GTS version marks 30th anniversary of BMW M3
THE WRAPS have come off the much-awaited GTS version of BMW’s M4, and the good news is that it’s headed for South Africa.
Limited to just 700 units worldwide, the special-edition sports coupé celebrates the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3 which has been in production since 1986. The previous M3 GTS never made it to our shores but BMW South Africa confirms it has bagged a few M4 GTS units (we don’t know exactly how many) to go on sale here in the second quarter of 2016 at a yet-to-be confirmed price.
A water-injection system boosts power in the 3-litre turbo straight-six engine, raising outputs to 368kW and 600Nm compared to the standard M3/M4’s 317kW/550Nm. The system draws water from a small tank and sprays a fine mist into the intake manifold where it evaporates, reducing combustion temperatures to allow for more cylinder compression and therefore more boost.
The cooling also reduces fuel consumption which BMW claims as 8.3 litres per 100km.
Boasting a giant tail fin and colourful “acid orange” wheels that would make a Subaru STi blush, the M4 GTS is credited with a 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds and a governed 305km/h top speed.
Extensive weight-saving includes the bonnet, roof, bootlid, adjustable rear wing and adjustable front splitter being made of light but durable carbon-fibrereinforced plastic (CFRP), while occupants sit in carbon-fibre bucket seats. A titanium exhaust muffler and door pull loops (instead of solid door handles) are further mass-reducing measures.
A seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) has Drivelogic shift programs and Launch Control that have been retuned to the engine’s increased output.
An optional Clubsport Package adds a roll bar, race-specification six-point harness and a fire extinguisher.
“Special-edition models like the BMW M3 GT, BMW M3 CSL, BMW M3 GTS and BMW M3 CRT have a decades-long tradition in our mid-size line-up – and that continues with the BMW M4,” says Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW’s M division.
“They sharpen the character of the BMW M brand and embody an emotionally rich and exclusive driving experience.”