BMW's fastest road car ever: 2016 M4 GTS

2016 BMW M4 GTS

 The BMW M4 GTS gives BMW M GmbH a new and exclusive technological showpiece which elevates the potential of the BMW M4 Coupe to another impressive new level. With its powerful, motor sport-inspired looks and highperformance technology, the BMW M4 GTS has its sights set squarely on the race track. A lap time of 7.28 minutes around the legendary Nürburgring- Nordschleife, the world's most exacting race circuit, is a clear statement of this special-edition model's exceptional abilities. At the same time, the sharpest BMW M4 of all - like its BMW M stablemates - can also hold its own on public roads. BMW M GmbH is launching the BMW M4 GTS in a special edition limited to 700 units to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3, which has been in production since 1986. In so doing, it is highlighting the innovative flair of the BMW M engineers in developing trailblazing M technologies on the powertrain, chassis and lightweight construction front. The first highperformance special edition in the M3/M4 model range will also be available for the first time in the important North American market.

Performance boost courtesy of innovative water injection

At the heart of each and every BMW M model is its engine. The BMW M4 GTS uses the multi-award-winning six-cylinder in-line turbo engine from the BMW M3/M4, but adds innovative water injection technology to give the 3.0-litre unit a substantial power boost. The water injection system raises the engine's output significantly - to 368 kW/500 hp - and increases torque to 600 Nm (442 lb-ft), yet still keeps fuel economy and CO2 emissions at the level of the BMW M4 Coupe (8.3 litres per 100 km [34 mpg imp], 194 g/km). This makes the BMW M4 GTS the most agile, radical and dynamically potent model in the range. It races from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.8 seconds and hits a limited top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph).

Lightweight design extends into the details

Intelligent lightweight construction allows the BMW M engineers to limit the car's DIN kerb weight to 1,510 kilograms (ECE kerb weight: 1,585 kg). Its outstanding weight-to-power ratio of 3.0 kg/hp provides the perfect platform for a highly dynamic driving experience. The rigorous weight-saving measures extend through both the interior and exterior of the car. Inside, carbon-fibre bucket seats, a lightweight centre console, the lightweight construction of the rear seat panelling and boot area partition, and special lightweight door and side panel trim, including door pull loops in place of solid door handles, are clearly visible indications of the designers' commitment to weight-saving. The rigorous application of lightweight design can also be seen in details that are out of view. 

The instrument panel bracing tube is made from lightweight carbon fibre. And on the outside of the car, the newly designed bonnet, roof and adjustable front splitter are also constructed from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The adjustable rear wing, too, is cut from this light but extremely durable high-tech material. It rests on intricate, CNC-machined aluminium mounts fixed to the CFRP boot lid which likewise demonstrate how every detail, no matter how small, has been honed to minimise weight. Teaming up with the diffuser - again, made from carbon fibre - below the rear bumper, the rear wing optimises the flow of air and reduces lift at the rear axle. The exhaust system has a titanium muffler, which allows a weight saving of 20 per cent. Its emotionally rich soundtrack fits the M profile perfectly and envelops the inside and outside of the car in the ambience of the race track.

Performance-enhanced version of the six-cylinder in-line engine

The BMW M4 GTS is powered by an M TwinPower Turbo engine capable of 7,600 rpm. Unusually high-revving for a turbocharged engine, it offers linear power delivery over a wide engine speed range. An innovative water injection system takes this six-cylinder in-line turbocharged unit to new performance heights by relaxing the thermal constraints on power and torque. The system has already proved itself on race tracks around the world on board the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car, the 2015's lead safety car in the world's top motorcycle racing series.

The engine develops its maximum power of 368 kW (500 hp) - an increase of 16 per cent over the BMW M4 - at 6,250 rpm. Peak torque has been increased by 10 per cent to 600 Newton metres (442 lb-ft), and is maintained over a very wide rev band (4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm). The standard sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 3.8 seconds, on the way to a governed top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph). Despite the significant extra power, the engine also excels on fuel efficiency, matching the BMW M4 Coupe's low EU combined fuel consumption of 8.3 litres/100 km (34 mpg imp), which corresponds to combined CO2 emissions of 194 g/km, and complying with the EU6 emissions standard.