BMW M4 GTS

BMW M4 GTS

The BMW M4 GTS was a limited-production, track-focused variant of the F82 M4 that showcased technologies BMW had developed through its motorsport programs. Most notably, it was the first production car to use water injection — a system that sprayed a fine mist of water into the intake manifold to cool the intake charge, allowing higher boost pressure and improved efficiency.

The S55B30 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six received the water injection system, a larger intercooler, revised turbocharger internals, and more aggressive engine management calibration. The result was 500 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 600 Nm of torque at 4,000-5,500 rpm — a 75-hp increase over the standard M4. A water tank in the trunk supplied the injection system, with a dashboard warning light indicating when refilling was needed.

The seven-speed M-DCT dual-clutch transmission was the only gearbox available, calibrated specifically for the GTS with faster shift speeds and more aggressive shift logic. A carbon-fiber driveshaft reduced rotating mass and improved throttle response.

The aerodynamic package was the most aggressive ever fitted to a BMW road car. A large manually adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing, carbon-fiber front splitter, carbon-fiber diffuser, and NACA ducts on the bonnet all contributed to a significant increase in downforce over the standard M4. The bonnet was also carbon fiber, with functional louvers for heat extraction.

Weight reduction included a carbon-fiber roof, rear wing, bonnet, and diffuser, as well as lightweight carpet, reduced sound insulation, and the deletion of rear seats. Adjustable coilover suspension — a first for a BMW M road car — allowed precise ride height and damper settings.

The M4 GTS lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:28 — making it the fastest BMW road car ever around the circuit at the time of its release. This was achieved despite the car being road-legal and equipped with air conditioning and a navigation system.

Only 700 units were produced worldwide, with each car featuring the distinctive Acid Orange exterior accents that became the GTS's visual signature. The M4 GTS proved that BMW M could still build a car with genuine motorsport focus, even in the era of increasingly heavy and technology-laden performance cars.