BMW offers luxury, technology in 2016 M4-GTS

THE upcoming higher-performance version of the M4—the M4 GTS maybe another high-powered derivative for collectors, offering a special edition with deal of technology showcase.

The M4 GTS features two industry firsts: a water-injection system designed to sharply increase power, and OLED (organic LED) taillights, a technology that will underscore BMW’s charge forward in lighting technology.

The unique water-injection system cools down the intake temperature, allowing for an even higher boost pressure. The good news is that it increases efficiency and high-end power significantly.

In the case of the M4’s S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six, maximum power rises from 425 horsepower at 5500 rpm to 493 horsepower, available at 6250 rpm. Maximum torque, which is 406 lb-ft (from 1850 to 5500 rpm) on the regular M4, rises to 442 lb-ft, available from 4000 to 5500 rpm.

Remarkably, fuel consumption remains identical. Performance, on the other hand, increases noticeably: The sprint from zero to 60 mph now takes 3.7 seconds instead of the regular M4’s 3.9 (factory figures).

Top speed, which is limited to 155 mph on the M4, rises to a governed 189.5 mph on the GTS, as the press release notes meticulously. The M4 GTS comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic only; the regular model’s slick-shifting six-speed manual won’t be offered.

BMW’s M GmbH has also revised the chassis significantly: There is a three-way, manually adjustable coil-over suspension, and the anti-roll bars and supporting mounts have been tweaked.

The steering column now does without an elastic section, and the power assist has been retuned. The front camber setting is adjusted, too, along with the active rear differential. The M4 GTS rolls on 265/35R-19 rubber up front and 285/35R-20 in the rear; the wheels are called “666M.” Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard.

The radical nature of the M4 GTS is visible in its lightweight technology, as well. It surpasses the already impressive level of the regular M4, which is massively changed from the standard 4-series. The rear seats are deleted, the center console and door panels are far lighter, and straps replace the interior door handles.

BMW has scrapped the M4’s aluminum front hood for a carbon-fiber unit; the costly material is also used for the adjustable rear wing, the rear diffuser, and the front splitter. A titanium exhaust system delivers a soundtrack that is “highly emotional.”

The list of equipment includes a roll bar and a fire extinguisher. It unfortunately doesn’t include the carbon-fiber seats fitted in other markets. U.S. regulations require the installment of more conventional sports seats.

Although the M4 GTS is designed for highly skilled drivers and ready for the track, it does include features that most buyers prefer not to live without, such as electronic parking assist and navigation.