BMW confirms pricing for M4 GTS

BMW has revealed its fastest series-production BMW road car ever - the M4 GTS - will be priced at £121,770 OTR.

Limited to a production run of 700 cars, with only 30 coming to the UK, these M-badged cars deliver what BMW describe as 'the ultimate in sports-oriented design, power with efficiency and precise driving dynamics'. The M4 GTS is focused on track use, but meets all global regulations for use on public roads.

The fastest production road car the brand has ever offered to customers was developed and tested extensively at the Nurburgring, where it recorded a lap time of 7mins 28 secs - almost 30 seconds quicker than a standard M4. Engineered to provide an authentic motorsport-derived driving experience, agile and potent, BMW also says it offers precision handling and 'unprecedented levels' of feedback.

The German brand has added unique exterior design elements to 'demonstrate the performance credentials' of the car, which includes the world premiere of BMW's Organic Light with LED (OLED) lighting technology on a series-production model. Inside, the rear bench has been completely removed to save weight, leaving two front carbon-fibre sports seats.

Under the bonnet is an enhanced version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine, tuned to deliver 500hp. The result is a car which accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed limited to 190mph, while returning up to 34mpg on the combined cycle. With its lightweight design, the new BMW M4 GTS has a kerb weight of only 1,510kg.

The UK sales of 30 units equates to four per cent of the total, making Britain the fourth-largest market.

The M4 GTS will make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on 28 October before production begins in March 2016, with launch scheduled for June 2016.

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW has previewed a future high-performance model for road and track with the Concept M4 GTS.

The latest model from BMW's M Division, the Concept M4 GTS showcases new technologies set to make their series production debut in a new model to be unveiled at a later date. For example, the engine powering the concept is equipped with the same innovative water injection system that has endowed the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car - offering a 'noticeable increase' in output and torque.

Designed to fulfil its purpose as a successful track machine, the Concept M4 GTS includes manually adjustable front splitter and rear wing - both finished in exposed carbon - ensuring a 'perfect aerodynamic balance'. Another example of the engineers' adherence to lightweight design is the CFRP (carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic) bonnet, which lowers the car's weight and centre of gravity further still. A wide front air intake optimises airflow and minimises front axle lift.

Finished in Frozen Dark Grey Metallic, with Acid Orange accents on the front splitter, the lightweight, forged and polished M Sport alloy wheels also feature an Acid Orange accent. The 9.5 J x 19 (front) and 10.5 J x 20 (rear) wheels are fitted with Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres (265/35 R19 at the front, 285/30 R20 at the rear).

The engine's water injection system, introduced by BMW M Division, uses the physical effect of water when vaporising to draw the required energy. The water is injected into the intake manifold as a fine spray. When the water vaporises, the intake air cools significantly. As a result, the final compression temperature in the combustion chamber - and therefore the engine's tendency to "knock" - is reduced, enabling the turbocharged engine to use higher boost pressure and earlier injection timing.

This technology ensures an increase in output and torque, while at the same time reducing the thermal stress on performance-relevant components. All of which also enhances the stability and durability of the turbocharged engine, says BMW.

The Concept M4 GTS is also fitted with innovative rear lights featuring organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) technology. OLEDs are a new type of light source producing full-surface and homogenous illumination - in contrast to LEDs, which emit light to a single point. OLED technology 'heralds a new era in light design' and lighting concepts, opening up new possibilities when it comes to a characteristic and distinctive light signature for BMW models - both for their daytime driving lights and during the hours of darkness.

No word yet as to if the Concept M4 GTS will make it in to full production.