Munich. With BMW M Ignite technology, a new engine technology patented by BMW in 2024 is set to enter series production. This new kind of pre-chamber ignition system for petrol engines will debut in the six-cylinder in-line units for the BMW M2, BMW M3 and BMW M4 from mid-2026. One of its standout benefits is a significant reduction in fuel consumption under high loads – during track use, in particular. This new engine innovation has its roots in motor sport, making it another example of the transfer of technology from the race track to the road. And it also plays a major role in meeting the stringent requirements of the Euro 7 standard.

The centrepiece of BMW M Ignite technology is the pre-chamber positioned within the cylinder head. It is connected with the cylinder’s main combustion chamber by overflow openings. The pre-chamber has its own spark plug and ignition coil, meaning the engine has two ignition systems.

At low and medium revs, the conventional spark plug in the main combustion chamber fires before the spark plug in the pre-chamber. But when the engine is operating under higher revs and loads, the pre-chamber ignition takes over the lead role, with part of the fuel-air mixture channelled through the openings into the pre-chamber also ignited there. The flames generated as a result exit the pre-chamber at around the speed of sound.

These ignition jets then ignite the mixture in the main combustion chamber above the piston at multiple points at the same time. The result is a significantly higher combustion speed. Meanwhile, the possible cause of uncontrolled combustion – i.e. “knocking” – is also countered effectively. An additional effect of this technology is a drop in the temperature of the exhaust gas.

Other new technical features alongside the pre-chamber ignition include a higher compression ratio and turbochargers with variable turbine geometry.

BMW M Ignite technology boosts the efficiency of the six-cylinder in-line engines dramatically, especially when the engine is being pushed to its limits. Under high loads, fuel consumption drops substantially. This is particularly beneficial for BMW M customers who drive their cars on race circuits – e.g. during track days: the fuel consumption reduction enabled by BMW M Ignite technology means they can keep lapping for longer on the same amount of fuel.

As well as these efficiency gains, BMW M Ignite technology also helps to meet the new European Euro 7 standard, which will come into force in November 2026. In this way, BMW M is ensuring the high-performance cars fitted with this technology will continue to meet European registration requirements in the future. The new engines therefore represent another instance of technology from racing cars making its way into series-production models.

All variants of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 will come with BMW M Ignite technology from July 2026. Production of the BMW M2 featuring this technology will get underway in August 2026. The displacement and power outputs of all the models with BMW M Ignite technology will be unchanged from those of the corresponding outgoing engines.

Richmond Hill, ON.  BMW Canada is excited to announce the launch of the 2027 BMW M4 Coupe M Legacy Edition, a special commemorative model marking 40 years since the debut of the original high-performance coupe, known then as the M3 Coupe. This exclusive edition is offered on both the M4 Coupe and M4 Competition Coupe (M xDrive), designed specifically for Canadian enthusiasts who appreciate BMW M’s legendary blend of performance, innovation, and motorsport heritage.

A Legacy of performance and precision.

The BMW M4 continues the tradition of the M3 lineage as a high-performance sports coupe that delivers exhilarating driving dynamics with everyday usability. Powered by a 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, the M4 generates up to 523 horsepower (Competition variant), providing a thrilling and precise driving experience on both road and track.

Exclusive features of the M4 Coupe M Legacy Edition.

• Distinctive 826M style wheels in an exclusive gold bronze finish — a unique colour option previously only offered on CS models, now tailored to the 826M style wheel on this edition to enhance its striking presence.
• Black painted M graphics elegantly flow from the hood - featuring the iconic “M” in the design - across to the trunk lid. This factory-applied graphic package is a first for the Canadian market and adds a bold, dynamic touch that honours M’s racing heritage.
• M Alcantara steering wheel brings an authentic motorsport feel, previously reserved for special models such as the CS and CSL, now standard in this edition for enhanced driver engagement.
• Historic M paintwork options: Available in Laguna Seca Blue, Velvet Blue Metallic, and Imola Red II - each a celebrated colour from BMW M’s storied past, these BMW Individual Manufaktur paint finishes pay tribute to the vibrant palette of the historical M logo itself.
• Fully loaded with M Carbon Bucket Seats, Black Full Merino Leather, Nappa Leather Dashboard, Carbon Fibre Interior Trim, and M Driver’s Package.

Strong Canadian market for BMW M Models.

In 2025, Canada ranked as the number two global market for BMW M vehicles by share of sales and consistently ranks among the top markets every year, reflecting the country’s strong passion and appreciation for high-performance M models. The M4 Coupe M Legacy Edition celebrates this success and the deep connection Canadian drivers have with the BMW M brand. This limited-edition model is a tribute to the enthusiastic Canadian M community and BMW’s commitment to delivering exclusive, high-performance vehicles tailored to their tastes.

Availability and more information.

The 2027 BMW M4 Coupe M Legacy Edition is a Canadian-exclusive and limited to 40 units. Base prices for the M Legacy Edition are $115,500 CAD for the M4 Coupe and $124,500 CAD for the M4 Competition Coupe. These vehicles will be built in Germany as of June 2026 and will arrive at BMW retailers across Canada in Q3 2026. For detailed specifications, pricing, and ordering information, visit www.bmw.ca or contact your local BMW retailer.

-30-

BMW Group in Canada
BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact: 

Marc Belcourt
Director, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                               

Jean-Francois Taylor
Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

To celebrate the 46th birthday of the nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi, BMW M GmbH has showcased the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 (combined fuel consumption: 10.2 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 232 g/km acc. WLTP, CO₂ class: G)*. Designers and product experts from BMW M worked closely with the current BMW M works driver to develop the exclusive edition model sporting Rossi’s world-famous number 46. “The Doctor”, or “Il Dottore”, was personally involved in the design process for the two distinctive Sport and Style design variants, each of which is limited to 46 cars. Having adopted “46” from his own father, the exceptional Italian racing driver retained the number throughout his career as it became his trademark and never even swapped it with the #1 of a reigning world champion. Every single BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 rolled off the production line at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing between February and May – the result of a unique combination of large-scale processes and manual paintwork expertise.

The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 "Style" and "Sport" variants will be on display at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025 from 23 to 25 May on the shores of Lake Como.

Tailor-made exclusivity and craftsmanship
The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 boasts special BMW Individual paint finishes that blend perfectly with the many exposed carbon surfaces. The Sport variant captivates thanks to a finish in Marina Bay Blue metallic with outsized “46” graphics in Tanzanite Blue metallic and bright yellow accents on the BMW M kidney grille, the brake calipers and the forged light-alloy wheels. In the “Style” design variant, the bodywork comes in matte Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic, with the “46” in Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic. The carbon-fibre roof of both variants is adorned with the VR46 logo and Rossi’s signature. Both the bonnet and the roof were manufactured and individually painted at BMW Group Plant Landshut. The component plant also provided the lightweight high-precision struts for the engine compartment and engine parts such as the crankcase and the cylinder head, which were installed in the high-performance drive system at BMW Group Plant Steyr.

Special production processes at BMW Group Werk Dingolfing
The production of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 reveals the impressive levels of flexibility and skill applied to manufacturing exclusive small-batch series at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The Jeff Koons edition models for the BMW 8 Series and the 50 examples of the BMW 3.0 CSL first saw the light of day at the Bavarian plant, where high-tech manufacturing and craftsmanship go hand in hand, in the paint shop in particular.

For the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46, an underlying colour tone was applied as primer before the cars were removed from the series production process. The entire paintwork surface was then sanded down to improve the adhesion of the subsequent paint layers. The paintwork experts in Dingolfing then applied specially-made stencils to mask the “46” and other design elements, such as the bright yellow lines on the rear end and the A-column, before adding the contrast colour to the masking film. Once all the layers of paint had dried and the masking film had been removed, a clear varnish coating was added to the design area by hand and then sanded down – after drying again – to guarantee seamless transitions and a flawless surface. The cars then returned to the regular series production process to receive another layer of clear varnish and for the installation of the carbon-fibre roof that was manufactured in Landshut. Overall, each car required 20 hours’ work from a small team of four hand-picked paint experts to complete the exclusive BMW Individual paint finish on the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46.

Vehicle assembly: components and interior characterised by VR46
The next step in the production process took the edition cars to Dingolfing for assembly. The exclusive design is also reflected in the installed components, such as the bumpers specially painted in Landshut, and on the inside of the car. Night Blue dominates in the interior, with yellow accents. The M Carbon bucket seats have a shoulder area in Sao Paulo Yellow, with yellow contrast stitching and a yellow centre marker on the steering wheel. The headrests and door sill trims feature a prominent yellow VR46 logo, while the carbon-fibre centre console of all examples features a “1/46” badge. Having passed extensive quality controls, the cars of this exclusive edition are now ready for delivery to the two sets of 46 customers around the world.

Includes a “once in a lifetime” experience for customers
Customers who purchase one of the 405 kW/550 HP BMW M4 CS Edition VR46s also enjoy the added value of a “once in a lifetime” experience: an exclusive personal meeting with Valentino Rossi at his home, the VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia (ITA), and a BMW M Driving Experience with current BMW M models at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Rossi, at the wheel of a BMW M4 GT3, won GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup races at his home circuit in both 2023 and 2024 and is aiming to complete a hat-trick this year. “The Doctor” has been a BMW M works driver since the start of the 2023 season, plying his trade at the wheel of a BMW M4 GT3 for BMW M Team WRT, having called time on his motorcycle career at the 2021 season finale and turned his attention solely to car racing. He had already attended multiple tests in Formula 1 race cars and made guest appearances in rallies and endurance races. The Italian has been competing as a BMW M works driver in the GT World Challenge Europe, with the 24 Hours of Spa (BEL) as a highlight, as well as racing in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) or at the Bathurst 12 Hour (AUS), where he celebrated second place in the BMW M4 GT3 at the opening round of this season’s Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC).

Creating a legend on two wheels
“Il Dottore” had already become a living legend and global motorsport and style icon on two wheels. With nine world championships and no fewer than 115 Grand Prix victories to his name, he is one of the three most successful motorcycle racers in history. Rossi claimed his first world title in the 125cc class in 1997. Two years later, he added the title in the 250cc class. In 2000, he took the step up to what was the top Grand Prix category, the 500cc class, in which he was crowned world champion in 2001. Rossi remained the dominant force when this category was replaced by the MotoGP class the following year. By 2005 he had added a further four world titles, and numbers eight and nine were to follow in 2008 and 2009. VR46 became a world-famous trademark – and Rossi’s home town of Tavullia even reduced its speed limit from the usual 50 km/h to 46 km/h in his honour.

Richmond Hill, ON.  The #46 is now 46 – and BMW M has the perfect present to mark the birthday of nine-time motorcycle world champion and current BMW M works driver Valentino Rossi (ITA): the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46. This exclusive edition, produced at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, is available in two distinctive design variants: Sport and Style. “The Doctor” himself was personally involved in the design process for the two versions, both of which will be built in a limited run of 46 cars. The world-famous number, which is Rossi’s trademark, features prominently in several places on and inside the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 – for example, on the doors and the roof, which is made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Purchasing a BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 also comes with a once-in-a-lifetime experience comprising an exclusive, personal meeting with Valentino Rossi at his home – the VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia (ITA) – and a BMW M Driving Experience at the Misano race circuit (ITA).

"There is no other brand that has motorsport so deeply rooted in its DNA as BMW M. I am proud to be a BMW M works driver, and to share this passion. The fact that there is now a special VR46 edition, in which I was involved from the very beginning of the design process, makes me proud. When I see the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 out on the road or on the racetrack later, it will be very cool,” says Valentino Rossi about the edition and the collaboration with BMW M.

Exclusive BMW Individual paint finishes and special exterior and interior details
One way in which the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 differs from the BMW M4 CS is its two exclusive BMW Individual paint finishes, which blend perfectly with the many exposed carbon surfaces, such as the indents in the bonnet. Other distinctive features include a host of exclusive exterior and interior details. The overall colour concept of the two design versions is inspired by Valentino Rossi’s preferred tones and expressive visual style. For example, the “Sport” has a finish in Marina Bay Blue metallic, while both sides of the car display an outsized “46” in the darker Tanzanite Blue metallic.

In the “Style” design variant, the bodywork comes in matt Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic, with the “46” this time in Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic on both sides.

In a nod to Rossi's favoured colour scheme, the BMW M kidney grille outline and one of the V spokes in the forged M light-alloy wheels – which, as on racing cars, indicates the position of the tire valve – are painted in bright yellow, as are the brake calipers with M logo and an accent strip over the door frames of the “Sport” variant. The carbon-fibre roof – like the sides of the car, painted by hand – is adorned with a large VR46 logo (also in yellow, of course) and Rossi’s signature. The tailgate features VR46 lettering.

The yellow accents continue in the interior of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46, which is predominantly Night Blue. The M Carbon bucket seats come with Merino leather upholstery in the Black/Night Blue colour combination. The Sao Paulo Yellow of the Alcantara shoulder area creates an exclusive contrast. The head restraints, like the door sill trims, feature a prominent yellow VR46 logo. Furthermore, the M Alcantara steering wheel with three-spoke design and flat-bottomed rim comes with yellow contrast stitching and a yellow centre marker. On the carbon-fibre centre console of all examples of the Edition VR46 is a badge stating “1/46”, identifying each Sport or Style car as one of the limited run.

Six-cylinder in-line engine with 543 hp
The beating heart of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is a high-revving 3.0-litre, six‑cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. This power unit has had track performance as its raison d’être from day one of its development. The increase in the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers to 2.1 bar and model-specific tweaks to the engine management mean the edition model’s engine now generates 543 hp, which is relayed to the road via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and the Active M Differential. Lightning-fast power development and optimized traction enable the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11.1 seconds. When applying the “1-foot rollout” method**, the figures read 3.1 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and 10.8 seconds for 0 to 200 km/h. Acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h takes 2.6 seconds in fourth gear and 3.3 seconds in fifth. The top speed of the edition model, which comes with the M Driver’s Package as standard, is electronically limited to 302 km/h.

Contributing to the excellent engine response is a model-specific engine mounting with increased spring rates. The rigid connection between the power unit and the vehicle’s structure enables particularly direct transmission of its power to the drivetrain every time the driver presses the accelerator. The oil supply system – like the cooling system – is designed to handle the specific challenges of track use, including consistently high revs and extreme lateral acceleration. The engine’s power delivery is accompanied by the emotionally stirring soundtrack generated by the dual-branch exhaust system, which features electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer with weight-minimizing design and – in customary M fashion – two pairs of tailpipes painted in matte black.

Model-specific tuning for chassis technology and control systems
The chassis technology for the new BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 has been tuned precisely to the performance characteristics of the engine, the overall vehicle concept and its weight distribution. The individually tuned axle kinematics and bespoke wheel camber settings, dampers, auxiliary springs and anti-roll bars serve to optimize steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location. The electronically controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension likewise come in a model-specific set-up, as do the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio, and the integrated braking system.

46 – the trademark of an exceptional racer
The number 46 has accompanied Valentino Rossi throughout his extraordinary career as a motorcycle racer and racing driver and has become even more of a trademark than his nickname “The Doctor” or “Il Dottore”. Having seen his father Graziano Rossi race motorcycles with number 46, Valentino also opted for 46 from the start of his career – and never even swapped it for number 1 when he became world champion, as would have been his right.

Valentino Rossi claimed his first world title in the 125cc class in 1997. Two years later, he added the title in the 250cc class. In 2000, he took the step up to what was the top Grand Prix category, the 500cc class, in which he was crowned world champion in 2001. The following year, this category was replaced by the MotoGP class, and Rossi remained the dominant force. By 2005 he had added a further four world titles, and numbers eight and nine were to follow in 2008 and 2009. With these nine world championships and no fewer than 115 Grand Prix victories to his name, he is one of the three most successful motorcycle racers in history and a global motor sport and style icon. VR46 has become a worldwide trademark – and Rossi’s hometown of Tavullia has even reduced its speed limit from the usual 50 km/h to 46 km/h in his honour.

BMW M works driver since the start of 2023
When the curtain fell on his motorcycle career at the finale to the 2021 season, Valentino Rossi turned his attention solely to car racing, having already attended multiple tests in Formula 1 race cars and made guest appearances in rallies and endurance races. Since the start of the 2023 season, he has been a BMW M works driver, plying his trade at the wheel of a BMW M4 GT3 for BMW M Team WRT in series including the GT World Challenge Europe and the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) – which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA). At the start of February 2025, he finished runner-up in a BMW M4 GT3 at the Bathurst 12 Hour (AUS), the opening round of this season’s Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC).

Exclusive meeting with Valentino Rossi in Italy
An exclusive bonus that comes with purchasing a BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is the opportunity to enjoy a very special two-day experience in Italy. Day one features a visit to the VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia, including a barbecue and a chance to talk shop with Valentino Rossi himself. On day two, you will head to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for a special BMW M Driving Experience with the latest BMW M models. Rossi, at the wheel of a BMW M4 GT3, won GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup races at his home circuit in both 2023 and 2024.

-30-

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Richmond Hill, ON.  Today, BMW M announces the all-new 2025 BMW M4 CS. With its 3-litre M TwinPower Turbo inline six bumped to 543 hp, unique chassis tuning, and targeted weight reduction through the extensive use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), the special edition M4 CS is equipped to attack the hills, curves, and braking zones of the world’s best circuits as well as highways and backroads. In the usual fashion, the 2025 M4 CS adds an edge to the M4 vehicle concept with advanced equipment and exclusive design features without sacrificing the four-seat layout and everyday practicality.

