The BMW Concept M4 GTS continues the tradition of BMW M3 special models already illuminated by the BMW M3 Evolution (1988), BMW M3 Sport Evolution (1990), BMW M3 GT (1995), BMW M3 CSL (2003), BMW M3 GTS (2010) and BMW M3 CRT (2011).
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BMW will reveal this M4 Concept GTS later today, at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a high society auto show on the Californian coast.
Despite the obvious track capabilities, the vehicle is fully road-legal.
The new BMW M4 GTS Concept has received the water injection system, from the BMW M4 MotoGT Safety auto, which is promising to increase power and torque figures. The manually adjustable front splitter and rear wing – both in exposed carbon – ensure ideal aerodynamic balance on the race tracks and on the road.
Finished in Frozen Dark Grey metallic paint with orange highlights, the Concept M4 GTS also receives a carbon fibre reinforced bonnet, which is claimed to lower its weight and centre of gravity over the standard M4 for even sharper performance and agility.
The wheels themselves are wrapped in high-performance Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres, measuring 265/35 and 285/30, front to back, respectively.
In laymans terms, a five litre container is stored in the boot, and water is sprayed as a fine mist into the intake manifold of the 3-litre, six-cylinder twin turbo engine.
BMW has also identified the concept coupe as a technology preview for a coming new production model, “to be unveiled at a later date”. When water vaporizes and goes through its phase transition absorbs heat, cooling the air intake significantly.
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BMW is looking to use OLED technology throughout its model range over the coming years. In addition, the final compression temperature in the combustion chamber-and therefore the engine’s tendency for detonation, or knock, -is reduced, allowing for more boost and earlier injection timing. All of which also enhances the stability and durability of the turbocharged engine. The standard M4 produces 317kW and 550Nm. The technology works by omitting a “full surface and homogenous illumination”, as opposed to the single point of light you get with a regular LED light. Their low installation height of just 1.4 millimetres and the ability to actuate individual light modules separately create fresh design scope in lighting concepts. OLED technology enables extra flexibility in design so we expect to see more BMWs with OLEDs in the future.
