Like many high-performance vehicles, the BMW M3->ke2366 has provided the perfect platform for a dozen special-edition models throughout its history. Who can forget the E36-based GTR and the E46-based CSL, or even the Cecotto and Ravaglia editions of the first-generation M3? Then there’s the GTS, arguably one of the best-performing M3s in history.

Launched for the 2010 model year and with only 250 units built, the GTS was a more powerful and lighter version of the E92 M3. The coupe had a 4.4-liter V-8 rated at 444 horsepower and weighed 300 pounds less than the standard M3. These specs made it incredibly fast in the sprint to 60 mph, which took only 4.2 seconds, and it was quite popular with collectors. All 250 units sold immediately, despite a sticker of €115,000 (more than $130,000 as of 2015). Although the E92 remained the sole GTS-badged Bimmer->ke178 for half a decade, the nameplate returned for the 2016 model year, this time around on the M4.

Tested for many months camouflaged as a MotoGP Safety Car and then previewed as a concept at Pebble Beach, the production M4 GTS just broke cover ahead of its official public debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.->ke1834 Granted, the GTS' debut in Japan is rather exotic, but the Bimmer should debut in the U.S. at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November.

Updated 04/14/2016: BMW dropped a series of new images for its new M4 GTS, images taken during the car's international press launch in Barcelona, Spain. We also want to remind you that the new M4 GTS will arrive on the U.S. market in the second quarter of 2016.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 BMW M4 GTS.

2016 BMW M4 GTS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 BMW M4 GTS
  • Engine/Motor: inline-6
  • Horsepower: 493 @ 6250
  • Torque: 442 @ 4000
  • Transmission: Seven-speed M double-clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Not surprisingly, the production M4 GTS looks a lot like the concept car. In fact, the two are identical, down to every single aerodynamic-enhancing detail that sets the GTS apart from the standard M4.

Up front, the track-ready coupe comes with an adjustable carbon-fiber splitter and a wider air intake in the middle of the bumper. Both features optimize air flow and minimize front axle lift, improving the GTS' performance at the track. Even though the hood looks identical to the standard unit, it's actually made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), making the car lighter while also lowering its center of gravity. Visually, the front fascia received an Acid Orange stripe on the splitter and a high-gloss black twin-kidney grille.

The rear of the GTS speaks volumes about the car's track skills by way of a massive, adjustable wing on the trunk lid and a modified diffuser. An "M4 GTS" badge above the right taillight signals that this is no regular M4. Rounding out the rear fascia is a pair of OLED taillights, making the M4 GTS the first production Bimmer to feature the company's new organic light-emitting diodes. Unlike LEDs, which emit light in points, OLEDs light up over their entire surface in a homogeneous effect.

When viewed from the side, the M4 GTS is identical to the standard M4, except for the wheels. The new rollers come in a multi-spoke design and measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches to the rear. Like the front splitter, the wheels feature Acid Orange accents that provide a strong contrast with the grey body color. Speaking of colors, the M4 GTS can be had in one of four finishes: Sapphire Black Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic, Alpine White and Frozen Dark Grey Metallic.

Rendering Vs. Reality

Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,698 MM (184.96 Inches)

Width

1,870 MM (73.62 Inches)

Height

1,383 MM (54.44 Inches)

Wheelbase

2,812 MM (110.70 Inches)

Track, front/rear

1,596/1,604 MM (62.83/63.14 Inches)

Ground clearance

108 MM (4.25 Inches)


Interior

The interior of the M4 GTS is based on the M4's, but showcases many unique features that can't be had on the standard coupe. For a racier feel, nearly everything inside the cabin is finished in either black or dark grey. White contrast stitching brightens up a few surfaces, while the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel sports an orange 12-o'clock stripe. The "GTS" lettering on the dashboard is also finished in orange.

Much like the exterior, the cabin is all about weight-saving measures. Bucket racing seats are offered as standard, with lighter backrests with motorsport-style cutouts offered as an options. Both versions are wrapped in Alcantara for maximum grip. The center console is unique to the M4 GTS, featuring an asymmetrical design and weighing around 30 percent less compared to the standard component.

The rear seats have been ditched altogether. This not only shaved off a few more pounds, but it also enabled BMW to install a race-ready roll cage and a fire extinguisher behind the front seats. The area was trimmed in glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), which reduces weight, provides a lower center of gravity, and improves stiffness.

The door panels have also been redesigned with lightness in mind. The conventional door handles have been replaced with motorsport-style pull loops, while Alcantara inserts are limited to the armrests only. BMW says door panel weight has been cut in half compared to the standard unit.

Drivetrain

Motivating of the M4 GTS is the same twin-turbo, 3.0-liter, inline-six found in the regular M4, but output has been increased to 493 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. That's an extra 68 horses and 37 pound-feet of twist over the standard M4. Significantly more powerful and about 200 pounds lighter than its standard sibling, the M4 GTS is obviously faster. Equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the GTS can hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph. For reference, the standard M4 needs 3.9 seconds to get to 60 mph with an automatic transmission, while its top speed is limited at 155 mph.

