These spy shots of a pre-production BMW M4 coupe show that the new M car is in the final stages of development. With only a thin veil of camo-tape wrapping the aggressive ducts and flared flanks of the new M Division coupe, it’s clear the M4 is on track for its summer 2014 arrival – following the new M3 at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2013.
What distinguishes the BMW M4 from the regular 4-series?
Despite the disguise, we can clearly see the new BMW M4 follows M Division family tradition, sporting a new front bumper with three separate low-set intakes, in place of the regular 4-series’ slimmer grille. And get a load of that ‘power dome’ hump on the bonnet! It could only be an M4.
Moving along the car, there’s trademark M car blistered wheelarches filled by sporty alloys (not the final design). The glowing brake discs gripped by gold calipers give away that this car is using ceramic brakes: an option on the BMW M5 and M6. Uprated steel brakes will be standard on the new BMW M4 – as seen in this CAR scoop of its M3 saloon sister during gruelling hot weather testing.
Why have BMW gone to the trouble of covering the roof of this M4? Because unlike the standard 4-series, the M4 will use a carbonfibre roof panel, like the outgoing E92 M3, and the much-loved E46 M3 CSL. It saves weight and lowers the car’s centre of gravity a smidge, for more nimble handling.
Other M4 cues are the wider side skirts, reshaped bootlid, and classic trademark quad exhaust tips. We think it looks pretty smart – do you? Tell us your thoughts by clicking ‘Add your comment’ below.
Remind me of the BMW M4’s specs
The M4 (in coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe form) will share its driveline with the new M3 saloon. Naturally aspirated BMW M engines depart with the outgoing V8 M3: in its place, the new M4 will use a lighter, more frugal twin-turbo straight-six. Don’t cancel your deposit yet though – it’s more powerful too. The 3.0-litre six pumps out 444bhp (up from 414bhp), heaps more torque than the thirsty 295lb ft V8, and will power the new M4 to 62mph in 4.5sec.
>> Hungry for even more BMW M3 and M4 news? Check out CAR’s scoop here, with exclusive images showing how the M3 could look based on drawings smuggled out of BMW’s M Division HQ…