The 2025 BMW M4 CS will make its world debut on Friday, May 10, simultaneously in the US at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at Laguna Seca and in Europe at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps World Endurance Car race. The CS will be produced alongside the other BMW M4 variants at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing from July 2024. The order books will be open from the end of May.

The new M4 CS’s distinctive character places it midway between the BMW M4 Competition Coupe with M xDrive – with all of the performance, design, and equipment upgrades introduced for model year 2025 – and the limited-run BMW M4 CSL. The performance envelope of the new BMW M4 CS is the product of an authentic Motorsport heritage, which is evident in everyday driving on the road and in full expression on the track.

The characteristic performance parameters of the inline 6-cylinder engine, 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, and M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive imbue the new CS with dynamic poise and assurance in any situation. Instantaneous power delivery and optimized traction enable acceleration from 0-100 km/h in an estimated 3.4 seconds. In testing at the Nürburgring’s 12.9-mile Nordschleife circuit – the ultimate barometer for all BMW M cars – the new BMW M4 CS recorded an official, notarized lap time of 7:21.99.

Inline 6-cylinder engine developed for Motorsport.

The track-focused character of the new BMW M4 CS is palpable throughout every journey. Under the CS’s CRFP hood lies a more powerful version of the high-revving S58 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developed for the current BMW M3/M4. This 3.0-litre unit also provides the basis for the engine in the racing BMW M4 GT3, which won the DTM touring car title in 2022 its first time out and followed that up in 2023 by delivering the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship team title to Paul Miller Racing.

The engine in the new BMW M4 CS therefore benefits from the development expertise of BMW M and the many years of racing experience that underpin it. The engine starts with an extremely rigid crankcase, which features a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction and is designed to handle very high combustion pressure. The forged lightweight crankshaft provides exceptional torsional resistance, which in turn contributes to rapid power delivery and a willingness to rev. The wire-arc sprayed iron coating of the weight-saving cylinder bores reduces frictional losses. The cylinder head itself has a 3D-printed core, which allows the coolant ducts to be routed in an optimum arrangement for temperature management that would be impossible to achieve using conventional metal casting methods. And the oil supply system – like the cooling system – is designed to handle the specific challenges of track use, including sustained high revs and extreme lateral acceleration.

Tailored performance characteristics, distinctive sound.

The M4 CS’s maximum output of 543 hp represents a 20 hp increase over the BMW  M4 Competition Coupe with M xDrive. The increase was achieved through targeted revisions to the engine’s M TwinPower Turbo technology and required no concessions in terms of stability or durability. The adjustments primarily involved raising the maximum boost pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers to 30.5 psi and making alterations to the engine management parameters.

The engine’s peak torque of 479 lb-ft is fully available from just 2,750 rpm up to 5,950 rpm. Maximum power is made at 6,250 rpm, and the engine continues to rev smoothly to a 7,200 rpm redline. Unique engine mounts with increased spring rates form a more rigid connection between the engine and the vehicle’s structure, enabling direct transmission of its power to the drivetrain every time the driver presses the accelerator.

The instantly available power and high-revving character of the engine result in breathtaking acceleration. The new BMW M4 CS dashes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, while 0 to 200 km/h takes 11.1 seconds. The mid-range sprint from 80-120 km/h is dealt with in 2.6 seconds in 4th gear and in 3.3 seconds in 5th. Top speed with the standard M Driver’s Package is electronically limited to 302 km/h.

The power delivery is accompanied by a stirring soundtrack generated by the dual-branch exhaust system, which features electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer with weight-minimizing design, and two pairs of tailpipes finished in Matte Black. The exhaust note adjusts to the powertrain setting selected via the M Setup menu. In SPORT and SPORT+ modes, it is noticably more aggressive and resonant.

8-speed M Steptronic transmission, M xDrive, and Active M differential convert outstanding power into impressive performance.

The engine’s torque is distributed to all four wheels of the new BMW M4 CS via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Gears are selected using either the M-specific gear lever on the centre console or the carbon fibre shift paddles on the steering wheel. The Drivelogic button integrated into the selector allows the driver to alter the transmission’s shift characteristics as desired: level one is more comfort-oriented, level two for sportier performance, and level three optimized for high-performance driving situations.

Torque distribution is managed via the M xDrive system. This intelligent all-wheel-drive technology uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to allocate the engine’s power smoothly between the front and rear wheels – and so maximize traction, agility and directional stability. The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimized to ensure the all-wheel-drive system continues to perform effectively even during intense track use.

The M xDrive system’s rear-wheel bias and its integration with the fully-variable Active M Differential at the rear axle add to the signature M feeling whether accelerating in a straight line or powering through corners. Furthermore, the M Setup menu allows 4WD Sport mode to be selected, which directs an greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Drivers can also switch off the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system altogether and engage pure rear-wheel drive via 2WD mode.

CS-specific tuning for the chassis technology and control systems.

The individually tuned axle kinematics and unique wheel camber settings, dampers, auxiliary springs, and anti-roll bars optimize steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location.

The electronically controlled dampers of the Adaptive M suspension have a setup specific to the M4 CS, as do the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and the integrated braking system. The settings for the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode have also been geared to the specific demands of highly dynamic driving. M Dynamic Mode (MDM) gives drivers extra leeway to explore the car’s dynamic limits by pushing back the intervention points for the DSC system’s various stabilizing measures. When the M4 CS is driven very aggressively, the resultant wheel slip ensures better power transmission and helps to propel the CS down the road with extra assurance.

Exclusive forged light-alloy wheels on high performance tires fitted as standard.

The M4 CS is equipped as standard with M Compound brakes with Red calipers, while Black calipers can be optionally equipped. The calipers for the optional M Carbon ceramic brakes can be specified in a Red or Gold finish. The new BMW M4 CS also comes as standard with forged M alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design – available in either in Matte Gold Bronze or Matte Black.

Those wheels (19-inch at the front axle and 20-inch at the rear) are fitted as standard with track tires - 275/35 ZR19 at the front, and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear, while high performance tires are available at no cost. Ultra-track tires, such as the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, which are specifically engineered to maximize performance on a circuit, can also be optioned.

Intensive application of lightweight design with generous use of CFRP.

The targeted use of lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is key to eliciting the distinctive performance and character of the M4 CS. The carbon fibre roof is a prime example, its low weight bringing the CS’s centre of gravity closer to the road, enhancing agility and cornering dynamics. The hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and Gurney-style rear spoiler are also made from this lightweight material.

The principle of intelligent lightweight design extends to the interior. The centre console, shift paddles, and interior trim elements are all made from CFRP. The CS also comes as standard with M Carbon bucket seats, whose weight-minimizing construction is highlighted by the use of CFRP in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest as well as in the distinctive cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints.

The exhaust system on the new BMW M4 CS is lighter than the conventional system, through the use of a titanium rear silencer. In total, lightweight design measures bring the M4 CS’s weight down by about 35 kg compared to the BMW M4 Competition Coupe with M xDrive.

M front end strut brace maximizes torsional rigidity.

The standard M strut brace – also engineered for lightness – increases torsional rigidity and improves handling through corners. The cast aluminium elements connecting the front strut towers to the front end feature a weight-optimized geometry that has been precisely matched – with the help of computer models – to the forces applied in various driving situations.

Exclusive design features promise thrilling performance.

At launch, the new M4 CS will be available in two BMW Individual paint finishes: Riviera Blue and – exclusive to the M4 CS – Frozen Isle of Man Green Metallic. Exposed carbon fibre surfaces on the roof and within the two channels running the length of the hood showcase the material’s distinctive structure, as do the front splitter, front air intakes, M exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler, and rear apron. Together with the Black side skirts and M gills, the CFRP elements provide a bold contrast against the new paint finishes. The new BMW M4 CS can also be specified in Brooklyn Grey Metallic or Black Sapphire Metallic.

At the front, a weight-saving, frameless BMW kidney grille with a minimalist feel reminiscent of the M4 GT3 racing machines dominates. It features red contour lines and “M4 CS” badging on the upper of the two horizontal grille bars. The badges on the grille and on the trunk lid are finished in black with a red border.

The headlight units’ sculptural light icons illuminate in yellow instead of conventional white during the Welcome Light animation and when low or high beam is active; a reference to GT racing cars. The rear lights of the BMW M4 CS feature intricate fibre optic bundles inside the light units, which have a “free-floating” appearance and are illuminated by a laser diode. The result is a prominent 3D effect first shown on the ultra high performance M4 CSL.

Racing flair in the cockpit: M Carbon bucket seats with exclusive design cues.

The standard 3-spoke M Alcantara steering wheel with a flat-bottomed rim offers a perfect combination of secure grip for dynamic driving maneuvres and comfort on longer journeys. Its red centre stripe at the 12 o’clock position and CFRP shift paddles add an authentic racing flavor to the interior. The standard M Carbon bucket seats fuse a track-oriented appearance and feel with long-distance comfort. Fully power adjustable and heated, they feature integral head restraints and illuminated CS badges.

The M Carbon bucket seats in the BMW M4 CS are upholstered in Merino leather in a Black/Mugello Red colour scheme with distinctive contrast stitching. This bi-colour finish is carried over into the rear compartment. Both the door panels in the front and the rear side panelling are trimmed in Black leather. Red “CS” lettering on the centre console, M seat belts with contrast stitching in the BMW M tricolour, an Anthracite-coloured headliner, interior trim strips in Carbon Fibre, and door sill plates with the inscription “M4 CS” all add to the exclusive ambience inside.

BMW Curved Display with M-specific graphics, new BMW iDrive.

The latest version of the BMW iDrive display and control/operation system based on BMW Operating System 8.5 provides intuitive control of numerous vehicle functions and digital services. The BMW Curved Display features M-specific displays and is angled towards the driver. The fully digital screen is formed by a 12.3-inch information cluster behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch central control display. The familiar M Shift Lights appear at the top of the information cluster, while the driving stability system, M xDrive, and traction control modes are all indicated in the lower area. Special widgets containing information on the vehicle setup and tire pressures and temperatures can be added to the control display’s home screen.

The upgraded BMW iDrive also includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and has been designed with an emphasis on touch and voice control. Besides the M-specific graphics, the system also now provides access to the automatic climate control functions and seat and steering wheel heating either by touch using a special menu option in the lower area of the control display or by voice command.

Setup button for customizing vehicle configuration, M Drive Professional with M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer standard.

The M Setup button on the centre console enables direct access to the settings options for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system, and M xDrive. Two individually configurable setups can be stored and retrieved, along with the preferred settings for the engine note, the DSC, the Automatic Start/Stop function, and gearbox setting, using one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.

Also fitted as standard is the M Drive Professional system. This includes track-optimized functions such as the M Drift Analyzer and the M Laptimer. It also features M Traction Control, with ten settings helping drivers enjoy the pleasure of driving the car enthusiastically on the track.

The M Mode button on the centre console is another tool in the M Drive Professional package and can be used to adjust both driver assistance systems and the content shown in the information display and Head-Up Display. Along with ROAD and SPORT settings, the BMW M4 CS also offers a TRACK mode designed exclusively for circuit driving.

-30-

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 24 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

**PLEASE NOTE: European model shown. Hood and trunk graphics not available in Canadian market.**

Richmond Hill, ON.  More power, sharpened design features, new customization options, and further digital innovations: with consistent advancements designed to enhance the performance driving experience, BMW M GmbH is poised to continue the decades-long success story of the iconic high performance coupe and cabriolet. The 2025 BMW M4 Competition Coupe and Cabriolet with M xDrive each gain an additional 20 hp. The entire M4 lineup receives new headlights, laser-enhanced taillights, optional M forged light-alloy wheels featuring a new bright silver finish, and new digital-forward interiors featuring the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8.5, new steering wheels, and new interior trims.

The BMW M4 Coupe and the BMW M4 Cabriolet are produced at the BMW Group Dingolfing plant. The worldwide market launch of the new models will begin with the start of production in March 2024.

Pricing (CAD).

• 2025 BMW M4 Coupe:                                                          $94,300
• 2025 BMW M4 Competition Coupe with M xDrive:               $101,200
• 2025 BMW M4 Competition Cabriolet with M xDrive:           $110,200

Straight 6-cylinder engine with motorsport technology and more power for Competition models with M xDrive.

The inline 6-cylinder power units used in the new BMW M4 Coupe and the new BMW M4 Cabriolet combine the typical high-revving characteristics offered by engines from BMW M GmbH with the current version of M TwinPower Turbo Technology. All variants of the 3-litre engine impress with responsive power delivery and high-torque characteristics up into the highest load ranges.

The engine’s design features directly derive from motorsports and include the extremely stiff crankcase, which is manufactured in a sleeveless closed-deck design, the weight-reduced forged crankshaft and the iron coating, which is applied to the cylinder liners in an arc wire spraying process (AWSP). Manufactured in a 3-D printing process, the cylinder head core features an optimized routing of the coolant ducts, something that cannot be realized using conventional metal casting technology. In this way, both weight and temperature management are optimized.

The S58B30T0 6-cylinder engine is now available in Canada in two levels of output, tailored to each drivetrain configuration. The new BMW M4 Coupe continues to offer the driver complete control of 473 hp via a precise 6-speed manual gearbox. At the top of the lineup, the M4 Competition Coupe and Cabriolet with M xDrive now produce 523 hp, and transfer the power to the road via BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system, for truly exhilarating driving dynamics. 

The substantial power paired with the carefully apportioned traction of M xDrive means the new BMW M4 Competition Coupe with M xDrive can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, while the new BMW M4 Competition Cabriolet with xDrive makes the same trip in 3.7 seconds. No matter the drivetrain chosen, the new BMW M4 Coupe and the BMW M4 Cabriolet achieve an electronically limited maximum speed of 250 km/h; however, when equipped with the optional M Driver’s Package, the top speed increases to 280 km/h for the Cabriolet and 290 km/h for the Coupe.

M forged light-alloy wheels boasting a new optional finish.

Staggeredwheel sizes ensure a predictable and progressive transfer of lateral forces during dynamic cornering. All BMW M4 models come as standard with 19-inch M forged light-alloy wheels at the front and 20-inch at the rear.

New to the range of optional equipment for all model variants are M forged light-alloy wheels style 825M in a bright silver finish, providing a sporty, sophisticated, and elegant look.

Modern design accents: New headlight design, taillights featuring laser technology.

The redesigned headlights give the front end of both the new BMW M4 Coupe and the new BMW M4 Cabriolet a modern look. The inside of the LED headlights is more distinctively structured and boasts developments in functionality. Both the low and high beam are now produced by the same LED module. Two vertical LED units, each aligned in a new arrowhead shape, function as daytime running lights as well as turn signals. The technology-oriented design of these new light sources provides for a sophisticated and progressive look.

The LED headlights are paired with the visually and technologically impressive design of the LED taillights, which are standard on all versions of the BMW M4 and feature laser technology and an attractive light design. Inside, laser diodes illuminate glass fiber bundles, producing 3-dimensional light graphics which complement the taillight clusters. This technology was first presented on the limited edition, ultra-high performance BMW M4 CSL.

A new design of the surrounding surface of the both the BMW roundel and the M badge at the rear of the Competition models add subtle accents of sophisticated elegance. The surround of the BMW roundel is now finished in high gloss black, while the BMW M badge situated on the trunk lid is now bordered in silver. 

In addition, a steel roof option is available at no extra cost, which includes an electrically operated glass sliding roof.

Driver-focused and tech-forward interior with new steering wheel designs and interior trims.

The new design of the standard, heated M leather multi-function steering wheel features a flat-bottomed rim, modified spokes, and a red stripe marking the 12 o’clock position. 

Characteristic of M is the combination of sporty flair and premium ambience inside the vehicle. This is the result of high-quality design and finishing of the materials used for the interior. The interior trims around the dashboard, the control panel, and the cupholder cover now come as standard in a Matte Dark Graphite finish. Brushed Aluminium trim has been added to the list of trim options for the new BMW M4 Coupe and the new BMW M4 Cabriolet. The standard Sensatec upholstery for the dashboard now boasts a finer grain for a more luxurious feel.

BMW Curved Display and new BMW Operating System 8.5.

Now more than ever, the new BMW M4 Coupe and the new BMW M4 Cabriolet combine motorsports flair with advanced digitalization. M-specific information on the high-resolution BMW Curved Display, which is angled towards the driver, helps the driver to focus fully on the task at hand. The fully digital display combination comprises a 12.3-inch display behind the steering wheel and a central control monitor with a 14.9-inch screen.

The display and operating system, now based on BMW Operating System 8.5, includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and is optimized for touch and voice control. The M-specific graphics and contents on the information screen and on the control monitor are complemented by a new interface for the standard 3-zone automatic climate control. Temperature setting, seat and steering wheel heating, and seat ventilation (when equipped) can now be controlled either by touch control via a dedicated menu at the bottom of the control display or by voice control.

These advancements in digital operation enables a reduction in the number of buttons and controls in the cockpit and a redesigned instrument panel. New toggles for the fresh air vents on the dashboard control the direction of airflow by rotating and tilting. The standard Ambient Lighting now features contour lighting integrated into the surrounds of the central air vents. The range of interior lighting also includes an atmospheric Welcome and Goodbye scenario as well as light signals that indicate an open door and incoming telephone calls.

The standard Digital Cockpit Professional includes the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps as well as the BMW Head-up Display, which projects critical driving-related information onto the windscreen using M-specific graphics, including multi-coloured rev range representation, shift lights, and M View.

Specifications.

