Munich Automobiles brings in the higher-performance version of the M4, the M4 GTS which will certainly grab the attention of not only collectors but techies as well

SINGAPORE — To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3, BMW GmBH has released the 500bhp, BMW M4 GTS which is limited to 700 units worldwide. Singapore will receive two of them, according to dealer Munich Automobiles, with one unit already sold. The price? If you have to ask…

BMW M claims the car has lapped the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in only 7.28mins, making it roughly as quick as a Ferrari 458 Italia and McLaren MP4-12C. 

But speed isn’t the only thing that is impressive about this car, as it’s a tech-fest of interesting new features.

BMW claims that the new M4 GTS features two of the company’s firsts: a water-injection system desgiend to increase power, and OLED (which stands for organic LED, as used in Samsung’s Galaxy phone screens) to be used in the tailights.

The BMW M4 GTS uses the multi-award-winning six-cylinder in-line turbo engine from the BMW M3/M4, but adds innovative water injection which enables the system to decrease the intake temperature, allowing for a substantial increase in power boost.

Here are the numbers: output goes up from 425hp to 500hp, torque from 550Nm to 600Nm yet still keeping fuel economy and CO2 emissions at the level of the ‘slightly less special’ normal BMW M4 Coupe (8.3L/100km and 194g/km respectively). The M4 GTS can go from a standstill to 100km/h in a staggering 3.8 seconds and hits a limited top speed of 305km/h.

The BMW M4 GTS comes with the standard seven-speed ‘M dual-clutch transmission’ (M DCT) – unfortunately it will not be offered in manual.

There is a three-way M coilover suspension especially tuned for the BMW M4 GTS and can be adjusted to suit individual driving styles. Lightweight carbon ceramic brakes also come as standard.

Special weight-minimised M light-alloy wheels in star-spoke ‘666 M’ styling are forged and polished, and finally dipped in Acid Orange. They are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (front: 265/35 R 19, rear 285/30 R20) which in true ‘M’ fashion have been adapted specifically to the M4 GTS.

Inside the car you’ll find carbon-fibre bucket seats (they weigh 40 per cent lighter, a lightweight centre console, lightweight construction of the rear seat panelling and boot area partition, and lightweight door and side panel trim, including door pull loops in place of solid door handles. All this in the name of weight reduction. There is also a titanium muffler that not only cuts down weight, it also emits an “emotionally-rich soundtrack”. Typically German, we say, although it might make ardent fans cry if revved enough, or your neighbours get emotional in the wrong way. 

If you opt for the ‘Clubsport Package’, your new ride will include a roll bar in Acid Orange behind the front seats, a race-specification six-point harness and fire extinguisher