There are only 25 units of BMW’s most fast-focused M4, the M4 GTS, coming Australia. That number is a shame given how many buyers emerged from the woordwork to snatch them up before most of us could get our bearings. Initial deliveries are expected to begin in September.
Costing $295,000 a piece, the BMW is hardly an impulse purchase, and the German marque has been known to throw come extra allocations for its most desirable models if we shout loud enough – such was the case with the M2 Coupe.
The M4 GTS is meant to exude the spirit of Bimmer’s past of performance two-doors. Specifically, the E46 M3 CSL, which in terms of looks alone, doesn’t quite add up. To this writer, at least, it shares much more in common with the E92 M3 GTS. What with all the spoilers and ostentation. The older M3 CSL, by contrast, was a more subdued machine to look at.
Still, BMW’s M division has basically done all it can to extract the most from the M4. Starting with the engine, the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six now develops 368kW and 600Nm driving the rear wheels through the M-DCT 7-speed double clutch transmission, permitting a 3.8-second sprint to 100km/h from standstill.
To achieve this extra output, the engine uses BMW’s new water injection technology that cools the car’s intake collector to reduce temperatures within the combustion chamber by an estimated 25 degrees Celcius that allows for a more efficient combustion, higher turbocharger pressure into cylinders and an earlier ignition point.
The M4 GTS is also 30kg lighter than a normal M4 through extensive use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP), such as on the bonnet, roof, and rear diffuser. There’s also a new titanium exhaust system, lightweight carbon ceramic brakes discs and light alloy wheels which contribute to the car’s overall and unsprung weight.
A raft of suspension and aerodynamic tuning and upgrades have been lavished onto the M4 GTS, resulting in a Nurburgring lap time of 7 minutes 28 seconds. That’s no doubt aided by the set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that have been specifically developed for the M4 GTS.
For more on BMW vehicles, including prices and specifications, check out our Showroom.