**PLEASE NOTE: European model shown. Hood and trunk graphics not available in Canadian market.**

-30-
 

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 24 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

BMW M GmbH closes anniversary year with new sales record.

Munich. At the end of its anniversary year, BMW M GmbH has once again achieved record results. Global sales of performance and high-performance cars rose to 177,257 vehicles during the 2022 financial year. This represents an increase of 8.4 per cent compared to the previous year, despite the continuing challenging conditions in the area of logistics and supply chains. The most important single market in 2022 was again the USA, with the second most important sales region again being the German domestic market, followed by the UK.

“The enthusiasm of the M community for emotionally powerful performance on the road and on the racetrack has carried us through the entire anniversary year,” says Franciscus van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH. “This is also expressed in a new sales record for BMW M automobiles, which gives us a positive outlook for 2023.”

BMW i4 M50: the best-selling BMW M automobile drives locally emission-free.
At the same time, 2022 marks BMW M GmbH's successful start into the age of electric mobility. “The best-selling BMW M automobile of 2022 is the all-electric BMW i4 M50,” says Timo Resch, Head of Customer, Brand and Sales at BMW M GmbH. “For us, this is a clear signal that the unique M feeling has arrived in the world of electrified vehicles.” The BMW i4 M50 is powered by an electric motor on both the front and rear axles, which together generate a maximum output of 400 kW/544 hp. The perfectly coordinated power delivery of the two e-motors and independent suspension tuning ensure an M-typical driving experience characterised by dynamics, agility and precision, which proved to be a real crowd-puller right from the outset.

With the BMW iX M60*, a second all-electric performance car from BMW M GmbH made a highly successful debut. During the course of 2023, BMW M GmbH will continue its product offensive with, among other things, the first electrified high-performance automobile, the BMW XM, and the BMW i7 M70, a BMW M automobile based on the fully electric BMW i7. The further transformation towards electric mobility has also already been mapped out. In order to be able to include high-performance cars with purely electric drive in the range in the future, BMW M GmbH will intensify the corresponding concept testing in 2023. The focus will be on an integrated driving dynamics control system and an electric M xDrive all-wheel drive system with four electric motors, which will ensure that the emotionally powerful M feeling reaches an even higher level.

Anniversary year with spectacular premieres, BMW M3 and BMW M4 remain on the road to success, fast-paced launch for the new BMW M240i xDrive Coupe*.
The celebrations of the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH were accompanied by debuts for numerous spectacular new models. The broad spectrum of new releases ranged from the second generation of the puristic BMW M2*, with its combination of straight six-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, which evokes classic driving pleasure in a high-performance automobile, to the extroverted BMW XM with its 480 kW/653 hp M HYBRID drive. The first BMW M3 Touring* also offers completely new ways to experience M-typical performance. This diversity creates ideal conditions for attracting additional target groups and generating further growth in 2023.

The current increase in sales figures is also based on sales successes in a wide range of vehicle segments. The high-performance sports cars of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 series, which – including the new BMW M3 Touring – are available in four body variants, in two performance levels, with a choice of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, as well as with rear-wheel drive or the all-wheel drive system M xDrive, continued to enjoy particularly widespread popularity in 2022. BMW M GmbH thus covers a wide range of customer needs in this core segment.

With an exceptionally strong performance within their competitive environment, the high-performance cars based on BMW X models also contributed to BMW M GmbH's new sales record. The upcoming upgrade for the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M models in spring 2023 will provide effective impetus for a continuation of this success story.

The successful launch of the new BMW M240i xDrive Coupe in 2022 proved to be a highlight in the performance car segment. The new edition of the compact two-door is powered by a 275 kW/374 hp straight-six engine and is now also available with classic rear-wheel drive. “The new sales record for BMW M Automobiles is based on our successful presence in a broad range of vehicle segments,” says Timo Resch. “With our wide-ranging product portfolio, we are also ideally positioned for the future.”

Premiere at Daytona: the new BMW M3 CS* and the BMW M Hybrid V8.
In addition, BMW M GmbH fulfils the desire for particularly concentrated racing characteristics with attractive special models – as early as 2022 with the BMW M4 CSL* and soon with the new BMW M3 CS.

The BMW M3 CS will make its world debut on the last weekend of January as part of the 24-hour race at Daytona. The tradition-steeped competition in the US state of Florida is also the venue for BMW M Motorsport's comeback to endurance racing. The new BMW M Hybrid V8 will compete there for the first time. 47 years after the Daytona overall victory of the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL, the new LMDh prototype is set to race for points in the IMSA GTP class of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship before also competing in the official FIA World Endurance Championship at Le Mans and elsewhere in 2024.

The final phase of the development process and the subsequent test drives on various race tracks were among the highlights of 2022 for the BMW M GmbH motorsport department, while the all-important success on the race track was the overall victory in the DTM drivers' and teams' championships. South African Sheldon van der Linde and Team Schubert Motorsport secured the title win in the prestigious touring car championship in the very first season with the new BMW M4 GT3.

*Consumption and emission values:
BMW i4 M50: Power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 22.5 – 18.1 WLTP.
BMW XM: Fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 1.6 – 1-5 WLTP; Power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 30.1 – 28.9 WLTP; CO₂ emissions in g/km combined: 36 – 33 WLTP.
BMW iX M60: Power consumption in kWh/100 km combined: 24.7 – 21.9 WLTP.
BMW M240i xDrive Coupe: Fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 8.8 – 8.1 WLTP; CO₂ emissions in g/km combined: 200 – 185 WLTP.
BMW M2: Fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 9.8 – 9.6 WLTP; CO₂ emissions in g/km combined: 222 – 218 WLTP.
BMW M3 Touring: Fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 10.4 – 10.1 WLTP; CO₂ emissions in g/km combined: 235 – 229 WLTP.
BMW M4 CSL: Fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 10.1 – 9.9 WLTP; CO₂ emissions in g/km combined: 227 – 224 WLTP.
BMW M3 CS: Fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 10.4 – 10.1 WLTP; CO₂ emissions in g/km combined: 234 – 229 WLTP.

Munich. BMW will be participating in the Essen Motor Show 2022 with numerous attractions and a diverse programme. Europe's largest trade fair for tuning, motorsport and sporty production vehicles will open its doors at the Gruga-Halle grounds from 3 to 11 December 2022. Among other things, BMW will inspire visitors with a world premiere: In Essen, the new BMW M2 with BMW M Performance Parts (fuel consumption combined: 9.8 - 9.6 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 222 - 218 g/km according to WLTP; data according to NEDC: - ) will be on display for the first time.

Furthermore, in addition to current BMW M automobiles, other sporty retrofit options from the Original BMW accessories range will be presented at the BMW stand in hall 3. Interviews and autograph sessions with star guests from the motorsport scene round off the varied programme at the BMW stand.

Sharpened appearance, enhanced performance: BMW M Performance Parts for the new BMW M2.

In addition to the sharpened appearance, the customisation options developed specifically for the new BMW M2 also optimise the impressive driving characteristics of the high-performance sports car. The striking add-on parts for the front, rear and sides of the compact two-door model are made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), which is sealed with a transparent coating to reveal the typical fibre structure of the material. Exterior components such as the M Performance Carbon front attachment, the M Performance Carbon side skirt attachments, the M Performance Carbon rear diffuser or the M Performance Carbon rear spoiler underscore the puristic racing genes of the new BMW M2, whilst also having a positive effect on its aerodynamic properties.

Sporty, ambitious drivers will also appreciate the wide range of BMW M Performance Parts in the areas of drive, chassis and cockpit. The M Performance Titanium silencer system, for example, not only saves eight kilograms in weight vs. the standard component, but also brings out the sound of the 338 kW/460 hp straight six-cylinder engine even more intensively. In the interior, the M Performance interior trims Carbon/Alcantara, the M Performance armrest Alcantara and many other high-quality options create a genuine sports car flair, while the M Performance knee pads Alcantara provide a secure grip even during sporty, ambitious driving. This allows you to fully enjoy the agility and cornering dynamics of the M Performance suspension on a closed-off track - or simply enjoy racing-inspired driving pleasure in everyday life.

Fascinating model range, inspiring discussion partners.

From the current model range of BMW M GmbH, the models on show in Essen include the first BMW M3 Touring (fuel consumption combined: 10.4 - 10.1 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 235 - 229 g/km according to WLTP; data according to NEDC: - ), the BMW M240i Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 8.5 - 7.8 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 192 - 177 g/km according to WLTP; data according to NEDC: - ) and the all-electric BMW i4 M50 (power consumption combined: 22.5 - 18.1 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km according to WLTP; data according to NEDC: - ). Another eye-catcher comes directly from the race track into the exhibition hall: the first M3 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car. The latest safety car addition from BMW M has been equipped with the entire product range of BMW M Performance Parts for its use in the premium class of road motorcycle racing.

The Red Bull Driftbrothers will bring even more performance and racing aesthetics to Essen. Elias and Johannes Hountondji will be exhibiting one of their drift cars at the BMW stand: Their racing cars are based on a production model of the BMW M4 Series. With a customised exhaust system, custom body kit and an aerodynamics package, it will amaze not only horsepower enthusiasts. On the first three days of the fair, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Driftbrothers during an autograph session. However, the brothers from Swabia are not the only celebrity guests: on Saturday, 3 December 2022, BMW M Motorsport works driver Jens Klingmann will welcome entrepreneur, influencer and TV presenter Jean Pierre Kraemer (JP Performance) for an interview. The tuning expert will bring along his BMW M4 CSL, which can be admired at the BMW stand for the entire duration of the show.

Goodwood. All eyes will be on BMW M GmbH at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, as BMW’s legendary Motorsport division celebrates five decades of success. Festivalgoers will witness the world premiere of the first-ever BMW M3 Touring and the UK premiere of the new BMW M4 CSL, as both take to the hill throughout the world-famous four-day event. All this against the backdrop of a striking central feature sculpture on the lawn of Goodwood House, designed as a homage to 50 years of motorsport excellence as it showcases some of the most iconic models from BMW M. Elsewhere, visitors will be able to see – and in some cases, drive – the latest models from BMW’s exciting range, including the new BMW iX1, i7, i4 and iX M60.

For the first time in its history, the BMW M range will be complemented by a BMW M3 Touring which is a distillation of the technological prowess and know-how from the BMW M3 and M4 family, combined with the practicality of a five-door touring model. This latest BMW M model will be unveiled at BMW M at Trackside at 10:00 am (BST) on Thursday 23 June, alongside a high-performance M3 Touring with Performance Parts, and can then be seen on the Hillclimb in the ‘First Glance’ category every day of the Festival.

Alongside the M3 Touring and BMW M3 Touring MotoGP Safety Car on the hill will be the new BMW M4 CSL, celebrating its UK premiere. This ultimate, track-honed, two-seater coupe is defined by a 40hp power hike over the current BMW M4 Competition Coupé to 550hp, while meticulous weight-saving measures – including the use of carbon-fibre for the roof, bonnet and boot lid – achieve a 100kg reduction in overall weight (in standard specification in the German market). As a result, the new BMW M4 CSL has recorded the best-ever lap-time for a BMW road car at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit.

With BMW M GmbH as the honoured marque, the Central Feature in front of Goodwood House will present an eye-catching display of BMW M cars past, present and future. BMW UK will add its legendary BMW 3.0 CSL to the Central Feature, while BMW Group Classic is providing three further examples: the BMW M1 Procar from the late 1970s; a WTCC BMW 3 Series E90; the Le Mans winning 1999 BMW V12 LMR. The display is completed by the BMW M LMDh racecar, that will debut next year.

Besides providing historic BMW M cars for the Central Feature, BMW Group Classic will bring four additional famous race cars to Goodwood’s Hillclimb. Pedro Piquet (BRA), son of three-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet, will drive the world’s first turbo-charged F1 World Champion car, the 1983 Brabham BMW BT52.

Steve Soper (UK) will climb the hill in the BMW V12 LMR on Thursday. He is followed by Markus Flasch (CEO of BMW M GmbH, 2018-2021), who will be in the driver’s seat on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

HRH Leopold Prince of Bavaria (GER) will drive the sharknose BMW 635CSi and Bruno Spengler (CAN) will drive his famous BMW Z4 GTR which features the Michel Vaillant Design from the 2015 Spa-Francorchamps 24h race.

For many, BMW M at Trackside will form the focal point for the long weekend’s celebrations. Crowned by an original BMW M1, the stand will host iconic models from BMW M’s illustrious past, from the legendary BMW M3 E30 to the revered BMW M3 CSL E46. They will take their place alongside a thrilling line-up of modern-day BMW M greats, from the ultimate 635hp BMW M5 CS and track-honed BMW M4 GT3 to the exclusive new BMW M850i Convertible and innovative electric BMW i4 M50. Visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of the future for BMW M, with the innovative BMW Concept XM, a vision of uncompromising high performance and extravagant luxury.

The Stable Yard – once again dedicated to BMW’s latest range of all-electric and electrified models – will offer the chance to see the stunning BMW i Vision Circular, a concept which illustrates the company’s determination to become the most sustainable manufacturer. Optimised for the circular economy and with the goal of achieving 100% recycled and recyclable material use, the BMW i Vision Circular offers a view of a compact yet luxurious fully-electric vehicle with a focus on sustainability for the year 2040.

BMW’s sustainability focus is equally apparent in the new BMW i7, on display in The Stable Yard following its recent unveiling. The latest version of the brand’s flagship saloon is set to redefine the luxury segment with new levels of electrification and digitalisation. Its state-of-the-art all-electric drivetrain is complemented by a blend of luxurious interior design and an astonishing entertainment experience, with the multi-sensory BMW iDrive and unique 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theatre Screen. These attributes are further displayed in the powerful new BMW M760e, a plug-in hybrid with 571hp that delivers scintillating performance yet achieves remarkable efficiency.

The recently revealed BMW iX1 will make its UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed, representing another first at the Stable Yard. The third-generation BMW X1 features a sharper design, across-the-board sustainability and cutting-edge digital innovations. Available for the first time with an all-electric drive system, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 is set to offer an electric driving range between 257 – 272 miles (WLTP, provisional figures).

These models will also be joined by the company’s technology flagship, the new BMW iX M60, a fully-electric Sports Activity Vehicle that combines emissions-free driving pleasure and sporting agility with lounge-style luxury and comfort. Powered by two BMW M eDrive electric motors to provide intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive capability, the BMW iX M60 can accelerate from 0-62 mph in a seamless 3.8 seconds, yet still achieve up to 348 miles (WLTP) of driving range on a single charge.

Members of the public will be able to experience the BMW iX M60’s searing performance for themselves during Friday’s ‘Electric Only’ Motor Circuit Test Drives, where they’ll also be able to take to the circuit behind the wheel of the new BMW i4, the brand’s first-ever fully-electric Gran Coupé, and the practical BMW iX3.

Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M, said: “There can be no better place to celebrate our 50th anniversary than among our fans at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, surrounded by the iconic cars that have cemented our position in motorsport history. But we’ll also spend our time at the world-famous event looking to the future, with a selection of exciting new models from our innovative electrified line-up, and the global premiere of the eagerly-anticipated first-ever BMW M3 Touring.”

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is being held over four days from 23-26 June 2022.

*Some figures have not yet been certified for Canadian market vehicles.*

Richmond Hill, ON. A legend is reborn. As its 50th birthday celebrations gather steam, BMW M GmbH is unveiling a very special limited-edition model. The new BMW M4 CSL fuses old-school racing passion with innovative technology to create an inimitable performance experience. Its standalone character profile is rooted in two core features: a power hike of 40 hp over the current BMW M4 Competition to 543 hp and a 108 kg reduction in weight.

Intelligent lightweight design, purity of purpose.

The new BMW M4 CSL represents a highly concentrated showcase for the racing craft of BMW M GmbH and its expertise in powertrain and chassis development and lightweight design. For example, the company can call on many years of experience in working with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for body, chassis, and interior components. The M engineers have managed to restrict the CSL’s curb weight to 1,651 kg. An outstanding power-to-weight ratio of 3 kg/hp provides the ideal platform for a dynamically masterful driving experience. The new BMW M4 CSL can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, while the top speed is an electronically limited 307 km/h.

With its next-level power, intelligent lightweight design, two-seater configuration, model-specific chassis upgrades and equipment features selected specifically for the job at hand, the new BMW M4 CSL has track driving as its raison d’être. Never before has the overall vehicle concept of a production model been so close to that of the related BMW M GmbH racer. The genes the new BMW M4 CSL shares with its competition-spec sibling, the BMW M4 GT3, are also reflected in its performance attributes. In test runs on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, which represent the ultimate yardstick for brand-typical dynamics like agility and handling precision for all BMW M cars, the M4 CSL posted a lap time of 7:20.2, the fastest time ever for a series-production BMW.

The next chapter in an enthralling story begins in the anniversary year of BMW M.

Lap times aside, the new BMW M4 CSL also offers the everyday usability for which high-performance sports cars from BMW M are celebrated. This means drivers can enjoy an intense racing-car feeling on the road as well as on the track. The M4 CSL follows in the tire tracks of illustrious special-edition models from earlier generations of the BMW M3 and M4. Like the legendary BMW M3 CSL of 2003 and the BMW M4 GTS released in 2016, the new special edition from BMW M GmbH delivers a driving experience as bewitching as it is exclusive.

Production of the new BMW M4 CSL will begin at Plant Dingolfing in July 2022 and will be limited to just 1,000 units globally, with 41 coming to Canada.

Fundamental and detailed: intelligent lightweight design in the BMW M4 CSL.

