For some reason, we can’t seem to find many spy photos of the upcoming BMW 4 Series Coupe. We’ve seen the Convertible a bunch but not the Coupe. Apparently, that goes for all versions of the 4 Series, including the upcoming BMW M4 Convertible, which has just been caught doing some roof-up testing. (We don’t own the spy photos but check them out here)
In these new spy photos, we can clearly see the future BMW M4 Convertible doing some on-road testing with the top up. Unfortunately, there’s really not much to see, as it’s wrapped in heavy camouflage, covering almost every inch of the car. It even still has regular 4 Series mirrors on it, so we don’t even know what its M-specific side mirrors will look like.
However, we do know that it’s a BMW M4 and not a lesser 4 Series. That’s because of its sportier M wheels, its massive brakes and, most importantly, its quad exhausts. Only proper M cars get quad exhausts like that, so their presence is a dead giveaway that this is indeed an M4.
We’ve heard little about the upcoming BMW M4, and seen even less. Though, it’s likely that it gets the same 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged engine as the upcoming M3 and the current X3/X4 M. It’s an S58 engine and it makes 473 hp in stock form but gets a 503 hp Competition spec. It’s uncertain whether the upcoming M4 will also get the same drivetrain options as the upcoming M3.
The next-gen G80 BMW M3 will be unique to its model history as it will be the first M3 to offer both rear and all-wheel drive. There will be a rear-wheel drive base model that will be available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto. That base model can also come all-wheel drive, which then ditches the manual option. The M3 Competition will only come all-wheel drive and automatic.
It’s possible that the BMW M4 gets the same treatment. Though, it wouldn’t be too surprising if the M4 Convertible only comes in one flavor; Competition, all-wheel drive, automatic. That’s because the take-rate on Convertibles is low so BMW might want to keep costs down and only offer one version.
Either way, it’s exciting to see the BMW M4 Convertible doing some testing, as it’s really the first time we’re seeing such a car, camouflaged or not.
[Source: Motor Authority]
