The BMW M4 Coupe concept has been revealed, closely previewing the newly named two-door version of the iconic M3 performance car.
M4 will sit at the top of the new BMW 4 Series range that has replaced the 3 Series Coupe and will go on sale in 2014 following a production debut at January’s 2014 Detroit motor show.
An M4 convertible will follow, along with the BMW M3 sedan that will retain the more famous badge and is also tipped to show at Detroit as part of a twin reveal.
BMW hasn’t released details of what’s under the M4′s bonnet but has teased the engine note of what will be a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder, producing about 335kW – up 26kW on the 4.0-litre V8 in the outgoing M3.
Naturally, the thinly veiled BMW M4 concept, which will be displayed at this weekend’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, gains a more muscular appearance over the regular 4 Series.
Up front, a double-bar kidney grille joins sleek LED headlights, large front air intakes, and a bonnet with the M model’s characteristic power dome.
Moving down from the muscular front wheel arches and trademark M guard vents is a character line that runs the length of the two-door below its smoothly curved glasshouse.
A large integrated boot-lid spoiler and aggressive rear bumper dominate the rear end, with flared arches, a wide track and four carbonfibre exhaust tips adding to the sporting theme.
A front splitter, rear diffuser and roof all made from carbonfibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) are complimented by 20-inch double spoke light alloy M design wheels and M carbon ceramic brakes.
It’s all finished in a colour BMW calls Aurum Dust.
Chairman of the managing board of the BMW’s M division, Dr Friedrich Nitschke, said the BMW M4 Coupe concept reflects the performance arm’s philosophy of combining motor racing genes with everyday suitability.
“For four generations, the BMW M3 has put motor racing on the road and the BMW Concept M4 Coupe consistently continues to pursue this fundamental idea,” Nitschke said.