The key factors in the standout performance attributes of the new BMW M4 CSL can be found in its name. Lightweight design has played a central role at BMW M GmbH from day one. In 1973, the BMW 3.0 CSL developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH won the European Touring Car Championship in its first attempt – thanks in no small measure to a commitment to cutting the weight of its series-produced donor model. Today, the CSL designation stands for “Competition, Sport, Lightweight" and identifies high-performance models with very high power, rigorously reduced weight, and a track-focused character.

Intelligent lightweight design was a fundamental strategy in the development of the new BMW M4 CSL, one that was applied on a detailed level. A focus on the attributes considered essential for an elite sports car was accompanied by the selective use of materials, meaning all the performance and functionality the customer expects is present, but while adding significantly less weight.

For example, conventional components for the exterior and interior, powertrain and chassis were replaced with lightweight model-specific alternatives. Fitting M Carbon full bucket seats alone reduced weight by 24 kg, while a further 20.8 kg were saved by removing the rear seats and seat belts and integrating a partition between the cabin and luggage compartment. Chassis alterations, including the addition of standard lightweight M Carbon ceramic brakes and forged light-alloy wheels, springs and struts, reduced weight by another 20.8 kg. Switching to ultra-lightweight sound insulation and reducing the amount used saved another 15 kg. The use of CFRP components on the outside and inside of the M4 CSL saves an additional 10.8 kg. A titanium rear silencer cuts more than 4 kg from the weight of the exhaust system. Detail modifications shave another 3.6 kg from areas including the BMW kidney grille, rear lights, floor mats and automatic climate control.

Roof, hood, and trunk lid in carbon fibre.

The roof panel on the BMW M4 CSL, as on the M4 Competition, is made from CFRP. The use of this lightweight yet hugely robust high-tech material at the highest point of the body reduces the vehicle’s overall weight while lowering its center of gravity, which in turn enhances agility and cornering dynamics. Going several steps further, however, the BMW M4 CSL also utilizes carbon fibre for the hood and trunk lid.

The CFRP hood is approximately 1.3 kg lighter than the BMW M4 Competition’s aluminum hood. Its carbon fibre structure is clearly revealed by two sculpted channels extending in line with the BMW kidney grille elements to the edge of the hood as it approaches the windscreen. The edges of the unpainted channels are bordered in red. Red accent lines also bring extra visual emphasis to the “double bubble” CFRP roof of the new BMW M4 CSL and the contours of its extended side sills.

The red accents and exposed carbon fibre stand in dynamic contrast with the optional Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic exterior paint finish to create a high-impact visual statement. Alternatively, customers can also specify their new BMW M4 CSL in standard Alpine White or Black Sapphire metallic. Standard BMW M 50 Years emblems for the hood, trunk lid and wheel centre caps mark the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH. Their design recalls the blue/violet/red logo first seen on the BMW Motorsport GmbH racing cars in 1973.

CFRP is also used for the splitter fitted to the lower edge of the front apron to generate additional downforce, and the inserts in the air curtains at its outer edges. The splitter features bold red accents and “CSL" lettering. The model-specific, weight-minimized BMW kidney grille has a more minimalist design than on the standard M4, with fewer slats and wide spaces between them optimizing airflow to the radiators. The unique grille features red contour lines and “M4 CSL" badging. The central air inlet of the new BMW M4 CSL is subdivided by just two horizontal kidney grille bars in addition to the bumper element.

The CFRP trunk lid of the BMW M4 CSL weighs 6.8 kg less than the one used on the BMW M4 Competition. The trunk lid also sports a prominent integral spoiler. This dramatic aero element echoes a similar design feature of the 2003 BMW M3 CSL and generates significant rear-axle downforce in dynamic driving situations. The diffuser integrated into the rear apron of the new BMW M4 CSL and the exterior mirror caps are also made from CFRP.

BMW Laserlight: yellow daytime running lights, innovative rear lights fitted as standard.

The BMW Laserlight headlights bring a touch of the racetrack to the front of the new BMW M4 CSL. Both in the welcome sequence triggered when unlocking the doors and when the low and high beam headlights are switched on, the angular daytime running lights illuminate in yellow rather than white, evoking the look of GT racing cars.

The rear lights of the new BMW M4 CSL feature innovative technology making its debut in a series-produced car. While all the light functions use LEDs, the glass covers have intricate light threads woven into them which are illuminated using laser technology, bringing a vibrant structure to the surface of the rear lights and creating a distinctive light signature recognizable from a long distance after dark. The arrangement of the three threads, which run parallel to one another across the inner section of the light units and overlap each other in the outer area, creates a visually stunning interpretation of the hallmark BMW L-shaped rear light contour. Additionally, the illuminated “BMW Laser" lettering on the light covers hints at the innovative light technology below the surface.

The model badges on the rear, front side panels and BMW kidney grille also have a new design. With their black surfaces and red outline, they signal the CSL’s sporting mission with visually understated style.

The ideal combination of dynamics and lightweight design: strut braces in the engine compartment, titanium rear silencer.

In the engine compartment, the front-end strut brace developed specifically for the M4 CSL takes the body rigidity to another level. This cast aluminum element connects the spring strut towers to each other and to the front end. The geometry of the strut brace has been adapted precisely to the forces exerted in different driving situations, thus optimizing agility and steering precision while minimizing material and, therefore, weight.

The exhaust system of the new BMW M4 CSL has a rear silencer made from titanium and is nearly 4.5 kg lighter than a conventional steel equivalent. The signature M quad tailpipes are finished in matt black trim with a stripe-patterned perforation on their inner surface. The CSL specific exhaust system comes with electronically controlled flaps, and, in the hallmark style of the high-performance models from BMW M GmbH, its visceral soundtrack creates an intense motorsport aura both outside and inside the vehicle.

Model-specific light-alloy wheels and M Carbon ceramic brakes as standard.

The forged M light-alloy wheels in cross-spoke design have been designed exclusively for the new BMW M4 CSL. Minimized weight and a distinctive appearance are the standout characteristics of the 19-inch front and 20-inch rear matte black wheels. The precise arrangement of the super-slim spokes gives the wheels exceptional rigidity. Their weight-optimized design also helps to reduce unsprung mass, further enhancing the agile driving characteristics of the CSL.

M Carbon ceramic brakes are standard equipment on the new M4 CSL and are 14.2 kg lighter than the M Compound brakes. Their red-painted calipers clamp down hard on 15.7-inch front and 15-inch rear discs. The significantly reduced unsprung mass of the M Carbon ceramic brakes further sharpens the CSL’s agility and dynamic performance.

Two very special seats.

The interior of the new BMW M4 CSL is an environment laser-focused on extracting maximum performance and creating an emotionally engaging driving experience. The lightweight coupe only has seats for the driver and one passenger - but these are no ordinary seats. The M Carbon full bucket seats were developed exclusively for the BMW M4 CSL with the focus on the demands of track driving. Their carbon fibre structure and lack of comfort features such as heating, lumbar support, and power adjustment reduce weight by 24 kg compared with the standard seats fitted in the BMW M4 Competition.

With their pronounced bolsters, the M Carbon full bucket seats offer an extremely high level of lateral support through corners. The backrest angle is fixed, and the seat height can only be adjusted in a workshop using a three-stage screw linkage. Fore and aft adjustments are made manually using a lever on the front edge of the seat. The head restraints can be disassembled for track use when the driver and passenger are wearing helmets.

The seating surfaces and backrests of the M Carbon full bucket seats are trimmed in black Merino leather. The outer surfaces of the backrests and head restraints have red Alcantara inserts. Contrast stitching in the colours of BMW M GmbH adorn both the seat bolsters and the seat belts.

Heated M Carbon bucket seats with full power adjustment are available as a no-cost option for the new BMW M4 CSL. These seats are 9.5 kg lighter than the standard seats in the BMW M4 Competition and combine track functionality and lightweight design with a much higher level of comfort and adjustability over long journeys.

The stowage area behind the seats for the driver and co-driver provides space for two helmet storage compartments. Removing the rear seat bench cuts weight by around 20.8 kg.

Carbon fibre centre console: reduced weight, unrestricted functionality.

The centre console structure of the new BMW M4 CSL is made entirely from CFRP. The material's distinctive structure is clearly recognizable in the surfaces of the control panel around the gear selector, the iDrive Controller and the buttons for activating various vehicle settings and functions. The use of carbon fibre more than halves the weight of the centre console, saving about 4 kg. At the same time, it offers a familiar range of functionality, with features including an armrest with leather surface and wireless charging tray for compatible mobile phones.

Putting the finishing touches to the Motorsport ambience of the new BMW M4 CSL are the standard carbon fibre interior trim and “CSL" badging below the headrests, on the centre console, and on the rear panel. The first touch of the M Alcantara steering wheel, another standard feature of the new BMW M4 CSL, fuels the appetite for dynamic driving. The grippy surface of the steering wheel rim, a red centre marker in the 12 o'clock position, carbon fibre inlays on the three spokes and CFRP shift paddles create a genuine track-car feel in terms of both visuals and functionality.

Powertrain. Modified six-cylinder inline engine, eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and rear-wheel drive for the ultimate performance experience.

Motorsport DNA, high-revving characteristics, and latest-generation M Twin Power Turbo technology make the inline 6-cylinder power unit from the BMW M4 Competition the perfect starting point for the high-performance engine in the most powerful road-legal M4 variant ever made. Detail modifications for the new BMW M4 CSL produce a maximum output of 543 hp at 6,250 rpm - an increase of 40 hp over the BMW M4 Competition. Peak torque of 479 lb-ft is on tap from just 2,750 rpm and sustained all the way up to 5,950 rpm. As a result, the unmistakable performance attributes of BMW M models – near instantaneous response to every movement of the accelerator, a voracious appetite for revs, and relentless power delivery well into the upper regions of the rev range – are present in even more heightened form. New and updated engine mounts and rigorous application of lightweight design principles ensure the new BMW M4 CSL achieves an even bigger gain in dynamic capability than this extra dose of power would suggest.

A design principle focused on extracting maximum power.

The design principle for the straight-six engine has been adapted from motorsport technology and is focused on high revs and maximum power delivery. The crankcase's sleeve-free, closed-deck construction helps to make it extremely rigid, thus allowing very high combustion pressures that optimize power output. The engine’s free-revving performance is aided by a twin-wire-arc-sprayed iron coating for the cylinder bores. The forged lightweight crankshaft enables the engine's high-revving ability, while its torsional resistance enables it to handle extremely high levels of torque.

The M-specific components also include a cylinder head with 3Dprinted core. This additive manufacturing process enables geometric forms to be created that are beyond the capability of conventional metal casting techniques. As a result, the coolant duct routing could be optimized while also reducing its weight.

Two mono-scroll turbochargers supply compressed air to cylinders 1-3 and 4-6 respectively. The turbocharger's power output is further enhanced by the use of an indirect intercooler supplied by a low temperature circuit and specially designed compressors. Boost pressure has been increased from 24.7 psi in the M4 Competition to 30.5 psi in the CSL. Engine management has been modified accordingly to guarantee the constant power delivery up to the top end of the rev range that has come to be expected of BMW M.

Operating at a maximum pressure of over 5,000 psi, the High Precision Injection system ensures efficient mixture preparation and clean combustion. VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing likewise form part of the M Twin Power Turbo technology.

Exhaust system with titanium rear silencer and distinctive soundtrack, inside and out.

The optimized routing of the dual-branch exhaust system's pipes and their large cross sections serve to reduce backpressure. The system's two electrically controlled flaps and bespoke titanium rear silencer additionally enable it to produce a distinctive engine note created especially for the new BMW M4 CSL.

As a result, the engine's electrifying build-up of power is backed by some dramatic and extremely resonant aural accompaniment that draws its inspiration from motorsport. Thanks to the reduced use of insulating materials, which also minimizes weight, and the titanium rear silencer's specific resonance properties, the drive unit's deeply sonorous soundtrack, with its dominant low frequencies, can be fully appreciated inside the cabin where it provides the driver with accurate acoustic feedback in response to movements of the accelerator and clearly conveys the engine's performance characteristics. Gear changes are accompanied by precisely defined change in the engine note, while distinctive, low-frequency sound sequences can be heard on the overrun. The M Sound Control button on the centre console lets the driver switch to a more restrained soundtrack when desired.

The cooling system on-board the new BMW M4 CSL comprises a high temperature and a low-temperature circuit. The indirect intercooler works using an electric coolant pump in the low-temperature system. The main module in the high-temperature circuit and two remote coolers in the wheel arches supply coolant to the engine block and turbochargers with the help of a mechanical water pump. An electric water pump and an electric fan can also engage when required. The large openings in the front apron additionally channel the oncoming air to a dedicated engine oil cooler as well as a transmission oil cooler. This serves to maintain optimum operating temperatures for all powertrain components at all times, both in everyday use and during high-speed outings on the track.

The engine's weight-minimized oil sump has two separate chambers and an integrated suction channel. An additional suction stage allows the map-controlled oil pump to draw lubricant from the smaller chamber, which steps in when extra capacity is needed. This ensures a reliable supply of oil at all times, even under extreme lateral and longitudinal acceleration.

Uniquely crafted engine and transmission mounts for instantaneous response.

Model-specific mounts for the powertrain ensure the increased engine power of the new BMW M4 CSL is transferred to the road via the rear wheels quickly and directly. The firmer connection of engine and transmission to the car's structure is clearly perceptible, especially in extremely dynamic driving situations.

Stiffer engine mounts with equal settings on both sides of the vehicle produces an exhilarating sense of precision when driving the new BMW M4 CSL. For this purpose, the mounts' spring rates - which are set at 580 N/mm on the left side and 900 N/mm on the right in the BMW M4 Competition - were both increased to 1,000 N/mm. The transmission mounts in the CSL have also been modified and feature a mount that is 12 percent stiffer.

Power channeled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

The torque produced by the S58 engine is sent to the rear wheels of the new BMW M4 CSL via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The M-specific version of this automatic transmission features ratios precisely attuned to the engine's characteristics and an extremely sharp shift action matched to the engine’s performance. This enables gear changes to be performed even faster than in the M4 Competition. Each gear change is clearly communicated to the driver, even when the transmission is operating in automatic mode. Manual shifts with sequential gear selection can be performed using either the selector lever or the carbon fibre shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Nudging either paddle allows the driver to temporarily switch from automated to manual mode in an instant. It is also possible to execute multiple downshifts to the lowest available gear in manual mode for an immediate burst of acceleration from a steady speed. The driver simply pulls on the left shift paddle while pressing the accelerator to the floor. M Steptronic does not force upshifts under acceleration in manual mode - even at the rev limiter. When driving in automatic mode, adjustment of engine speed on downshifts aids dynamic braking into corners. Blipping the throttle in this way reduces the undesirable engine braking effect when the car is being pushed hard. The driver can use the Drivelogic button integrated into the selector lever to alter the shift characteristics with a choice of three clearly distinguishable modes, including a special track-optimized setting.

The exceptionally powerful inline 6-cylinder engine in the new BMW M4 CSL works together with the gearbox, the powertrain's extremely rigid mounting, and rear-wheel drive to deliver an emotionally inspiring and rewarding performance experience laced with thrilling acceleration. The special-edition model takes just 3.7 seconds to reach the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark from rest and can sprint to 200 km/h (124 mph) from a standing start in just 10.7 seconds.

The chassis. Signature M precision at its finest.

Like the engine in the new BMW M4 CSL, its chassis technology benefits from a wealth of detail upgrades tailored to the engine’s performance characteristics. The modifications also factor in the substantial reduction in vehicle weight and the model specific improvements to body rigidity, allowing the blend of agility, athleticism, and precision for which BMW M cars are celebrated to be taken to new heights. The focus is clearly on forming a close connection between driver and vehicle that translates into a sublimely accomplished performance experience. The tailored chassis technology expands the car's dynamic limits while ensuring precisely controllable handling characteristics thanks primarily to the linear build-up of lateral acceleration forces characteristic of M models.

Providing the ideal basis for the new BMW M4 CSL's chassis technology is the combination of a double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle, both in M specification. This design principle was developed specifically for the high-performance sports cars in this model range. Also, standard is the Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers, electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and an M specific version of the integrated braking system.

The individually tuned axle kinematics and model-specific wheel camber settings, dampers, auxiliary springs, and anti-roll bars optimize steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location. These detail modifications and the integrated application of all powertrain and chassis systems in intensive testing on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit have helped maximize the dynamic performance of the new BMW M4 CSL, while also enabling fingertip control in committed track driving.

A lowered ride height, auxiliary springs, and unique dampers.

The model-specific suspension is accompanied by a drop in ride height of 7.6 mm compared with the BMW M4 Competition. This lowers the vehicle's centre of gravity, further enhancing the agility and cornering dynamics of the new BMW M4 CSL. Auxiliary springs are also fitted at both the front and the rear axle and improve road contact in highly dynamic driving situations. The anti-roll bars at both axles and their mountings have likewise been specially engineered for this model.

The front axle's forged swivel bearing has more camber, greatly increasing the car's ability to put down power through high-speed corners. On the rear axle, four additional ball joints with zero play replace the rubber mounts for the control arms on both the axle subframe and wheel carrier sides, thereby lowering the secondary spring rates. This has the effect of optimizing not just wheel location and camber stiffness, but also damper response. The rear-axle subframe has a rigid connection to the body without any flexible rubber elements. Typically used in competition cars, this type of mounting further improves wheel location and directional stability.

The damping forces are smoothly adjusted for each individual wheel to suit the changing road surface conditions and driving situation. This all happens in the space of a few milliseconds using electromagnetic valves. There is a choice of three modes in the M Setup menu for the basic damper setting. The setup in SPORT mode was fine-tuned during exhaustive testing at the Nordschleife. Damper force control in SPORT PLUS mode is designed for pushing the car to the limit on perfectly surfaced road courses, while COMFORT mode is ideal for smoothing out road imperfections in everyday driving.

Standard M Carbon ceramic brakes and individually adjustable pedal feel.

The standard M Carbon ceramic brakes on the new BMW M4 CSL work in unison with the integrated braking system to provide immense yet precisely controllable stopping power. Six-piston, fixed caliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating caliper at the rear endow the CSL with remarkable braking abilities while ensuring enhanced fade resistance and thermal stability. The integrated braking system generates a degree of braking power adjusted precisely to the driver's inputs, while also providing feedback that is unimpaired by wet road surfaces, strong lateral acceleration, or high brake temperatures. The result is superb pedal feel in all situations. The M-specific version of the integrated braking system presents the driver with two pedal feel settings that can be selected from the M Setup menu. This innovative system brings together the brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions within a compact module, while an electric actuator is used to trigger the required brake pressure.

M Traction Control honed for the track.

The inclusion of the integrated braking system enables the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to intervene more swiftly and precisely than ever. Traction control duties have also been relocated from the DSC control unit to the engine management, allowing the engine's power to be adjusted with exceptional precision when accelerating on slippery surfaces. In addition, the new BMW M4 CSL lets the driver set individual intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation. The standard M Traction Control function offers a choice of ten different stages for this, and there is also the option of fully deactivating the DSC system by engaging M Dynamic Mode.

The M Traction Control function in the new BMW M4 CSL has been specially configured for track use. Traction control in stages 1 to 5 is regulated in the same way as in the BMW M4 Competition, with stage 5 allowing the least slip at the driven wheels and stage 1 the most. By striking the balance they desire between track performance and handling stability on dry roads, drivers can carefully explore the car's dynamic limits and execute controlled drifts when cornering at speed.

M Traction Control stages 6 to 10, on the other hand, have been devised for the specific conditions encountered on the track. They are based on the application developed for touring car racers and make allowance for both track surface conditions and tire temperature. Instead of merely facilitating controlled drifts, these stages are geared towards optimizing traction under any circumstances and therefore delivering quick lap times. The intervention thresholds for traction control are therefore set extremely high in stages 6 and 7, which are designed for driving on a dry track with the tires at optimum temperature. If the tires are cold or too hot, however, or the track is damp or wet, drivers can engage stages 8 to 10, which gradually lower the intervention thresholds with the goal of maximizing the performance capabilities of the new BMW M4 CSL even in very challenging driving conditions.

Exclusive M light-alloy wheels and model-specific high-performance tires.

The new BMW M4 CSL rides on forged M light-alloy wheels sporting on exclusive cross-spoke design. These lightweight wheels are fitted with ultra-high performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires measuring 275/35 ZR19 at the front and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear which were developed specifically for the CSL. The tires are designed for extremely dynamic longitudinal and lateral performance on the track and enable highly effective transmission of both acceleration forces and lateral control forces when cornering.

The new BMW M4 CSL may also be ordered with the traditional high-performance tires from the M4 Competition in the same sizes, at no cost. These tires enable highly dynamic driving while enhancing comfort in everyday use and on long journeys.

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Munich. For the third time in a row, BMW M GmbH ended the financial year as the global market leader in the performance and high-performance car segment. Indeed, the company posted record sales once again in 2021. A total of 163,542 BMW M cars were delivered to customers worldwide last year, a 13 percent increase on 2020.

This growth was spread equally between the High-Performance sports cars and Performance cars made by BMW M GmbH, with both product categories raising their sales figures to a new level. “This success is the perfect start to our anniversary year,” says Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “M is in a stronger position than ever as it celebrates its 50th birthday.”

New BMW M3 and new BMW M4 enjoy immediate success.

The biggest drivers of growth among the High-Performance sports cars were the new BMW M3 and BMW M4 models introduced in spring 2021. Fuelled by a vehicle concept focused squarely on emotionally charged dynamism and unprecedented diversity in the model range, the new BMW M3 Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 – 10.0 l/100 km [27.7 – 28.3 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 231 – 227 g/km as per WLTP), new BMW M4 Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 10.1 – 9.9 l/100 km [28.0 – 28.5 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 230 – 226 g/km as per WLTP) and new BMW M4 Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 233 – 231 g/km as per WLTP) got off to an extremely successful start. The latest model generation is the first to offer customers two output levels topping out at 375 kW/510 hp, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.

“The response to the new generation of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 has been simply overwhelming,” reports Timo Resch, Vice President Customer, Brand and Sales at BMW M GmbH. “We can therefore expect demand for these iconic sports cars to continue on an upward curve in 2022.”

Also making a powerful contribution to the latest rise in High-Performance model sales at BMW M GmbH were the BMW X5 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 13.6 – 13.3 l/100 km [20.8 – 21,2 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 308 – 303 g/km as per WLTP) and BMW X6 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 13.4 – 13.1 l/100 km [21.1 – 21.6 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 305 – 299 g/km as per WLTP). Following the successful market launch of the latest model generation the previous year, the charismatic High-Performance sports cars in the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupé segment – both powered by a 460 kW/625 hp V8 engine – increased their sales figures once again in 2021.

Alluring and in demand: the BMW M models in the BMW 4 Series range.

The dynamic excellence, agility and precision for which M is renowned also enabled the brand’s Performance models to delight and excite a wide range of customers over the past year. Credit for the latest boost to sales goes above all to the M models based on the new BMW 4 Series. Particularly popular were the variants of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé, whose line-up consists of the BMW M440i Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 8.1 – 7.4 l/100 km [34.8 – 38.2 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 184 – 167 g/km as per WLTP) and BMW M440i xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 8.2 – 7.5 l/100 km [34.5 – 37.7 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 186 – 170 g/km as per WLTP) powered by a 275 kW/374 hp six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, and the BMW M440d xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 6.3 – 5.7 l/100 km [44.8 – 49.6 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 165 – 150 g/km as per WLTP), whose six-cylinder in-line diesel unit produces 250 kW/340 hp.

The latest BMW X models within the ranks of M’s Performance cars also proved extremely desirable. Indeed, the BMW X3 M40i powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine with 265 kW/360 hp (fuel consumption combined: 9.5 – 8.8 l/100 km [29.7 – 32.1 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 216 – 199 g/km as per WLTP) and the BMW X7 M50i (fuel consumption combined: 12.8 – 12.3 l/100 km [22.1 – 23.0 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 292 – 280 g/km as per WLTP) with its 390 kW/530 hp V8 unit both posted an increase in new registrations.

Looking ahead to an anniversary year brimming with highlights.

BMW M GmbH will continue its product offensive in this anniversary year with the addition of new High-Performance and Performance models. Highlights include the new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 8.8 – 8.1 l/100 km [32.1 – 34.9 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 200 – 185 g/km as per WLTP) and the arrival later in the year of the first BMW M3 Touring and an exclusive special-edition model based on the new BMW M4 Coupé.

In addition, the BMW Group subsidiary – which was founded as BMW Motorsport GmbH in May 1972 and enjoys the status of an independent manufacturer – will also drive the transformation to electric mobility. Following in the tyre tracks of the BMW i4 M50 (electric power consumption combined: 22.5 – 18.0 kWh/100 km as per WLTP; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km) in the first half of 2022 will be the likewise fully electric BMW iX M60 (projected electric power consumption combined: 24.7 – 21.7 kWh/100 km as per WLTP; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km).

The most powerful BMW M model ever made points the way to the future of the brand.

The anniversary year will be crowned by the start of production of the BMW XM. The most powerful BMW M car ever to go into series production is also the brand’s first High-Performance model to employ a plug-in hybrid drive system. Its newly developed M Hybrid technology brings together a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop maximum output of 550 kW/750 hp and peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). The design of the BMW XM majors on presence and extrovert appeal and in so doing sends out a clear statement in the luxury segment.

“Our first standalone model since the legendary BMW M1 represents a complete re-imagining of the high-performance car segment,” says van Meel. “The BMW XM blends expressive design and progressive interior luxury with an incomparable driving experience that serves up both sublime performance and the ability to glide along in near silence in all-electric mode. In so doing, it provides an inimitable expression of poise and assurance, and at the same time points the way to the future of our brand.”

Munich / Dingolfing. BMW Group Plant Dingolfing is piloting a new overspray-free painting process that allows several paint colours to be used and designs to be applied without stencils or masking the vehicle. The highly innovative application method not only increases the degree of individualisation for customers, but also contributes to sustainability by reducing waste and energy consumption. The technology is being used for the first time in 19 BMW M4 Coupés, which will soon roll off the production line at Plant Dingolfing with custom two-tone paintwork and M4 identification on the bonnet and tailgate.

Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production: “We expect the highest standards of efficiency, sustainability and digitalisation from our production. This smart painting technology meets all the requirements for an innovative production process and also offers unique customer benefits.”

The BMW Group developed the new EcoPaintJet Pro application process for waterborne base coats and 2K clear coat in collaboration with mechanical and plant engineering firm Dürr. In the conventional procedure, paint is atomised by a rotating bell with 35 to 55,000 revolutions per minute and adheres electrostatically to the body. The new method works without electrostatics, relying instead on jet application. The paint is applied using an orifice plate that enables high edge definition with a variable paint thickness of between 1 and appr. 50 millimetres. This requires maximum precision from both the robot and application technology. It also means two different colours of paint can be used, e.g. for a contrasting roof, and stripes and other designs applied – for instance, on the bonnet. The focus of technology and material development was on achieving the maximum range of applications. It will now be possible to paint every exterior component – offering customers virtually limitless options for individualisation.

Until now, custom designs like this can only be realised using manual masking. With the new technology, the material and personnel costs this previously entailed will be eliminated, making it possible to realize these options at a lower cost. This innovative process also prevents so-called overspray, i.e. excess paint particles, which therefore no longer has to be disposed of. A further contribution to sustainable production comes from lower energy consumption: Since paint separation is no longer required, the amount of air needed is also lower. At around 7,000 operating hours, this results in energy savings of more than 6,000 megawatt hours and reduces the carbon footprint by nearly 2,000 tonnes per year. Development of innovative paint technology for further series applications will continue.

With the paintwork for the M4 small series, the BMW Group is testing the possibilities of the new process. These unique vehicles will initially be used in the company's own fleet. Series introduction of the piloted paint process is scheduled to begin in 2022 in the BMW Group production network.

Munich. From series production to the race track – and back: In a new video, BMW M GmbH offers insights into the development of the new BMW M4 GT3 racing car and identifies some fascinating similarities between the new flagship model in the BMW M Motorsport line-up and the BMW M4 Competition production model (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 – 9.9 l/100 km [27.7 – 28.5 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle, 10.2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp] in NEDC; CO2 emissions combined: 233 – 227 g/km in WLTP, 234 g/km in NEDC). Designers and engineers from BMW’s production car development programme and BMW M Motorsport present interesting details about the two cars, with the BMW M4 Design Talk featuring Anne Forschner, Exterior Designer BMW M4 Competition, and Michael Scully, BMW Group Designworks Global Automotive Director, getting the ball rolling.

The video starts with Forschner and Scully talking about the most striking design feature of the two cars: the BMW kidney grille. “All BMW M cars have a polarising effect, which means they do not automatically appeal to everyone. Their impact on people is both physical and emotional,” says Forschner. “The kidney grill retains the production car’s perimeter geometry, while their interior surfaces have been opened-up and celebrate the care and feeding of the race engine’s enhanced cooling requirements for the M4 GT3.” explains Scully. The BMW M4 GT3 – which is currently in its final year of development – has been designed to help BMW M Motorsport teams compete for race victories and titles around the world from 2022. Scully continues: ”The M4 GT3’s added front corner lights reference the production car’s air curtain location and give identity and visual structure to an aerodynamically critical portion of the race car. Their boomerang shape mimics the natural shadow of the production car’s front facia surfaces, and supplements high speed night time visibility during endurance races.”

Viewed from the side, it is clear that the racing car implements the same constellation of design elements as the production car to define the bodyside: with one “continuity loop” created from the upper greenhouse/A pillar, front fender detail, and upward-sweeping lower bodyside feature.

The roof, with its two longitudinal fins, and the heavily raked rear window are also identical in form on both the BMW M4 Competition and BMW M4 GT3. These elements enable an ideal flow of air to the racing car’s rear wing.

The greatest differences between the two cars can perhaps be found at the rear. “The tail of the BMW M4 GT3 is familiar in some areas, but in others it looks very different,” says Anne Forschner. “The racing car is 75 millimetres wider on each side, but we have carried over the rear lights from the production car and the rear contour of the boot lid is also the same,” adds Michael Scully.

Forschner points out how the many likenesses between the duo, which already give the standard model a very sporty appearance and provide an excellent basis for the race version, clearly reflect how the two cars were developed: “From the road to the race track and from the race track back to the road.” Meanwhile, Scully is fulsome in his praise of his colleagues from series production. “The BMW M4 Competition production model represents a wonderful basis on which to make a racing car. It has iconic elements and geometry geared to delivering high performance and efficiency.”

A second video in a few weeks’ time will focus on the shared heart of the two cars. In it, Marcus Engelke, Project Manager Drivetrain BMW M4, and Ulrich Schulz, Head of Drivetrain Design at BMW Motorsport, will talk about the six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which was conceived from the outset for both road cars and track machines.

Munich. More performance, more driven wheels, more inimitable M feeling. Just a few months after the new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé went on sale, BMW M GmbH is adding another two variants to the model line-up by offering the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the high-performance sports cars in the premium midsize segment for the first time. Precisely channelling the engine’s power to all four wheels brings supreme dynamic prowess to the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 10.1 – 10.0 l/100 km [28.0 – 28.2 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions combined: 231 – 228 g/km in WLTP) and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 10.1 – 10.0 l/100 km [28.0 – 28.2 mpg imp] in WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 230 – 227 g/km in WLTP).

The power from the 375 kW/510 hp straight-six engine fitted in the new models is directed via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The M-specific all-wheel-drive system then divides it between the front and rear wheels as required to enhance agility, directional stability, traction and track-focused dynamics at all times. This allows the driver to experience an intoxicating interpretation of the hallmark M performance characteristics reflected, among other things, in even quicker acceleration. The launch of the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive will get underway in July 2021.

M xDrive and Active M Differential for superior handling dynamics.
The M xDrive system’s specially tuned power transmission control already provides a smile-inducing alternative to classical rear-wheel drive for a host of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH. Teaming up with the all-wheel-drive system is the Active M Differential, which also ensures fully variable distribution of drive torque between the rear wheels as the situation demands. This helps to transfer the drive torque to the road without any loss of power, especially when the car is being pushed hard or has less grip on one side. The M xDrive system and the Active M Differential – complete with its integrated M-specific traction control – link up with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to ensure precisely judged interaction for the driving situation at hand. The clear aim here is to produce a supremely dynamic driving experience blending the customary M feeling with noticeably enhanced traction and directional stability.

The M xDrive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case for smoothly adjustable, fully variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels. The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimised to keep the variable power splitting mechanism performing effectively even under hard driving on the track. The task of transmitting power to the front and rear differentials is handled by driveshafts engineered specifically for the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive. The output shafts that relay the drive torque to the wheels are likewise bespoke items. The all-wheel-drive system has a rear-biased setup in classic M style. Normally, the drive power is channelled entirely rearwards, with the front wheels only being brought into play when the rears cannot feed any more power to the road.

The transfer case features a bespoke control unit and integrated wheel slip limitation. This enables it to compensate for any differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels exceptionally quickly without having to involve the central DSC management. This results in enhanced all-wheel-drive performance whose principal effect is to further intensify the sense of unshakable poise for which M models are renowned in highly dynamic driving situations, such as powering through corners in a controlled drift.

The improvements in traction, handling stability, agility and dynamism brought about by the combination of M xDrive and Active M Differential also translate into superior sprinting ability. The BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive both need just 3.5 seconds to reach the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark from standstill, making them 0.4 seconds quicker here than their rear-wheel-drive equivalents.

The dynamic transmission of power to the road in the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive takes place via standard M light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. The forged wheels in twin-spoke design with a Jet Black finish are fitted with tyres measuring 275/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear. Specially designed track tyres with the same dimensions are also available as an option.

Major technical modifications optimise performance characteristics.
The all-wheel-drive technology in the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive is complemented by a double-joint spring strut front axle redesigned for these models and featuring specially adapted front axle geometry and an individually tuned steering ratio. These extensive bespoke modifications for the all-wheel-drive system ensure that both the existing pure rear-wheel-drive variants and their new M xDrive siblings stand out with their engineered-without-compromise, signature M steering characteristics. The all-wheel-drive models additionally benefit from a specially adapted version of the engine oil supply system designed to handle extremely dynamic performance.

Three M xDrive modes enable a customised M feeling.
M xDrive also allows the driver to tailor the all-wheel-drive system’s characteristics and performance to the driving situation and their individual preferences. The desired setting can be selected directly from the Setup menu of the M-specific operating system, where there is a choice of three different power transmission modes. In the default 4WD setting, the all-wheel-drive system offers maximum traction and precisely controllable handling while maintaining a distinctly rear-biased power split at all times. Activating 4WD Sport mode directs an even greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, even in extremely dynamic driving situations, resulting in sharper agility. The linear build-up of lateral forces so characteristic of M models now also makes it possible to execute controlled drifts. Drivers can also switch off the DSC system altogether and engage 2WD mode, where drive power is relayed solely to the rear wheels. If the optional M Traction Control is fitted, traction can be finely adjusted through ten stages in this setting in the same way as on the rear-wheel-drive models. This form of power transmission without any intervention from the chassis control systems to stabilise the vehicle allows seasoned drivers to enjoy a driving experience of remarkable purity and hone their skills with the help of the optional M Drift Analyser.

Drivers can set and store their preferred M xDrive mode as part of the two individual M1 and M2 configurations, together with the settings for engine characteristics, damper response, steering characteristics, braking system and other parameters. Either configuration can then be called up instantly at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.

Individual M feeling: six models each with their own character.
By adding two all-wheel-drive model variants to the range, BMW M GmbH now offers an unrivalled variety of high-performance midsize models. The BMW M3 Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 – 9.9 l/100 km [27.7 – 28.5 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions combined: 231 – 226 g/km in WLTP) and BMW M4 Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 – 9.9 l/100 km [27.7 – 28.5 mpg imp] in WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 231 – 226 g/km in WLTP) offer a unique selling point over their rivals in their combination of rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. Drive power in the BMW M3 Competition Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 9.8 – 9.6 l/100 km [28.8 – 29.4 mpg imp] in WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 224 – 219 g/km in WLTP) and BMW M4 Competition Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 9.8 – 9.6 l/100 km [28.8 – 29.4 mpg imp] in WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 224 – 219 g/km in WLTP) is likewise directed to the rear wheels, here via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

This quartet is now joined by the newly arrived BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive. This means the latest model generation already spans six vehicles with distinct characters, each providing their own individual recipe for a sublime high-performance sports car offering unrestricted everyday usability. And customers will soon find even greater scope for matching M’s distinctive approach to high-performance driving with their personal style when the new edition of the BMW M4 Convertible joins the model range later this year.

Please find attached on location pictures and footage of the International Media Launch of the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan and the new BMW M4 Competition Coupé.

Please find attached on location pictures and footage of the International Media Launch of the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan and the new BMW M4 Competition Coupé.

Munich. With yet another new sales record, the BMW M GmbH continued to grow also in the 2020 fiscal year. Despite the effects of the Corona pandemic on the market, it was possible to increase the number of BMW M automobiles sold by 6 percent to 144,218 units. Thanks to this result, the subsidiary company of the BMW Group with the status of an independent company has significantly strengthened its market leadership within the competitive environment first gained in 2019. “The fact that we were able to conclude this exceptionally challenging year with yet a further record is great validation of our consistent growth strategy,” says Markus Flasch, chairman of the board of the BMW M GmbH. “We can be particularly proud of the fact that we were able not only to defend our market dominance as the most successful provider of performance and high-performances automobiles, but also to have even expanded it.”

The further increase in sales figures was due, inter alia, to the successful market launch of the models BMW X5 M (combined fuel consumption: 13.1 – 12.6 l/100 km according to WLTP, 13.0 – 12.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 298 – 287 g/km according to WLTP, 296 – 287 g/km according to NEDC) and BMW X6 M (combined fuel consumption: 13.4 – 13.1 l/100 km according to WLTP, 13.1 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 305 – 300 g/km according to WLTP, 301 g/km according to NEDC). With V8 power units delivering up to 460 kW/625 hp, BMW M automobiles from the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupe segment offer a particularly characteristic high-performance experience. Likewise, the special edition model BMW M2 CS (combined fuel consumption: 10.1 – 9.2 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.4 – 9.4 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 229 – 210 g/km according to WLTP, 238 – 214 g/km according to NEDC), which serves as the basis for a new competition vehicle from BMW Motorsport, has also received a positive response. In the high-performance model sector alone, it was possible to increase the number of worldwide deliveries by 4 percent vs. the year 2019.

Moreover, it was predominantly the performance automobiles developed for the new BMW 3 Series and the new BMW 4 Series that helped boost the sales of the BMW M GmbH so decisively. With powerful straight six-cylinder petrol and diesel power plants, specific suspension tuning and stand-alone design features, the top-of-the-range offer for the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the BMW 3 Series Touring and the BMW 4 Series Coupe also guarantees that characteristic M experience in the premium mid-range segment, coupled with unrestricted suitability for everyday use and long distances.

Growing demand in all relevant markets.

Technology transferred from motor racing, precisely coordinated features in the areas of drive systems, suspension, aerodynamics, interior design and operation as well as the resulting authentic character of BMW M automobiles, create a fascination, which continued in 2020 to captivate an increasing number of performance-oriented customers throughout the world. For example, in the USA, the most important market for BMW M automobiles, as well as in China, new records were achieved. In both Russia and Korea, it was possible to increase sales by more than 60 percent, and in Italy by 47 percent. And in the UK, too, the number of vehicles delivered exceeded our expectations. “We notice a steadily growing demand in all relevant markets for BMW M automobiles,” explains Thomas Felbermair, head of Sales and Marketing at BMW M GmbH. “Because of this and thanks to the engagement of our strong dealer network, we have been outstandingly successful in coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

Ready to go: BMW M5 CS, BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe.

Looking towards the future, the initial focus shifts to the world premiere of the BMW M5 CS, which will take place in January 2021. A special edition of the BMW M5 will then be available for the first time – with outstanding performance and exclusive motorsport characteristics. Following that, the main focus will be on the market launch of the new BMW M3 Sedan starting in March 2021 (combined fuel consumption: 10.6 – 10.3 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 241 – 236 g/km according to WLTP, 248 g/km according to NEDC) and the new BMW M4 Coupe (combined fuel consumption: 10.5 – 10.3 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 240 –  235 g/km according to WLTP, 248 g/km according to NEDC). The two high-performance automobiles represent the essence of that unmistakable M feeling. Immediately after their world premiere, the new model generation aroused keen interest around the globe.

In future, the wishes of the M Community will be fulfilled by extraordinary diversity: Each variant with classic manual shift will be complemented by a Competition model featuring an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Moreover, in the summer of 2021, the four-wheel drive system M xDrive will be added for the first time to the drive portfolio for the BMW M3 and the BMW M4. And the BMW M4 Convertible will also be launched in time for the warm season. On the other hand, the first BMW M3 Touring is still undergoing the series development process.

A glance into the future: continued growth, new M feeling through electrification, and an anniversary. 

“It is remarkable that it was possible to achieve the new sales record even before the launch of our most important models,” says Markus Flasch. “The new BMW M3 and BMW M4 generation offers us the promise of dynamic growth in 2021 as well.” Moreover, he now also looks forward to presenting a completely new manifestation of the distinctive M feeling. Electrification will provide the basis for this. During the year 2021, the BMW M GmbH will be presenting an electrically powered performance automobile for the first time.

With this setting of agenda with which the “Power of Choice” strategy has been realised within the model range of the BMW M GmbH, and an exceptionally strong product range, the company is heading full of optimism for the forthcoming anniversary year. 2022 will be the year in which the BMW M GmbH celebrates 50 years of its existence. Markus Flasch has already announced “a year full of surprises”: “If I mention the keyword special edition models, it should be clear what our customers can look forward to during the anniversary year.”

Munich. Four wins: BMW M is sending the successful BMW M4 GT4 motorsport model into its fourth racing season with four exclusive new designs and is offering the four spectacular winning designs from an internal design competition in a limited edition to interested customer teams, BMW M fans and car enthusiasts. Since 2018, the BMW M4 GT4 has been taking part successfully in numerous racing series around the world. In addition to the car’s performance, BMW customer teams also appreciate its rational features in areas important to this segment such as mileage, cost efficiency and ease of maintenance. The BMW M4 GT4 can be used in sprint formats as well as with an endurance package in long-distance races. "Powersticks" make it easy to adjust the power levels to those that are relevant in terms of Balance of Performance. The price of the BMW M4 GT4 with one of the four exclusive designs is 174,000 Euros net in Germany. The limited edition will be distributed by BMW M Motorsport dealers and the BMW M GmbH customer sport sales department.

30 designers took part in the worldwide creative competition organised by the BMW Group and the BMW Group company Designworks. The four-member jury consisting of Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design, Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design, Markus Flasch, CEO BMW M GmbH, and Jens Marquardt, the BMW Group Motorsport Director at the time, selected four spectacular designs. "The quality of all the designs we received was impressive and shows just how creative and passionate our designers are about motorsport. All four selected designs emphasise the highly dynamic character of the BMW M4 GT4. The jury was particularly impressed by the perfect interplay of the topics of BMW Motorsport history, classic BMW M icons and how the number four was interpreted.

The designs of Julia Quentin of BMW Motorrad from Munich (GER), Simon Haynes of Rolls-Royce Design from Goodwood (GBR), Wesselka Mandowa-Maier of Designworks from Los Angeles (USA) and Li Tianyuan of BMW i Design from Munich (GER) were awarded by the jury. The designs were applied to the BMW M4 GT4 using high quality foil. The winning designs from four different design departments and three different countries reflect the level of interest and great appreciation for motorsport within the entire BMW Group.

The four winning designs:

Fractal Duality
Julia Quentin, BMW Motorrad Design, Munich
In her design, as the colour and material designer of BMW Motorrad, she focuses primarily on large geometric shapes and a prominent inclusion of the number "04": "My work combines two of my greatest passions, namely motorcycling and designing motorbikes. In my designs I always consider how graphics and patterns can emphasise the sculptural geometry of an object. Adding details and colours can completely change and emotionalise a design. I love to create disruptive designs that convey a strong visual message. That's why I designed a geometric pattern for the BMW M4 GT4 with cleanly cut squares and large typography. The eye must first understand the pattern before it sees the shape of the vehicle at second glance"

Vivid Momentum
Simon Haynes, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Design, Goodwood
The designer from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ coachbuilding division has revived and reinterpreted a legendary paint scheme for BMW racing cars from the 1970s and reinterpreted it as “Vivid Momentum”: "This task was very different from what I do in my normal job, but I was able to bring my passion for motorsport to bear. My design is a tribute to one of BMW's most striking racing designs, which stood out from the other designs of its time. The concentric rings play with the original disc motif and radiate from the front wheel to the rear. In addition, the vehicle has a semitone structure that changes from a solid black to an intense metallic red from front to back. This highlights the sense of speed and gives the vehicle a forward facing attitude"

The Power of Four
Wesselka Mandowa-Maier, Designworks, Los AngelesThe Bulgarian-born designer, who after ten years in the service of MINI Design has been working in the Designworks Studio in California since 2019, was inspired by the classic BMW M colours light blue, dark blue and red, which stand for power and dynamics: "I have named my design 'The Power of Four'. I was inspired by the numbers in the name of the BMW M4 GT4, which also stands for the unimaginable power the engine puts on the race track. And only connected to the track by the four wheels. To support this idea in the design, all four views of the vehicle are abstractly divided by four. The classic BMW M colours are vibrant and powerful and give the vehicle additional energy."

Fluid Power
Li Tianyuan, BMW i Design, Munich
The exterior designer from BMW i relied on influences from his home country for his design:  "My main inspiration was calligraphy and Chinese painting with the contrast of black and white and the perfect balance between elegance and power. The design of the vehicle is asymmetrical. Two goldfish, which in China stand for perfection and happiness, but also symbolise powerful movement with their caudal fins, swim in a circle around the driver from above and place him in the centre. In addition to the Arabic numeral 4, this number is also applied to the bodywork as a traditional Chinese calligraphy mark. This stands for the tolerance and openness of a great brand like BMW towards the entire world’s culture and at the same time gives the M4 GT4 a very special, timeless and unforgettable appearance."

Richmond Hill, ON. Today, BMW is proud to unveil the brand new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe. Thirty-five years after the launch of the very first M – the legendary E30 M3 – and 33 years after its arrival on North American shores, the sixth generation of M3 and second generation M4 deliver uncompromised street and track capabilities for which the model line has become well-known.

Powered by the latest version of the 3.0-litre, inline six-cylinder, BMW TwinPower Turbo S58 motors producing up to 503 hp, the new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe also offer the choice of a traditional six-speed manual transmission, something that is rare in the cars’ segment.

MSRP pricing is $84,300 for the M3 Sedan, $88,300 for the M3 Competition Sedan, $85,100 for the M4 Coupe and $89,100 for the M4 Competition Coupe.

Four models will be offered at the global market launch next March: the rear-wheel drive, manual-transmission M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe, and the rear-wheel drive, automatic transmission M3 Competition Sedan and M4 Competition Coupe. Summer 2021 will see the addition of M xDrive for the Competition models, further enhancing their traction capabilities.

The BMW M S58 inline 6-cylinder engines

Through constant development work, BMW M GmbH has boosted power in the new M3 and M4 by 48 hp over the previous models and by 59 hp and 73 lb-ft of torque in the new Competition models over previous Competition package-equipped cars.

The new S58 powerplant delivers 473 hp at 6,250 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque between 2,650 and 6,130 rpm. This allows the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 250 km/h or 290 km/h when the M Driver’s Package is selected. The Competition models’ S58 engine is further tuned to produce 503 hp at 6,250 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque between 2,750 and 5,500 rpm; to reduce 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time to 3.9 seconds; and to see similar top speeds of 250 km/h or 290 km/h. Both core and Competition models rev to a redline of 7,200 rpm.

The rigid closed-deck engine block features wire-arc sprayed cylinder liners to reduce both friction and weight. A forged, lightweight crankshaft reduces rotating mass to improve high rpm characteristics. The cylinder head features a 3D-printed core which allows for optimized coolant passage routing and weight reduction.

Forced induction is provided by two, mono-scroll turbochargers with electronically controlled wastegates and efficient air-to-water intercooling. The quick response of the wastegates allows for quicker turbocharger response and for more efficient function of the catalytic converters which are positioned close to the engine.

The High-Precision Injection system operates at over 5,000 psi, ensuring precise and very fine fuel atomization for not only more efficient power production, but also improved emissions. BMW VALVETRONIC variable-valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing do their part in the high-revving engine’s smooth and efficient power delivery.

Cooling system designed for track use

The new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 include water and oil cooling systems designed to stand up to the high temperatures of track use. Large front intakes ensure that there is a sufficient flow of air to the low-temperature and high-temperature radiators in the upper part of the grille opening. The lower area air flow is used to support the engine oil cooler, and in Competition models, a separate transmission oil cooler.

The low temperature cooling circuit features an electric cooling pump which supplies flow for the intercooler. The high temperature circuit supplies coolant to the engine and turbochargers through a mechanical coolant pump, main radiator and two supporting radiators in the front wheel wells. An additional electric cooling pump allows for turbocharging cooling to continue even after the engine has been switched off.

Decades of BMW M GmbH’s racing experience shows in the oil system where the oil sump features two chambers and a map-controlled oil pump. When extra, controlled lubrication is needed, such as during high longitudinal or lateral loads, oil is pulled from the smaller sump chamber to ensure proper supply.

Model-specific electrically controlled exhaust

The dual-branch exhaust system on the new M3 and M4 has been tuned for performance and sound. Drivers will immediately recognize the pair of black chrome twin exhaust tips on both the core and Competition models.

Electrically controlled flaps provide comfortable sound levels by reducing intrusive sound frequencies. Selecting SPORT or SPORT+ modes turns up the intensity of the exhaust sound to match the increased dynamic feeling of the vehicle. An M Sound button allows the driver to reduce engine note when desired and works in any drive mode.

6-Speed Manual and 8-Speed M Steptronic transmissions

In a segment increasingly devoid of delivering on the classic driving experience, the new BMW M3 and M4 core models are delivered with rear-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission. The short and precise gear shifts do their part to increase the connection between driver and car. A Gear Shift Assistant improves directional stability during dynamic driving by matching engine revs during downshifts. This system can be turned off via the iDrive menu by more experienced drivers. A bonus of the manual transmission is the 50 pound weight reduction over the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and improved front-to-rear weight distribution.

The greatly increased torque of the M3 and M4 Competition models mean that these models are equipped with a standard M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic. Both automatic and manual modes are offered and can be controlled by the Drivelogic switch on the gear shift lever. Three automatic and three manual modes are available – comfort oriented, sporty and track focused. Each mode features quicker and more intense shifting to match the focus of the driver. Downshifts in automatic mode also feature engine rev-matching. A helpful feature for maximum acceleration in manual mode is the ability to downshift to the lowest gear possible by pulling the left steering wheel mounted-shift lever while simultaneously pressing down on the throttle.

M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive for Competition models

Summer of 2021 will see the arrival of optional M xDrive for Competition models, a first for the M3 and M4. The additional traction will enable the 479 lb.-ft. of torque to be used to a greater extent during acceleration and dynamic driving.

The rear-biased system will distribute torque between the front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. An Active M differential takes care of torque distribution at the rear axle. Torque will be directed to the rear wheels during normal driving, providing the classic rear-wheel drive experience. Only when additional traction is required will torque be sent to the front axle.

Both the M xDrive and Active M differential are connected directly to the Dynamic Stability Control System ensuring quicker responses in improving agility and controlling both understeer and oversteer without having to involve the vehicle’s central control computer.

The M xDrive system will offer the driver a choice of three modes: 4WD – the default setting with rear-wheel biased torque distribution focused on traction and precisely controlled handling. 4WD Sport – directs greater percentage of torque to the rear during dynamic driving and is designed to work particularly well on track environments and with the optional track-focused tires. 2WD – requires DCS to be turned off and affords experienced drivers a pure rear-wheel drive experience without any system intervention.

