I Want The Car Simply For The Air Jacks

The new BMW M4 GT4 carries the factory-prepped race torch 

Race-ready out of the box.

The GT4 spec is the lowest class of FIA GT racing. It's meant for amateur racers, and as such the regulations are quite strict. Every car must have at least one amateur driver, and the rules as to what constitutes as an amateur are very specific and clear. Aside from BMW, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Toyota all field cars in GT4 spec races.

Like the M3 GT4, the new version of the M4 comes from the factory homologated to FIA GT4 spec. BMW says the M4 GT4 will use the standard coupe's 425 horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine, including the electronics – the outgoing M3 GT4 used the standard car's 420 hp, high-revving, 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8. The new car will also pull bits like a carbon fiber hood from the M4 GTS.

Specific details like weights or fluid capacities haven't been revealed, nor has the transmission been confirmed. It's unclear if the M4 will be heavier than the smaller outgoing M3, which weighed slightly over 3,000 lbs. Expect things like built-in air jacks, a roll cage, lightweight seats, and other race-ready parts to carry over.

The M4 GT4 will start testing at the end of 2016 in preparation for a 2018 debut. Customers with who can't wait can purchase one of BMW's other race-ready offerings.

(AutoBlog.com)

Say What?

The BMW M2 Is Only 25 Pounds Lighter Than The BMW M4

The news comes from MotorTrend, which listed the car as 3,411 pounds in European specification, 101 pounds lighter than an M4. But MT talked to BMW North America about how the cars would stack up when ordered in the United States, and the results looked different:

In grand 2 Series tradition, the M2 is shockingly overweight. Despite being 8.3 inches shorter and 0.6 inch narrower than an M4, the M2 we tested weighs only 101 fewer pounds—and our M2 was a European-spec pre-production car that lacked some weight-adding features that come standard on U.S.-spec M2s, namely power seats, automatic climate control, and an upgraded Harman Kardon stereo with satellite radio. We expect the U.S. car to be at least 75 pounds heavier, and indeed BMW of North America lists the weight difference between the M2 and M4 at just 25 pounds.

(Jalopnik.com)

There's Some Interesting Alternatives Suggested

Want a Porsche Cayman? Get a Subaru BRZ

The Porsche Cayman is one of the most rewarding cars to drive that’s on sale today. With fantastic chassis balance, immediate steering response and a sweetheart of an engine, the Cayman has a fun-to-drive factor that’s off the charts. But, it also costs more than $50,000 for the cheapest model.

For half the price, there is the rear-wheel-drive Subaru BRZ. Sure, it gives up 65 hp to the Cayman, but it still offers a great chassis, fantastic steering and that all-important rewarding driving experience. And hey, it even has a horizontally opposed engine like the Cayman.

Want a BMW M4? Get a Ford Mustang GT

The BMW M4 Coupe is a fast four-passenger coupe with great handling. Powered by a 425-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, the M4 blends high-speed with sophistication. But this all comes at a price, specifically $65,700.

Those interested in the performance of an M4 but in a more affordable package might want to check out the Ford Mustang GT. With a 435-hp V8 engine, the Mustang is also rear-wheel drive, can be had with a manual or an automatic transmission and is capable of carrying four people. It may lack some of the sophistication of the M4, but the new Mustang is a far cry from the crude solid-axle Mustangs of old. Best of all, the Mustang GT starts at a price of just $32,395, about half the price of an M4!

Want a Mercedes-Benz G-Class? Get a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a highly capable off-road monster that can go places most other vehicles wouldn’t dream of. Locking differentials, a proper two-speed transfer case and high ground clearance, the G-Class is ready to climb a mountain. But being a Mercedes-Benz, it’s also luxuriously appointed and the cheapest G-Class starts at an eye-watering price of $119,900.

If off-roading is all you’re really interested in and you can forgo the G-Class’ luxurious interior and fire-breathing V8 engine, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is for you. Starting at a price of just $27,695, the Wrangler has a deep military history and a retro boxy look like the G-Wagon and will easily keep up with the Mercedes-Benz SUV on the road path less taken.

Complete list (AutoGuide.com)

It's About Time We Get Something Like This Stateside

OFFICIAL: The ULTIMATE BMW M Car Is Coming To The States — EVERYTHING You Want To Know About The M4 GTS

US-based BMWphiles, our time has come.

Only 700 units are to be built globally. Thankfully, the US market will receive 300 vehicles so RUN, don't walk to your local BMW store. Here are some reasons why:

• The M4 GTS will make 493 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque.
• Zero to 60 in a BMW-claimed 3.7 seconds
• First road-going car to be fitted with BMW's all-new water injection system
• Full, three-way adjustable coilover suspension
• More use of aluminum and carbon fiber for improved performance and reduced weight
• All-new, stripped down interior
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires

(AutoSpies.com)

They See Me Rollin' - BMW Edition

BMW Concept M4 GTS shows its face in Monterey

(AutoBlog.com)