Why the forthcoming BMW M4 is something worth getting excited aboutAs a former editor of this esteemed title, I can remember putting a story together some years ago that was entitled The M Power Strikes Back. Unsurprisingly, it was all about the expanding plans of BMWs M division in the face of increasing competition from the likes of Mercedes AMG, Audis RS department and Jaguars forthcoming line-up of R and R-S models.
It was a catchy enough title for a story that has since become increasingly familiar: new M6 scooped, next M5s secrets revealed, the possibility of an M1 uncovered and so on. But there was one element of the package that was pure speculation, and it concerned the possibility of an all-new M4, since when, of course, no such car has appeared.
Now, though, it really does seem as if BMW is – finally – going to develop the car out of the latest F30 3-series platform, in much the same way that the 5-series and 6-series models are all but one and the same cars beneath their skins. The regular 4-series coupe will get a separate model designation (F32) from the 3-series, with the convertible being known as the F33 and the Gran Coupe – which wont appear for a while – tipped to be codenamed F35.
The M4, however, will be a stand-alone model and also have its own identification number (either F82 or F32M, depending on whether youre in Europe or the UK). Whether it will be introduced at the same time as or slightly after the next M3 (which will be known as the F80 or F30M, we think) isnt yet clear. But whatever it is known as internally, and whenever it is unleashed upon the world, the M4 – you just know – has the potential to be a little bit special.
Heres how I hope its spec sheet might read when it appears some time in 2014. Engine: twin-turbo straight six with 450bhp and 480lb ft, with a level of response to its throttle that will make most of us totally disbelieving that there are turbos. Gearbox: standard-fit seven-speed dual-clutch auto (as per current M3) but with the option of a six-speed manual if desired. This is a distinct possibility for the M4, by all accounts, although maybe not for the M3 as well.
Chassis: rear-wheel drive (naturally) but lighter, leaner and keener than the M3s, so maybe with a kerb weight as low as 1550kg. Steering: electrically assisted, I fear, but recalibrated to make your fingertips fizz with feel, even when compared with the M3s.
Styling: as long as its low and wide and has a carbonfibre roof, the two-door-only M4 is bound to look tasty – hopefully, in the same way that all of M divisions greatest cars have.
Am I excited about the BMW M4? You bet.
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