Chassis and suspension

The longer wheelbase and wider track of previous M3 and M4 vehicles has been further improved upon. Both models benefit from body and chassis enhancements over their non-M relatives and from countless hours of intensive testing at BMW Group’s Miramas testing facility in the South of France, at the winter testing centre in Arjeplog, Sweden, and from Nurburgring’s Nordschleife.

The standard Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers offers precise control with comfort and agility. The M integrated braking system offers two driver-selected settings for brake pedal feel. The M Traction Control system, part of the optional M Drive Professional, introduces a new integrated wheel slip limitation function of the Dynamic Stability Control system which can be adjusted through 10 stages based on the driver’s preferences and needs.

An extensive package of bracing enhances vehicle rigidity and agility. At the front of the new M3 and M4, bracing connects the two shock towers together, the shock towers with the firewall and with the front end of the vehicle. Vertical bracing connects the engine compartment to the front M aluminum subframe which is also tied to the sills via integrated bracing. The centre and rear chassis areas also see added stiffening using crossbar bracing and bracing connecting the rear subframe with the trunk area.

The M-specific double-joint spring strut front suspension includes newly-developed aluminum wishbones with ball joints, an aluminum torque arm with newly developed mounts, a forged swivel bearing with a unique spring strut clamp and lightweight wheel bearings with very a high camber range. Large castor and kingpin angles as well as a lowered roll centre enable the combination of agility and comfort for everyday driving and long journeys. The five-link rear suspension features hubs and wishbone control arms which have been newly developed to ensure precise handling for the most demanding driver.

The front track has been increased by 1.5-inches over the previous models which helps to improve traction and directional stability of the new M3 and M4.

M Servotronic steering

The standard M Servotronic steering combines speed-sensitive assistance with a variable steering ratio allowing this M-tuned system to deliver precise handling and easer maneuvering at low speeds. The variable ratio adjusts to changes in steering angle and helps deliver superb straight-line composure and sharp turn-in response with excellent directional accuracy.  When the wheels are already sharply turned, the steering rack teeth are positioned more closely together, so smaller steering wheel inputs are required. As a result, the car feels nimble on winding roads and can be maneuvered into and out of parking spaces with far less steering effort. The M Setup menu gives access to two steering settings – COMFORT for an easy steering feel with precise feedback and SPORT which increases both the feedback felt through the steering wheel and the amount of steering effort required.   

Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers

The electronically controlled shock absorbers of the standard Adaptive M suspension utilize electromagnetically controlled valves which react in milliseconds to generate an infinitely variable damping force for each individual wheel.

The damper characteristics can be adjusted via the M Setup menu. The driver can select from three modes - COMFORT which focuses on everyday driving journeys and long trips by smoothing out road imperfections. SPORT which has been tuned for fast road conditions such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And SPORT PLUS which optimizes damper control for maximum dampening on closed tracks.

M Integrated brakes

The standard M Compound brakes have been newly developed for the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 and feature front six-piston fixed-caliper brakes with 380 mm discs and rear single-piston floating-calipers with 370 mm disks. The calipers are painted in blue metallic but may be ordered in black or red; all with the M logo.

The optional M Carbon ceramic brakes deliver even stronger braking power with greater fade resistance, enhanced thermal stability and extremely high resistance to wear. Their gold painted calipers are complemented by front 400 mm discs and rear 380 mm disks.

A shared feature of both brake variants is the integrated braking system. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, the brake actuation, braking force assistance and braking control functions are brought together within a compact module. The brake pressure required is produced by an electric actuator. As a result, brake pressure is generated more dynamically and ensures significantly quicker and more precise inputs from the driving stability control system. The integrated braking system allows vehicle deceleration to be adjusted more precisely to the driver’s requirements. And feedback from the brake pedal is unimpaired by wet road surfaces, significant lateral acceleration or high brake temperatures, giving the driver superb brake feel in all situations.

The M-specific version of the integrated braking system presents the driver with two pedal feel settings, COMFORT and SPORT. Both modes alter the amount of pressure on the brake pedal required to slow the car. The driver can therefore choose between more comfort-oriented and particularly direct, instantaneous response when braking. Their preferred mode is selected via the M Setup menu. 

M light alloy wheels and performance tires

The new BMW M3 and M4 are equipped with newly designed forged M light-alloy wheels, 19-inches in front and 20-inches in rear. Non-runflat performance tires sized 275/35ZR19 front and 285/30ZR20 rear complete the standard package. Polished rim edges accentuate the size of the light-alloy wheels. Competition models feature a different standard wheel design, however these wheels can also be equipped on core models. A total of two wheel designs and four finishes can be optioned on both core and Competition models.

Available as an option on both models are 19-inch front and 20-inch rear light-alloy wheels with Michelin Cup 2 tires designed specifically for track use.   

DSC with M Dynamic Mode and ten-stage traction control.

The DSC functions in the new BMW M3 and M4 work in tandem with the integrated braking system. Along with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), whose M-specific set-up helps to maximize precision, the integrated braking system also assists the stability control function in reducing oversteer or understeer. A full suite of supporting systems including Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), Brake Assist, Dry Braking and Start-Off Assistant functions bring additional benefits to both performance and more casual driving situations.

The newly-designed control systems allow for more precise stabilizing adjustments to the engine’s output. The integrated wheel slip limitation function brings about noticeably more sensitive acceleration control on wet, snow-covered or icy surfaces or on roads with varied levels of traction. The slip control function has been relocated from the DSC control unit to the engine management system. It therefore acts on the engine’s output up to 10 times quicker than before. This proactively avoids power-limiting inputs in response to excessively high revs. The car can therefore accelerate with more torque control on rough surfaces, for example.

The driver can also activate M Dynamic Mode in the new BMW M3 and M4 by using a button on the centre console. This mode allows a greater degree of wheel slip, enabling a very dynamic driving while still preserving the functions of DCS if needed.

Selecting the optional M Drive Professional brings the new M Traction Control function. Making its debut in the new BMW M3 and M4, this new traction control allows the driver to set the intervention thresholds for wheel slip. The iDrive menu for this system displays ten stages of defined permitted wheel slip. The new traction control option gives the driver the ability to select the ideal balance of racing-car performance and directional stability for the situation, the road conditions and their personal preferences. This allows them to approach the limits on the track by reducing the extent of control system inputs in stages.

Exterior Design

The new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 are the most aggressive and focused M3 and M4 models to date. The M-specific design features differentiate the two new cars from their non-M versions more than ever. “The design is resoundingly function-driven, pure and reduced without compromise,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “At the same time, it provides an emotionally engaging window into the vehicle character.”

Exclusive exterior paint colours, forged M light-alloy wheels, a carbon fibre roof and the optional M Carbon exterior package emphasise both form and function of the new BMW M3 and M4.

Dimensionally, the new M3 Sedan is 117 mm (4.6-inches) longer, 10 mm (0.4-inches) wider, 9 mm (0.4-inches) higher and with a 45 mm (1.8-inch) longer wheelbase than the previous generation car. The new M4 Coupe is 117 mm (4.6-inches) longer, 17 mm (0.7-inches) wider, 10 mm (0.4-inches) higher and with a 45 mm (1.8-inch) longer wheelbase than the M4 that it replaces.

The front end of the new M3 displays the most aggressive differentiation from its non-M sibling. Like the new M4, the front end is highlighted by the large and deep frameless BMW kidney grille designed to feed the massive amounts of air needed for fulfilling the cooling requirements under the most rigorous conditions. Cooling for the engine and brakes is provided by large additional intakes on either side of the kidney grille. These two-section apertures feature brake air ducts on the inside and air supply for the remote coolant radiators to the outside. At the outer edges of the front bumper, the vertical intakes for the Air Curtains with integrated, aerodynamically effective “flics” accentuate the width of the car. 

The lines of the front bumper and hood converge on the BMW kidney grille, as do the contours of the slim headlights. Standard on the new BMW M3 and M4 are full-LED headlights with U-shaped fibre-optic light guides for the daytime driving lights. Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight are available as an option. These can be identified by the blue inlays at the upper edge of the headlight units and come with the cornering light and adaptive cornering functions. Individual Shadowline Headlights, with darkened inlays adorning their upper edges, are also available as an option.

The most striking design feature alongside the prominently flared fenders of the new M3 and M4 are the extended side sills. Together with the aerodynamic components of the front and rear bumpers, which also jut out significantly, they form a High-gloss Black band around the whole of the car. This racing car-inspired design element, also adopted on the first-generation BMW M3, increases downforce in the underbody area and helps to optimize aerodynamic balance of the new cars.

The front fenders and rear wheel arches of both models have a flared M-specific design which creates room for the wider tracks and wheels that help to give the cars their cornering ability. The M gills familiar from past and present cars are integrated neatly into the distinctive surfacing of the front side fenders. The M-specific exterior mirrors have been aerodynamically optimized and are painted in High-gloss Black.

The roof of both the new BMW M3 and M4 is made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). This extremely lightweight material lowers the cars’ centre of gravity, enhancing their agility. Two fins running longitudinally over the CFRP roof optimize airflow, as does the rear spoiler, which is painted in High-gloss Black. The rear diffuser is finished in black and frames the familiar exhaust system’s twin pairs of 100 mm exhaust tips. The slim, darkened rear light clusters with L-shaped LED taillights extend into the fenders, further accentuating the width of the two new models.  

M Carbon exterior package

An optional M Carbon exterior package is available for the new M3 and M4. The weight-minimized components included in the package provide a striking visual appearance for the racing-car character of the two models. The M Carbon exterior package is composed of inlays for the front air intakes, a rear diffuser, exterior mirror caps and a rear spoiler made from CFRP. 

Interior Design

The latest interior design of the new BMW 3 Series and 4 Series is the foundation of the new M cars’ interiors. Added signature M details include red accents for the M buttons on the M leather steering wheel and the start/stop button on the centre console. The gear selector lever with Drivelogic switch in the Competition models is leather covered with an embedded M logo and stitching in M GmbH colours. It also features an eye-catching cut-out, which is accentuated by integrated “waterfall” lighting. 

The standard anthracite-coloured headliner and interior High-gloss black trim enhance the sports-car aura. Cars with the optional Carbon Fibre interior trim also feature carbon inlays in the M leather steering wheel, and for the Competition models, carbon shift paddles with a unique design.

The new BMW M3 and M4 feature newly developed heated M sport seats and fine-grain Merino leather trim with extended features. The M sport seats have pronounced side bolsters, integrated head restraints and an illuminated model badge. M-specific perforation, which enhances the effect of the optional seat ventilation (available for the first time on the M3 and M4), and a contrasting colour for the centre section (depending on the variant chosen) raise the sense of sporting exclusivity another notch or two. 

A new optional interior highlight are the electric front M Carbon bucket seats. Making their debut on the M3 and M4, they combine racing functionality with lightweight design and comfort over long distances. The newly-developed seats have integral head restraints and an illuminated model badge. The use of CFRP in the structure of the seat surface and backrest, and cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints save 21 pounds over the standard M sport seats.

In track outings, when the driver and front passenger (if applicable) are wearing a helmet, the head restraints of the M Carbon bucket seats can be dismantled. Their racing-car-inspired structure also enables the use of optional multi-point seat belts. The high Alcantara side bolsters help keep the occupants firmly in place during high G-forces. The seat position can be set even lower than the standard M sport seats.

Controls and Displays

The new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 feature standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display and a 12.25-inch digital, high-resolution touch screen centre display. The latest iDrive 7 operating system includes Navigation with new cloud-based BMW Maps, wireless connectivity for your mobile devices including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and M-specific displays for the instrument cluster and optional Head-Up display.

iDrive 7 allows the driver and passengers to interact with their new M3 or M4 through voice control, touch screen or via the touch iDrive controller. Control buttons for M Mode, Setup and M Sound are placed within easy reach to the left of the rotary controller.

The cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps calculates routes and arrival times with greater speed and accuracy, updates real-time traffic data at short intervals and lets drivers enter any word when searching for a destination.

M-specific controls used to configure the powertrain and chassis to personal tastes and requirements have played an important part in enhancing the close relationship between a driver and their BMW M car. The new M3 and M4 offer even more ways to adjust the cars’ setup precisely to the situation at hand and the driver’s personal preferences.

Setup Button

The new Setup button on the centre console provides direct access to the options for the seven powertrain and chassis settings. Pressing the button calls up the Setup menu in the Control Display, which lists the currently selected vehicle settings. The driver can now use touch control or the iDrive Controller to activate the desired mode for the engine response, damper settings, steering characteristics and brakes.

EFFICIENT, SPORT and SPORT PLUS settings can be engaged to modify the engine’s characteristics, while selecting the COMFORT, SPORT or SPORT PLUS chassis mode provides access to the three settings for the electronically controlled dampers. The driver can choose between COMFORT and SPORT modes for the M-specific Electric Power Steering and the new braking system. The Gear Shift Assistant can be deactivated via the Setup menu and M Traction Control, a feature of the optional M Drive Professional, offers ten-stage adjustment of wheel slip control. In the all-wheel-drive Competition models, the driver can also choose from the 4WD, 4WD SPORT and 2WD settings for the M xDrive system, the latter delivering pure rear-wheel drive.

The M mode button

The M mode button, found on the centre console of the new M3 and M4, can be used to adjust the responses and characteristics of the driver assistance systems and the displays in the instrument cluster and optional Head-Up Display to deliver a driving experience suited to the situation at hand. The driver can choose from ROAD and SPORT settings, with TRACK mode additionally available when M Drive Professional is specified. 

In the ROAD setting, all the standard and optional driver assistance systems are fully activated. Pressing the M Mode button engages the SPORT setting, in which the driver assistance systems activated through the driver’s chosen configuration limit themselves to warnings of speed limits and overtaking restrictions, for example. All interventions in the braking and steering systems are suspended in this mode, except for inputs from the Frontal Collision Warning with braking function and the Evasion Assistant. 

In SPORT mode the instrument cluster and optional Head-Up Display switch to M View, which only presents information relevant to sporty driving. The information shown includes an M-specific tachometer and Shift Lights, plus a digital speed read-out and gear indicator.  A range of data including coolant temperature, charge pressure, tire temperature and pressure and lateral and longitudinal acceleration can be displayed in the right- and left-hand areas of the instrument cluster.

In cars with M Drive Professional, drivers can select TRACK mode. Developed exclusively for race circuits, this mode is activated with an extended press of the M Mode button. The driver must then confirm their choice using the iDrive Controller. This setting fully deactivates all the comfort and safety functions of the driver assistance systems. The Control Display is switched off to focus the driver’s attention completely on the track. The instrument cluster and optional Head-Up Display switch to M View mode, with road sign detection and distance information also remaining hidden in the TRACK setting.

New M Drive Professional

Making its debut is new optional M Drive Professional, which has been developed specifically for track driving. This new option helps the driver to make consistent progress in pursuit of the ideal line and the perfect lap. Features include the M Drift Analyzer which records the duration, distance covered, line and angle of a drift with a rating shown on the Control Display.

Other functions include the M Laptimer, which provides a comprehensive amount of performance information, shown on both the optional Head-Up display and in the instrument cluster, beyond just recording lap times.  As well as checking their current lap time, the driver can also keep a constant eye on how much quicker or slower they are than their fastest lap of the current session. The Control Display shows the number of laps completed so far, the distance covered and the duration of the driver’s current stint. The driver can also analyze the data recorded during their track outing in detail using the BMW M Laptimer app on their Apple iPhone – and share selected information with the online community. Among the resources available are a bird’s-eye map view of the track, a lap time comparison, data from the car’s sensors such as speed, engine revs and accelerator position, and graphics showing the lateral and longitudinal acceleration values attained.

Advanced Driving Assistant package  

The new M3 and M4 are equipped with extensive and cutting-edge standard driver assistance systems designed to enhance comfort and safety in both day to day driving and during long journeys. Park Distance Control and Automatic High beams are standard as is Active Protection and Driving Assistant.

The optional Advanced Driver Assistance Package for the Competition models includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways, Steering and Lane Control, Lane Change Assistant, Active Lane Keeping Assistant, Front Cross Traffic Warning, Crossroads Warning, Evasion Aid and Emergency Stop Assistant.

The latest generation of the optional BMW Head-Up Display system offers a 70 percent larger projection surface on which M-specific displays such as the multi-colour tachometer, Shift Lights and M View are shown.

The optional Parking Assistant Plus can identify parking spots to the left or right and steer the car into the parking spot. The Surround View with 3D view gives a top down view of the car and its surroundings which can also be accessed remotely by the BMW ConnectedDrive app. The included BMW Drive Recorder, which uses the driver assistance systems’ cameras to record video sequences from outside the car of up to 40 seconds in length and can be exported to outside devices.

Exterior colours

The 2021 M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe each feature two non-metallic colours, eight metallic colours (seven for M4) and five frozen matte colours to choose from.

• Alpine White

• Sao Paolo Yellow (new)

   

• Black Sapphire Metallic
• Brooklyn Grey Metallic (new)
• Isle of Man Green Metallic (new)
• Oxide Grey Metallic (BMW Individual; M3 only)
• Portimao Blue Metallic
• Toronto Red Metallic
• Tanzanite Blue Metallic (BMW Individual)

• Dravit Grey Metallic (BMW Individual)

   

• Frozen Brilliant White (new; BMW Individual)
• Frozen Portimao Blue (new; BMW Individual)
• Frozen Orange (New // BMW Individual // Special Order)
• Frozen Dark Grey (New // BMW Individual // Special Order // M3 only)
• Frozen Deep Grey (New // BMW Individual // Special Order // M4 only)

• Frozen Black (New // BMW Individual // Special Order)

Interior Upholstery and Trim

The 2021 M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe offer a choice of four standard Extended Merino Leather and four optional Full Merino Leather interiors.

