E92 in Camo to these pictures may give us better idea!
__________________
2011 E92 JB/BL/DCT--->80K Miles
2015 F80 SS/SO/DCT?->28K Miles 2015 Porsche 911S |
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 07:22 AM | #21 |
New Member
0
Rep 24
Posts |
I just can't see M not hitting the mark on this car. The M5 was one upped in my opinion sleeker, more power, more efficient. Sure some might not see efficiency as being the M type do to the racing history but it just shows the smarts the strive to put into there technology. I'm sure this car will be a masterful combination of speed, efficiency, with just the right touch of luxury in that always appealing BMW interior
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2012, 07:33 AM | #22 |
Major
228
Rep 1,425
Posts
Drives: MacanGTS, 991.2GT3, E63wagon
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Bellevue WA / Oakville ON
|
I wish the brakes were larger. Would have been nice if they took the units from the m5/6. I am sure these brakes will work fine and are probably lighter. The car looks very narrow to me though. I think it will be thinner than the sedan just as the e92 was to the e90. I am happy to see it using that super sexy steering wheel from the m6. So glad to see that. As for the rear bumper the exhaust cutouts are very sloppy and the bumper is very thin. I think this is a f32 bumper that was cut to fit the quad exhausts. I am sure the final bumper will thicker/beefier and have some kind of functional Aero design. Lastly as for the exhaust itself I think the tips are ugly but I am glad to see that the muffler portion looks much smaller than the previous e46 and e9x M. I am willing to bet it will hide nicely behind the final rear bumper design and hopefully it's a good bit lighter.
Oh and the wheels I think will be final. If you look closely you can see the ///M badge on the wheels. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|