BMW M4 GTS revealed with 500hp and track focus
BMW has officially pulled the covers off the M4 GTS, a 500hp limited-run special with water injection and a raft of lightweight, track-ready features.
BMW has unveiled the M4 GTS, a limited-edition, track-oriented version of its M4 Coupe, ahead of the car’s public debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. The M4 GTS is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine producing 500hp and 600Nm, thanks to the addition of water injection technology. Just 700 units will be built.
Engine and performance upgrades
The S55 engine in the M4 GTS is a development of the standard M4’s powerplant, but with a 70hp increase over the regular model. The headline change is the introduction of water injection, a system previously seen only on the M4 MotoGP Safety Car, which cools the intake charge for greater power and efficiency. Maximum torque rises to 600Nm, delivered through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. BMW claims 0–100km/h in 3.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 305km/h.
The M4 GTS is also fitted with a titanium exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes as standard. The car’s Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time is quoted at 7 minutes 28 seconds, a full 24 seconds faster than the standard M4 Coupe according to BMW.
Lightweight construction and aero
Weight-saving measures are central to the GTS’s brief. The car weighs 1,510kg, achieved through extensive use of carbon fibre and lightweight materials. The bonnet, roof, adjustable front splitter, rear wing and diffuser are all made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic. The exhaust is titanium, and the rear seat is replaced by a lightweight GFRP shelf and panel. The centre console and door trims are also lightened, and the car rides on exclusive M light-alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
Interior and Clubsport Package
Inside, the M4 GTS swaps the standard seats for carbon-fibre bucket seats (or M sports seats in North America), trimmed in Merino leather and Alcantara. The rear seat is deleted, replaced by a shelf and panel wrapped in Alcantara. The steering wheel is also Alcantara-trimmed, and the car features three-point seatbelts as standard. For those intending to use the car on track, BMW offers a Clubsport Package, which adds an Acid Orange roll bar, fire extinguisher and a six-point harness.
Production, rivals and context
BMW will build only 700 examples of the M4 GTS. Pricing has not been announced at launch. The car’s closest predecessor is the M3 GTS, which followed a similar recipe for track-focused, limited-run M cars. For a comparison with the previous M3 GTS, see BMW M3 GTS: Track-Ready Engineering Meets Road Use.
- 3.0-litre straight-six turbo engine with water injection
- Seven-speed M DCT gearbox
- Titanium exhaust and carbon-ceramic brakes
- Adjustable carbon fibre aero kit
- OLED rear lights (production car first)
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres
