Specifications
Highlights
• Frozen Dark Grey Metallic over Black leather and Alcantara
• One of 800 units worldwide
• The Highest Performance F82 Variant
EAG Impressions
The F8X series (F80 M3 sedan, F82 M4 coupe, F83 M4 convertible) marked a significant shift for BMW's iconic performance models. For the first time, the coupe version adopted the M4 nomenclature, while the M3 badge was reserved for the sedan. Both European and U.S. markets received the same twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine, signaling BMW's commitment to a truly global product. While subtle differences in emissions equipment still resulted in slightly different power outputs, the performance gap between European and U.S. models was smaller than ever before.
Overview
Since the early 2000s, American enthusiasts have had a tremendous appetite for track-focused versions of production vehicles. Spurred on by sales of cars like the Porsche GT3 and Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, manufacturers saw a growing market for cars with fewer features on the inside, sharper sport suspension, and increased power, that could be driven to and from the track while still setting great lap times and feeling purpose-built. BMW is no stranger to this style of car, dating back to the mid-1990s with the e36 M3 Lightweight, which the Europe-only E46 M3 CSL followed. When it came time to build a track special for the M4 coupe, they wanted to create something special that would grab the headlines of car magazines everywhere. The car they came up with was known as the M4 GTS.
History
This 2016 BMW M4 GTS is an outstanding example that shows 6,520 miles at the time of cataloging. Finished in Frozen Dark Gray Metallic and full frontal PPF installed, this car stands out like few cars can thanks to the orange accents interspersed throughout the vehicle. Although the bodywork on the GTS isn’t changed from the standard M4, BMW added numerous pieces to make it instantly recognizable- a large rear wing with carbon fiber end plates on the trunk is matched up front by a carbon front splitter with orange accents along the leading edge. The Style 666 wheels come from the M4 Competition but the interior of the spokes are finished in orange and on this example, gold brake calipers sitting behind them signify carbon ceramic brakes. This example also comes with a car cover to protect the special exterior finish.
When you open the door on the M4 GTS, the thing that immediately draws your eye is the stunning metallic orange half cage taking up the space where the back seats used to be. Offering a significant increase in rigidity and offering improved safety on the track, this cage offers a great visual through the rear window and even features mounting points for a set of race belts. The seats are M-Sport bucket seats that are finished in black leather with Alcantara inserts and feature the all-important BMW M colors embroidered on the headrests. Speaking of Alcantara, it is on display throughout the cabin, featured on the steering wheel, center console, and dashboard, which has a unique perforated GTS logo with more orange accents. The door cards are lightweight pieces that utilize composite materials from the BMW i3 and feature little more than a handle, a cloth pull to close the door, and a window switch to keep the weight down.
Powering the M4 GTS is a highly tuned version of the standard M4’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6- featuring a unique water injection system. The engine is capable of producing 500 horsepower and nearly 450 lb-ft of torque. This water injection system helps keep the air dense and prevents detonation, meaning that you can further advance the timing and create more boost, without the worry of losing power, even on the hottest days on track. When paired with BMW’s seamless shifting 7-speed DCT gearbox, the GTS can run from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and tops out at 190 mph. The suspension that BMW installed offers numerous levels of adjustability, letting you set the low/high-speed compression, rebound, and ride height that will be perfect for the given track you are at. All of these modifications add up to a car that is faster around the Nurburgring Nordschleife than a Porsche Carrera GT or a Ferrari 458 Italia, clocking a time of 7:27.88.
We have had the pleasure of several GTS's come through our doors at EAG, and when we do, they are always a crowd favorite. From the orange accents to the exceptional driving dynamics, and the fact that only 800 were produced for the world, this car certainly has the potential to become a very collectible car in the not-so-distant future.