BMW M4 GTS sold out

Australian buyers splash out on new model, most opting for the full-fruit version.

Drive Team

02:5606 June 2016

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BMW M4 GTS sold out

BMW Australia has confirmed its most focussed performance model yet, the M4 GTS coupe, has officially sold out.

The local arm secured 25 examples of the limited edition model due in September, in a package that combines a familiar twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with world-first water injection technology to control intake temperatures. The teaming, which sits underneath a carbon fibre bonnet, makes a formidable 368kW of power and 600Nm of torque - up from 317kW and 550Nm in the standard model.

At $295,000 plus on-road costs, the ultimate M4 is roughly double the price of the regular donor car, a $149,900 one, no less. But that didn't deter local enthusiasts, according to BMW Australia spokesman Adam Davis.

"Initially, we were expecting an allocation of between eight and ten units, but high levels of demand – from M enthusiasts prepared to buy the GTS sight unseen – enabled us to secure 25, and all have been purchased," Davis said.

Interestingly, all but two GTS buyers opted for the full-fruit model, selecting a street-legal, no-cost option Race Package that adds a half roll-cage, six-point racing harness and fire extinguisher. A further four of the 25 selected the carbon fibre wheel option, hinting the special edition model is destined for various Australian race track days.

Arriving in September, the M4 GTS incorporates oversized ceramic brakes and lightweight materials to weigh 30kg less than a regular model, allowing it to reach 100km/h in 3.8 seconds. Cornering is accounted for by adjustable carbon-fibre spoilers which join tuneable coil-over suspension with customisable shock absorbers and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that wrap 19-inch wheels on the front and 20-inch rims on the back.

The GTS draws water from a 5-litre reservoir in the boot and sprays it into the air intake collector, helping to reduce combustion chamber temperatures by about 25 degrees.

BMW says the machine has a top speed of 305km/h, and that it can lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7 minutes and 28 seconds – on par with Porsche's claim for its V10-powered, carbon-fibre chassis Carrera GT supercar.

The M4 GTS is a spiritual successor of sorts to the M3 CSL, the ultimate BMW performance car of its era that added $68,000 to the then-regular M3's $142,000 asking price. While that car was considered expensive at the time, its superior performance, iconic looks and relative rarity (just over two dozen landed in Australia) ensures that the M3 CSL is worth considerably more than regular models today.

The take-up of the M4 GTS has prompted BMW stakeholders to register interest for the M3 30 Jahre special edition, which celebrates 30 years of the iconic sedan. Competition pack versions of the M3 and M4 will also go online in Australia later this year.