The BMW M4 GTS, limited to only 700 units, is one crazy track machine. For some, the car is another M4 with some extra carbon fiber added on, but the reality of it is that the M4 GTS makes more power than a standard M4 thanks to some computer re-working and a water injection system.
As per track performance, the aerodynamic front splitter and rear spoiler make a definite difference, especially with the adjustable ‘street’ and ‘track’ settings. Around the streets the ‘street’ adjustment is obviously recommended as the lower portion of the front lip is retracted inwards of the car and the rear wing sits completely horizontal. Move over to the track settings and the front lip extends out drastically while the rear wing can be adjusted to two different settings, each delivering a different amount of downforce to keep the track weapon sticking to the ground with its Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Sound is something special to the M4 GTS. Coming standard with the car is an exhaust system that deviates from the standard M3/M4 OEM and M Performance exhaust. The result is an exhaust that blisters the ears on the open settings but backfires and pops in a more than satisfactory way. We strapped down the M4 GTS to hear just this (and to get some power figures of course).
Being a U.S. model, the car came with the newer ZCP (competition) seats as well as ZCP seat belts featuring the stunning M striping. Hard to miss, the Acid Orange roll cage dominates the back seat area. All together the mix of the Frozen Dark Grey Metallic paint and Acid Orange flows together nicely. Something not seen on too many models to date however is the wheels on this car. Optioned with M Carbon Compound Wheels, the race track designed and street approved wheels are the world’s first series-produced wheels with both CFRP and aluminum-composite construction. These wheels are 7kg (15lbs) lighter than the standard lightweight forged aluminum wheels that come standard.
Visually, the exposed carbon fiber is extremely pleasing, showing how far BMW has come with composite material productions.
While this BMW M4 GTS is currently completely stock – project pending by EAS as we speak – the vehicle certainly packs more than a big punch. Powered by a 3.0 Liter BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, the M4 GTS churns out a whopping 493 hp at 6250 rpm, accompanied by a nice 443 lb-ft of peak torque from 4000 to 5500 rpm. The power is harnessed through a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic that allows the M4 GTS to roar from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
The vehicle has lapped Germany’s notorious Nürburgring Nordschleife in a mere 7 minutes 28 seconds. What particular modifications await this BMW M4 GTS is still unclear. But, knowing European Auto Source, we are in for a classy and performance oriented build.
