BMW turns 100 in 2016 and no doubt the automaker has plenty in store for the celebrations. One celebratory event may turn out to be the launch of a hardcore version of the upcoming M4 sports car, similar to 2009’s M3 GTS model. The information was reported by Car Sales, citing an anonymous source at BMW M.
The new M4, the successor to the outgoing M3 Coupe, is yet to make its debut but we already know it will weigh less than 3,300 pounds, come with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box, and be powered by a turbocharged straight-six engine delivering upwards of 430 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
According to the source, the hardcore M4 will be substantially lighter than the regular M4, come with a manual transmission only and have more power on tap. However, it won’t be as extreme as the E46 series M3 CSL, which weighed around 220 pounds less than the stock M3 it was based on, since many of the original CSL’s qualities have already been adopted for the latest M cars.
“For what we are planning, look more to the M3 GTS than the CSL,” the source said. “We have concepts for a special model and this [the M4] will be the homologation basis.”
Expect a cabin stripped of most luxury amenities, only a pair of racing bucket seats, possibly a roll cage, and carbon fiber and Alcantara trim. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic, similar to that used for the construction of the i3 and i8 electric cars, will likely be used for more body panels on the special M4. On the regular M4, carbon fiber is only expected to be used on the hood and trunk lid.
Stay tuned for an update, but in the meantime hit this link for more spy shots of the upcoming M4.
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