BMW makes it official as it reveals the new M4 Concept Coupe during a Pebble Beach preview.
As we’ve been seeing with great frequency of late, there are no secrets on the Internet. It’s something BMW and its fans were reminded of when details of the new Concept M4 began leaking out this week, well ahead of the planned preview in Pebble Beach.
Well, BMW has finally made it official, and here’s some more about the BMW Concept M4 and the production model to follow.
As TheDetroitBureau.com earlier noted, the appearance of the 2-door performance model comes as a bit of a surprise so quickly after the June debut of the new BMW 4-Series.
Normally, the Bavarian maker likes to keep us waiting for the M-variant of an all-new model line. Expect to now see the production version of the M4 in a matter of months, perhaps at the upcoming Frankfurt or LA auto shows.
Key design features of the BMW M4 Concept have a functional purpose.
“The BMW Concept M4 Coupe reflects the BMW M philosophy in ideal form: It combines motor racing genes and unrestricted everyday suitability in a highly emotional overall concept,” said Friedrich Nitschke, chairman of BMW’s managing board, said during a preview of the show car in Pebble Beach, California prior to the annual Concours d’Elegance that will give thousands of – wealthy – automotive aficionados a first look.
(First look, BMW 4-Series. Click Here.)
The BMW M4 Coupe Concept gets a grille similar to the bigger M6 Coupe, with LED accented headlamps, distinctive aero mirrors, a “power dome” on the hood and ultra-light carbon fiber elements including the roof, front splitter and rear diffuser – as well as the twin tailpipes. There will be additional weight-saving measures that could trim the mass of the M model by as much as 200 pounds.
BMW describes the overall design them as featuring, “faceted surfaces, precise contours and distinctive visual depth. But it is all pulled together with a singular purpose.
The new M gill is meant to help improve overall aerodynamics of the M4 Coupe.
“At BMW M, design is above all an expression of function,” explained Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Each design element is based on the underlying technical demands of the BMW M high performance concept. Thanks to this authenticity, the design provides a taste of what can be experienced with each model: Power, precise control and superior handling – an unforgettable driving experience on the racetrack as well as on the road.”
Among the functional design details is the redesigned M “gill” on the front fender. It’s traditionally a sporty cue but on the M4 it adds new functionality by incorporating the BMW Air Breather system. Along with the Air Curtain, it helps ventilate the wheel arches and improve overall aerodynamics, BMW explains.
For the moment, BMW officials have decided to limit their discussion of the new M4 Concept to its design. After all, they need something more to talk about when the production model makes its appearance.
But here are some likely powertrain details: The new M4 is expected to feature a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six making as much as 450 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. That is likely to deliver a 0 to 60 launch in just over 4.0 seconds.
We should be hearing more quite soon.