BMW sells all 25 M4 GTS sight unseen
BY DANIEL GARDNER | 27th May 2016
Following the overseas reveal of the M4 GTS in October last year, at least 25 Australian M-fanatics placed deposits on the unconfirmed model in the hope that a number would be offered Down Under – something the car-maker can today confirm.
BMW Group Australia corporate communications general manager Lenore Fletcher told GoAuto that the run of 25 cars had all been snapped up by fast-acting and well-heeled enthusiasts, before Germany had even decided to offer the GTS here.
“As soon as the international release came out we had people who were straight in,” she said. “They don't care what it costs, they don't care when it's getting here they just want one.” But Ms Fletcher explained that there could have been more disappointments with a greater number of the exclusive cars earmarked for Australia than first thought out of the total 700 worldwide production run.
“The 25, in actual fact, is more than was initially thought would be delivered,” she said.
With the M4 GTS price now revealed, the 25 early adopters will be asked to pay just under double the cost of a regular BMW M4 Coupe, which at $149,900 is a sizable $145,100 cheaper.
For the extra capital, the lucky few will get a dose of hardcore performance-focused modifications, starting with race-derived water injection and increased boost pressure to 2.5 bar, which takes the power of the 3.0-litre turbo straight-six engine up 51kW and 50Nm to 368kW/600Nm.
The extra grunt has cut the zero to 100km/h acceleration by 0.3 seconds for a dash of 3.8s and a new top speed of 305km/h is possible if you find a road long enough.
BMW says the M4 GTS is quicker in corners too thanks to a specific tunable suspension set up, while more influential aerodynamics in the form of a conspicuous carbon-fibre spoiler and two-position adjustable front splitter combine for greater downforce.
Dynamics are also enhanced by a 30kg weight reduction thanks to carbon-fibre Recaro racing seats, the removal of the rear seats, a unique centre console, carbon-fibre bonnet and exotic carbon-ceramic brakes.
On the outside, the GTS is identifiable by yet more carbon-fibre for the rear diffuser, a titanium quad exhaust system, organic LED tail lights and flashes of Acid Orange.
Standard alloy wheels measure 20-inches at the back and 19-inch at the front, and wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, but customers wanting the most complete M4 GTS are offered a carbon-fibre wheel option for another $21,560.
With the optional wheels added into the mix, the M4 GTS is BMW's most expensive car offered in Australia.
For a more race-car like GTS, BMW also offers a no-cost optional Race Package which adds a street-legal roll-cage, six-point racing harnesses and a fire extinguisher system.
BMW is yet to confirm the proportion of customers opting for the top-spec wheels and race bits, but the car-maker said at least one customer has listed both wheels and cage for their car.
The 25 sold cars will be delivered to their beaming owners in September this year.
