BMW has unleashed its hardcore M4 GTS on the Japanese public at the Tokyo Motor Show. Designed as a successor to the 2010 M3 GTS, the M4 version lets you know it’s unique with bright orange accents and some aerodynamic flair.
The M4 GTS has been engineered as a track-honed weapon without the comforts of rear seats (which have been replaced with a roll-cage) and with helpings of added downforce in the form of a front splitter and big rear spoiler. BMW also included an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, carbon fiber sport seats, light alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, three-point seat belts, a lightweight center console, and pull loops that replace the door handles.
This corner carver has the goods. In addition to its handling improvements, the M4 GTS uses a water injection system (the first ever on a production car) for the M4’s standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six cylinder engine. This results in a lower final compression temperature leading to higher boost pressure and therefore improved performance.
How much improved performance? The M4 GTS makes an extra 60 horsepower and 50 newton meters of boost over the regular M4, meaning a total of 493 horses and 442 pound-feet of torque.
Though enthusiasts might shed a tear, BMW will only offer the M4 GTS with a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Though it won’t be as much of a workout to hustle the super coupe around a circuit, you’ll be rewarded with a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph.
BMW has declared the M4 GTS is the quickest production car it’s ever made, with a jaunt around the famed Nurburgring in just 7 minutes and 28 seconds, almost half a minute quicker than the normal M4. Thankfully, us Americans may have a chance (though not a favorable one) to see the M4 GTS on the streets as BMW will allocate some of its 700 planned production units for U.S. sales.
