2016 BMW M4 GTS Photo Gallery

A year after introducing the M4 Coupe, BMW’s mad M division has taken the covers off the hardcore M4 GTS. Quite simply, it is the fastest production road car BMW has ever made. We say fastest ever because this new model has just lapped the infamous Nurburgring circuit in 7 minutes and 28 seconds – nearly 30 seconds quicker than a standard M4.

Essentially a two-door version of the M3, the M4 GTS continues the tradition of special M3 models already formed by the M3 Evolution (1988), M3 Sport Evolution (1990), M3 CSL (2003) and the M3 GTS (2010).

Over the standard M4, the M4 GTS gets a manually adjustable front splitter and rear wing (both in exposed carbon), carbon fibre hood and wider front air intakes. The car also gets BMW’s new OLED (organic light-emitting diodes) technology for the tail lamps.

At the rear, the M4 GTS features titanium quad exhaust pipes with a laser-engraved M emblem on each pipe. They are framed by a rear apron and flank the exposed carbon-fibre diffuser. The latter works with the car’s other aerodynamic features to optimise airflow, thereby improving downforce.

Inside, the cabin is inspired from BMW motorsport and includes two carbon fibre bucket seats as standard. They weigh 50 per cent less than those in the standard M4. Furthermore, to reduce weight BMW has also fitted lighter door panels and pull loops instead of door handles.

More evidence of weight saving can be seen behind the front seats. In fact, the rear seats have been replaced by a glass-fibre-reinforced plastic shelf, combined with a rear panel made from a carbon-fibre construction.

Under the bonnet is an enhanced version of the standard model’s 3-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine, tuned to deliver 500bhp. The result is a car which accelerates from 0-100kmph in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed electronically limited to 300kmph.

Thanks to a new water injection system, BMW has managed to raise the engine’s output significantly from 431hp in the standard car to 500bhp, and increase the torque from 550Nm to 600Nm. At the same time, the brand claims that the fuel economy remains the same as the standard model.

With production limited to 700 units, the new M4 GTS will make its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 28. As for the launch, BMW will start production for this new model in March 2016 with a launch scheduled for June.