BMW claims the GTS will lap the Nurburgring track in 7:28 minutes, making it the quickest Bimmer around the "Green Hell" as of 2015. That figure makes the M4 GTS as fast as the Porsche Carrera GT, McLaren MP4-12C, and Ferrari 458 Italia, and it's quicker than supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and the Porsche 911 GT2.

Performance figures aside, the M4 GTS also brings an innovative water injection system to the market. Previously used in the M4 Safety Car and showcased in the concept, the technology will be used for the first time in a production road car. The new system injects water directly into the plenums of the intake manifold, where it is vaporized, resulting in a lower compression temperature in the combustion chamber. The process allows the turbochargers to operate with increased boost pressure and better spark timing, which translates into more horsepower and torque. Moreover, the feature reduces thermal stress on all performance-related components, prolonging engine life.

Drivetrain Specifications

Config/No of cyls/valves

In-line/6/4

Engine technology

M TwinPower Turbo technology: two MonoScroll turbochargers, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve lift control, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing, Water Injection

Effective capacity cc

2979

Stroke/bore mm

89.6/84.0

Compression ratio :1

10.2

Fuel

min. RON 95

Max output

493 HP @ 6,250 RPM

Max torque

442 LB-FT @ 4,000–5,500 RPM

Transmission

Seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic

Acceleration 0–60 mph

3.7 seconds

Top speed

189.5 MPH


Safety

BMW had nothing to say about the M4 GTS' safety features, but it's safe to assume it comes with most of the technology found in the standard M4, in addition to the race-spec roll cage and fire extinguisher mounted behind the front seats.

Prices

Set to go on sale in the spring of 2016, the M4 GTS will be priced from $134,200, including $995 Destination & Handling.

BMW will build only 700 units, 300 of which will be shipped to the U.S.

Competitors

Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Edition 1

With Mercedes-Benz recently launching the new AMG C63 Coupe for the 2016 model year, it will take a couple of years until Stuttgart rolls out a proper competitor for the M4 GTS. Meanwhile, the Edition 1 model remains your best option if you're looking for something a bit more special. Although it's powered by the same engine available in the standard model, the Edition 1 has what it takes to give the M4 GTS a run for its money in terms of output. In S trim, the 4.0-liter V-8 cranks out 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of twist, which yields a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. Top speed sits at 180 mph, only 10 mph lower than the Bimmer's.

What makes the Edition 1 S model even more interesting is its livery. Borrowed from the DTM race car based on the same coupe, the paint scheme feature yellow stripes on the engine hood, roof, trunk, and above the side skirts. The wheels also feature yellow accents and come wrapped in custom sports tires for an enhanced experience at the track. The only thing missing here is a massive rear wing...

Read more about the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Edition 1 here.

Conclusion

BMW has received a lot of heat for dropping the iconic naturally aspirated V-8 in favor of a turbocharged inline-six with the current M3 and M4, but the new GTS will probably make a lot of enthusiasts retract their criticism. Significantly more powerful than the standard model and fitted with a race-spec interior focused on lightness, the M4 GTS will likely write another successful chapter in BMW's history. Essentially a race car for the road, this coupe has everything it needs to prove that BMW can still make cool track toys. Sure, the fact that it will be nearly as expensive as a Cayman GT4 or a base 911 Carrera might be a turn off, but with only 700 units built, the GTS will become a prized collectible in no time.

Updated History

Updated 12/28/2015: After a short teaser revealed the other days, BMW dropped a full-length video showing the new M4 GTS lapping the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop) in an outstanding 7:28. The car was driven by BMW M engineer Joerg Weidinger. Hit "play" to watch the new video.

Updated 11/20/2015: We added a series of new images taken during the car's official debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Updated 11/18/2015: The new M4 GTS made its debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show and with this occasion, BMW also dropped prices for the sports coupe. Set to go on sale in the spring of 2016, the M4 GTS will be priced from $134,200, including $995 Destination & Handling.

Updated 10/22/2015: BMW dropped a new video featuring its new M4 GTS in action on the Anglesey Circuit. Enjoy!

Updated 10/13/2015: When BMW unveiled the new M4 GTS is dropped pretty much all the details on it, except for one little detail: its price. However, a leaked ordering guide reveals that on the British market the M4 GTS will be priced from £120,500 (about $184,000) - which is a little bit more than we initially expected. Deliveries should begin sometime in early 2016.

Updated 10/06/2015: BMW dropped the official details on the new M4 GTS about one month before its debut in Tokyo.

Updated 10/06/2014: We created a very cool rendering for the future M4 GTS. Check it out after the jump to see the differences between a standard M4 and the future GTS version.

Rendering

When creating our rendering, we were inspired by the old M3 GTS, but also from the previous spy shots. So, the next M4 GTS will most likely get a black rear wing, black kidney grills rather than chrome, carbon fiber lip spoiler at the front and skirts on the side, dark rims. Of course, orange exterior paint and a black roof were also a must.

Spy Shots

January 15, 2014 - BMW M4 GTS testing on the snow

September 10, 2014 - First Testing Session