A BMW 4 Series Coupe concept has been revealed,confirming the Munich car maker's worst-kept secret of a change in naming strategy for its two-door models.
The concept brings a more aggressive and more exclusive approach to the fourth generation of BMW's sportier variant of the 3 Series range.As with many BMW concepts recently,the 4 Series Coupe production car won't depart too far from the concept's styling.
The BMW 4 Series Coupe is due to reach European showrooms in late 2013.It will be followed by a BMW 4 Series Convertible as the German brand makes even numbers consistent throughout its range,joining the current 6 Series Coupe and Convertible that are linked to the 5 Series sedan as well as historical BMWs such as the 8 Series.
"The'4′doesn't just mark the start of a new cycle,it represents the zenith of a development curve,"says BMW."[We have]given the new model its own individual character and a standalone design–and,in so doing,[have]turned'4′into segment shorthand for aesthetic and dynamic appeal.
"The'4′stands for greater sportiness,greater exclusivity and even clearer differentiation from the BMW 3 Series range."
The BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept is dramatically lower,by 67mm,than the 3 Series sedan,while it also has more width complemented by wider front and rear tracks,all helping to give the two-door a sportier stance than the four-door.
At 4641mm long and 1362mm high,the new 4 Series–which is expected to retain the dimensions of the concept–is also 17mm longer and 16mm lower than the current 3 Series Coupe.
The wheelbase extends by 50mm to 2810mm.
Inside,the German manufacturer's customisation department BMW Individual has had greater involvement in material selection and hand-craftsmanship to embellish the interior with more luxury and exclusivity than the 3 Series sedan's cabin.
For the exterior,the BMW 4 Series Coupe concept adopts a dramatic swage line running across the flank from the front guards and all the way into the tail-lights.There's also virtually no gap between wheel-arch and body with the large,20-inch alloy wheels.
The front and rear ends feature narrower(full LED)headlights,incorporating dual round lamps,and(L-shaped)tail-lights compared with the 3.
There are also some aerodynamic touches,such as the front end's'air curtain',that are taken from the company's upcoming i8 hybrid sports car and making their way onto BMW production models to help improve fuel efficiency.
The concept's take on the famous double-kidney grille is even closed off to reduced drag.
Click on the Photos tab at the top of the page to see a full gallery of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept.
