BMW has debuted a new track-specific concept version of its M4 performance coupe, called the Concept M4 GTS, which was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance last weekend.
Designed to return to the roots of BMW’s M Division, establish in the early 70s as the marque’s racing program, the M4 GTS concept draws from more than four decades of motorsport history.
The manufacturer says that the concept blurs the lines between the regular M4 coupe and a track-ready racer, bringing the best of both worlds for the ultimate in both performance and usability.
Frank van Meel, president of BMW M Division, said: “The BMW Concept M4 GTS previews an emotionally powerful and exclusive special model conceived with an eye for trailblazing technology and a keen focus on the race track.
“Despite its outstanding track ability, it is still fully road-legal. This is racing technology for the road in the truest sense.”
Building on the standard M4’s design, the Concept M4 GTS adds a manually adjustable carbon fibre front splitter and rear wing, allowing aerodynamic balance to be adapted on the fly.
The carbon fibre elements extend to the bonnet to lower the car’s weight and centre of gravity, while it also featured a wide front air intake to maximise airflow while on the move.
Finished in Frozen Dark Grey Metallic paint, it features contrasting Acid Orange accents, along with lightweight forged alloy wheels with mixed-sized Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres.
Designed to show off some of BMW’s new technology, which will make its debut in future models, the Concept M4 GTS comes with an innovative new water injection system and special LED lights.
The injection system sprays a fine mist of water into the six-cylinder engine’s inlet manifold, which reduces compression temperature and allows the turbocharger to provide a higher boost pressure.
As a result, output and torque are increased while thermal stress is reduced to enhance stability and durability, delivering higher power more consistently and more efficiently.
Innovative rear lights with organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology round off the M4 GTS’ extensive list of features, which emit light at a single point unlike LEDs.
Made of organic compounds that light up when fed an electric charge, OLEDs are thinner, smaller and more flexible than regular LEDs, and can also light up individually for a brighter, clearer display.