• Yas Marina Blue / Black Extended Merino Leather
• Silverstone / Black Extended Merino Leather
• Kyalami Orange / Black Extended Merino Leather

• Black Extended Merino Leather

   

• Yas Marina Blue / Black Full Merino Leather
• Silverstone / Black Full Merino Leather
• Kyalami Orange / Black Full Merino Leather
• Black Full merino Leather

High-Gloss Black interior trim is standard. Aluminum Tetragon Trim, Carbon Fibre Trim, BMW Individual Piano Black Trim, BMW Individual Aluminum Fabric Trim and BMW Individual Fineline Black Wood Trim with Silver Effect, Open-Pored are optional.

                                                                 -30-

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 22 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt, Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                 

Barb Pitblado, Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada  

905-428-5005 / barb.pitblado@bmwgroup.ca

Spielberg. Pure M Power for the winner of the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria: Miguel Oliveira snapped up the coveted special prize from BMW M GmbH. As a first in the long history of the MotoGP, the winner of a Grand Prix was rewarded with an exclusive car for the first time. BMW M is the title sponsor of the event at the Red Bull Ring this weekend and marked the occasion by donating a special prize for the winner of the MotoGP race: a new 2021 model BMW M4 (combined fuel consumption: 10.9 – 10.5 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 249 – 239 g/km*, provisional values).

The new BMW M4 will make its world debut in the autumn, however it could be seen in camouflage at the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria. Together with the racing version, the also brand-new BMW M4 GT3, it took to the Spielberg track.

“Congratulations to Miguel Oliveira,” said Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “A fantastic performance saw him outpace the fierce competition in the MotoGP race at the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria. As a long-standing partner of Dorna and title sponsor of the event, we are delighted to honour Miguel with the new BMW M4 as a reward for his victory. But he will have to wait a little while to drive his BMW M4 – the car is so new that it isn’t actually on the market yet. However, we’re confident that he will have a lot of fun with it – as the first test drive shortly after the race has already proved.”

“Wow, it’s amazing. I’m over the moon to be the first MotoGP rider to receive such a special prize,” said Oliveira. “I’ve got to know the new BMW M4 here at the Red Bull Ring and can’t wait to have my one of my own. I’d like to thank BMW M for this fantastic prize.”

“BMW M has done something new yet again. A fantastic BMW M4 as a reward for the winner of the MotoGP race is undoubtedly something very special,” said Pau Serracanta, Managing Director of Dorna Sports. “This special prize is a wonderful addition to the title sponsorship of the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria. We are proud to have BMW M as such a strong, committed partner over so many years, who consistently bring new ideas to our collaboration. Congratulations to Miguel Oliveira! I hope he really enjoys the new BMW M4.”

The new BMW M8 Gran Coupe MotoGP Safety Car.

There was another first at the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria when BMW M presented the new BMW M8 Gran Coupe MotoGP Safety Car at the Red Bull Ring. It is based on the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe (combined fuel consumption: 10.7 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 244 g/km*). 2020 marks the 22^nd season of BMW M as “Official Car of MotoGP”; high-performance cars from Munich have been ensuring safety in the pinnacle of motorcycle racing since 1999. Now, the BMW M8 Gran Coupe MotoGP Safety Car will spearhead the Safety Car fleet.

“Our aspiration is to make use of all our expertise, our innovative technologies from motorsport and new ideas to ensure safety in the MotoGP,” emphasised Markus Flasch. “The BMW M8 Gran Coupe MotoGP Safety Car is the latest example of this in the now long series of tried and tested safety cars. With its 625 hp performance and many components developed in motorsport, such as the chassis and braking system, it is perfectly equipped for its duties on the racetracks of the world.”

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe MotoGP Safety Car is a four-door sports car. An impressive V8 engine under the bonnet provides the power of 625 hp. The acceleration is also in a class of its own; the new safety car can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. The innovative all-wheel drive technology M xDrive provides excellent driving dynamics in every situation. A perfect fit for racetrack duty, the innovative features also include the new BMW M Track Mode.

And the BMW M8 Gran Coupe MotoGP Safety Car is striking out in new, future-oriented directions when it comes to design as well. The livery is surprisingly asymmetric and has a matt-black part in anti-reflection coating. This enhances the optics of the cockpit and increases driver focus. The deconstructed graphics in typical M colours are also striking. They are a symbolic representation of the digital era of motorsport.

For its role as MotoGP lead car, the new BMW M8 Gran Coupe MotoGP Safety Car has been fitted with a plethora of BMW M Performance parts. These include the carbon engine cover, including enhancement, the door mirror caps, the rear spoiler and the rear diffusor, the carbon grille on the sides and the steering wheel. The carbon front flaps and the front splitter are exclusively handmade. Recaro sport seats provide the perfect support for the driver, even at racing speed. Also vital for service as a safety car is the light bar on the roof, which uses the latest LED technology.

For more information about BMW M GmbH and the involvement as the “Official Car of MotoGP”, see: www.bmw-m.com

Munich. World premiere on the Red Bull Ring: For the first time, the BMW M GmbH presented its two icons designed for the road and the racetrack side by side, the prototypes of the new BMW M4 Coupe (combined fuel consumption: 10.9 – 10.5 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 249 – 239 g/km*, provisional figures) and the new BMW M4 GT3. During the run-up to the MotoGP “BMW M Grand Prix of Styria”, the two vehicles were presented in a camouflage look designed specifically for this purpose, as their final design will not be revealed until a later date.

“I am very pleased we are able to present both the new BMW M4 Coupe and the new BMW M4 GT3 together here. As title sponsor of the ‘BMW M Grand Prix of Styria’ and long-term partner of MotoGP organiser Dorna Sports, I cannot think of a better place to hold this special premiere. The BMW M4 Coupe and its motorsport counterpart BMW M4 GT3 are the icons of the BMW M GmbH and prime examples of the technology transfer from motorsport to series production – and back again. From the outset, both vehicles were developed parallel to each other, so they both have the same genes,” says Markus Flasch, CEO of the BMW M GmbH, who himself completed the first laps on the Red Bull Ring in the BMW M4 Coupe.

Like the new BMW M3 Sedan and all other current high-performance automobiles from the BMW M GmbH, the new BMW M4 Coupe will be available in two performance versions: Apart from a variant with 353 kW/480 hp and
a 6-speed manual transmission, a Competition model with 375 kW/510 hp and an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic will also be on offer in each case.

The core component shared by all BMW M4s is the newly developed straight six-cylinder engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology and a high-revving concept. From the outset, the high-performance-power plant was developed on the basis of performance characteristics taken directly from motorsport. Not only will the BMW M Customer Racing Teams, who will be deploying the BMW M4 GT3 in numerous GT series worldwide, benefit from this. It also raises the standard of driving pleasure for BMW M4 road-legal vehicles to a new level.

For Philipp Eng, the person driving the BMW M4 GT3, the ride around the Austrian circuit was a welcome foretaste of the year ahead: “I can’t wait to take the BMW M4 GT3 onto the starting grid,” says the Austrian who will be participating in the DTM with the ZF BMW M4 DTM. “The BMW M4 GT3 will already take part in its first race next year and will be able to prove how it performs under competitive conditions. I am sure that it has what it takes to continue the long-standing and successful tradition of BMW M vehicles.”

From 2022 and following selected racing events in 2021, the BMW M4 GT3 will finally replace the BMW M6 GT3 as the top-of-the-range model in BMW’s customer sport offering. Since 2016, the BMW M6 GT3 has been part of the BMW M Motorsport vehicle portfolio, already winning the Spa-Franchorchamps 24 hours during its debut year, only to surpass this success with a double victory two years later.

However, before the new BMW M4 Coupe is actually released to the road and the racetrack without special camouflage design, final intensive tests still have to be performed. The official world premiere is planned for September 2020. But one thing is already certain: One of the MotoGP pilots battling for points and placements just a few days after the appearance of the BMW M4 Coupe on the Red Bull Ring, will have the pleasure of driving an icon of the BMW M GmbH. Because the winner of the “BMW M Grand Prix of Styria” being held from 21^st to 23^rd August will be honoured with an exclusive BMW M4 Coupe of the model generation 2021.

* All figures relating to performance, fuel/electric power consumption and CO₂ emissions are provisional.

The fuel consumption and CO₂ emission figures are determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable. The figures refer to a vehicle with basic configuration in Germany. The range shown considers the different sizes of the selected wheels/tyres and the selected items of optional equipment, and may vary during configuration.

The values are based on the new WLTP test cycle and are translated back into NEDC-equivalent values in order to ensure comparability between the vehicles. With respect to these vehicles, for vehicle-related taxes or other duties based (at least inter alia) on CO₂ emissions, the CO₂ values may differ from the values stated here (depending on national legislation).

Correct as at: 01.06.2019

Further information on official fuel consumption figures and specific CO₂ emission values of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: 'Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen' (Guide to the fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free of charge from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.

2019 technical specifications, wheels and tires and pricing. Please note that this information is specific to Canada and all specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

2018 technical specifications, wheels and tires and pricing. Please note that this information is specific to Canada and all specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

• Record extended: Marc Márquez is the fastest qualifier in the MotoGP^TM for the fifth time in a row.
• The 2017 winner’s car: the exclusive BMW M4 CS in San Marino Blue Metallic.
• Winner’s car presented at the MotoGP season finale in Valencia.

Valencia. The record holder continued his winning streak in the BMW M Award: Marc Márquez was the fastest qualifier in the MotoGP^TM once again in 2017, which saw him clinch the coveted award for the fifth time in a row. The Spaniard won the BMW M Award this season with a total of 343 points and a considerable advantage of 86 points over his closest rival Maverick ViñalesThis year, Márquez was rewarded for his qualifying performances with the new BMW M4 CS (combined fuel consumption: 8.4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 197 g/km*). The official award ceremony took place on Saturday as part of the MotoGP finale in Valencia, Spain. This year’s winner’s car was presented to Márquez by Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports, and Frank van Meel, President of BMW M GmbH.

Márquez races from record to record in the BMW M Award. In 2013, he became the first rookie ever to win this prestigious competition. Márquez repeated the success in 2014, and in 2015 became the first rider to win three back-to-back BMW M Awards. His fourth straight win in 2016 made him the sole record holder and this year he continued his historic success streak.

This sees Márquez add a BMW M4 CS in San Marino Blue Metallic to his collection of BMW M Award winner’s cars. The high-performance car is powered by a M TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine, which generates 460 hp and 600 Nm of torque and allows outstanding performance across the full range of engine speeds (combined fuel consumption: 8.4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 197 g/km*). In addition, the car is equipped with a host of other high-performance components including the Active M differential and a particularly athletic designed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. Other highlight features of this year’s winner’s car are the exclusive alloy wheels inspired by motorsport and the innovative OLED rear lights. The athletic appearance of the BMW M4 CS continues inside the car – from the lightweight M sport seats in anthracite-coloured Alcantara leather to the M Alcantara steering wheel and many more exquisite details.

“I know just how much the BMW M Award is coveted among us MotoGP riders and that is why I am particularly proud to have won it for the fifth time in a row,” said Márquez at the award ceremony in Valencia. “BMW M GmbH comes up with something special every year, and I’m really excited to be able to call the BMW M4 CS my own now. Incidentally, after five wins, my motivation is unwavering and my clear goal for next year is to win the BMW M Award for the sixth time!”

“The BMW Award has long been a firm and important part of the MotoGP, and we are delighted to be celebrating a milestone this year, with the 15^th award,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. “The long tradition of the BMW M Award also proves just how close and strong our partnership with BMW M GmbH is. It is fantastic that BMW M GmbH honours the performances of the best qualifier with such exclusive high-performance automobiles, as they did this year with the BMW M4 CS. Marc Márquez’s winning streak in the BMW M Award is quite spectacular – congratulations on another outstanding performance.”

“You can only take your hat off to Marc Márquez: he has been the fastest qualifier in the MotoGP since 2013, making him unbeaten in the BMW M Award. Congratulations on the fifth win in a row,” said Frank van Meel, President of BMW M GmbH. “I’m sure that he will experience sheer driving pleasure with the new BMW M4 CS – just as he did with his four winner’s cars from previous years. We are proud of this little milestone that we are celebrating today: the 15^th presentation of the BMW M Award. It is very important to us to honour the performances of the MotoGP riders over the course of the season, and we are delighted that this award has been so prized by the entire MotoGP family for many years.”

As a long-standing partner of Dorna Sports, this season saw BMW M GmbH present the BMW M Award for the 15^th time. Just like the points system for the races, riders at each Grand Prix weekend are awarded points relative to their positions in qualifying. The rider with the most points at the end of the season wins the BMW M Award in form of an exclusive BMW M car. Marc Márquez is the record holder with five wins in a row. Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner both have three BMW M Awards to their name. Jorge Lorenzo has earned the coveted title of top qualifier twice so far. Sete Gibernau and Nicky Hayden have both won once.

Further information on BMW M GmbH is available online at:

www.bmw-m.com

*Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are provisional, based on the EU test cycle and may vary depending on the tyre format specified.

BMW M GmbH. BMW M GmbH is a 100 per cent subsidiary of BMW AG. With its products and services in the business areas of BMW M Automobiles and BMW M Performance Automobiles, BMW Individual, M Sports Options and Packages, as well as BMW Group Driving Experience, it is geared towards customers with particularly high aspirations in terms of the performance, exclusivity and individual style of their vehicle. Based in Munich, the company was founded in 1972 as BMW Motorsport GmbH. Since then, the letter M has become synonymous all over the world for success in motor racing and for the fascination of high-performance sports cars for road use.

Short version M GmbH is presenting another exclusive limited-run special-edition model in the shape of the new BMW M4 CS (fuel consumption combined: 8.4 l/100 km [33.6 mpg imp]*; CO2 emissions combined: 197 g/km*). The M4 CS fills the gap in the line-up between the M4 Coupe with Competition Package and the uncompromisingly track-focused BMW M4 GTS. With its accentuated sporting presence, the new M4 CS continues the decades-long tradition of successful M special editions which began in 1988 with the E30 BMW M3 Evolution. The new BMW M4 CS will be built at the original BMW plant in Munich.

The M4 CS also sees BMW M GmbH introducing a new nomenclature for its models. Positioned above the standard M models will be the performance-boosted Competition versions. Then come the CS special-edition models, a notch higher still. Positioned on top are the performance-maximising “brand shapers” which display a clear motor sport or club sport character but are also fully road legal.

The 3.0-litre high-performance engine raises the output of the M4 with Competition Package by 10 horsepower, to 460 hp. State-of-the-art M TwinPower Turbo technology allows the M4 CS to dip below the four-second mark for the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint, stopping the clock at 3.9 seconds. The top speed of the M4 CS, which comes as standard with the M Driver’s Package, is electronically limited to 280 km/h (174 mph). With its two mono-scroll turbochargers, charge air cooler, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing, the six-cylinder in-line engine and takes a clear and consistent aim at the higher echelons of performance, but is equally committed to developing significant torque from low engine speeds and achieving high levels of efficiency (fuel consumption combined: 8.4 l/100 km [33.6 mpg imp]*; CO2 emissions combined: 197 g/km*).

The new BMW M4 CS is equipped as standard with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic. This cutting-edge transmission has a separate oil cooler and enables both automated gear changes and manual interventions using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. It changes gears in fractions of a second with no interruption in the flow of power, but employs a long seventh gear to keep revs low and minimise fuel consumption over longer motorway journeys.

The suspension of the new BMW M4 CS largely mirrors that of the M4 with Competition Package. The links and wheel carriers at both the front and rear axles are made from forged aluminium and are therefore extremely light. That keeps the unsprung masses low and benefits driving dynamics. The M4 CS is fitted as standard with Adaptive M suspension whose geometry has been tuned to deliver optimised performance on both the road and track. The new BMW M4 CS has also been honed on the most demanding test track of them all for high-performance sports cars: the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. Its ’Ring lap time of 7 min. 38 sec. puts the CS in super-sports car territory.

Ensuring the best possible grip in all driving conditions are the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system – which includes M Dynamic Mode – and the Active M Differential. The control systems for the Adaptive M suspension, DSC and Active M Differential have been modified to suit the dynamic requirements of the BMW M4 CS, as has the set-up of the electromechanical steering. The driver has the option of adjusting the steering and suspension settings to their personal preferences or the demands of the route at hand. To this end, they can select one of three driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+) at the touch of a button. While Comfort mode is particularly well suited to poor road conditions, city driving and short journeys, Sport will be the mode of choice for keen drivers looking to push on over twisty country roads. And for those heading to the track with their BMW M4 CS, Sport+ mode will pave the way for the fastest lap times. Sport+ fettles all the relevant systems to deliver the best possible dynamics. Should the driver get a little too excited, DSC will intervene in an instant. However, in M Dynamic Mode (MDM) it will also allow controlled drifts.

Also very much at home on the race track are the light-alloy wheels (front: 9 J x 19, rear: 10 J x 20) designed exclusively for the M4 CS and fitted as standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (front: 265/35 R 19, rear: 285/30 R 20). These semi-slick cup tyres, which are also road-legal, provide unbeatable grip and supreme lateral stability at high track speeds, as well as optimum traction out of hairpins. The M4 CS can also be ordered with Michelin Sport road tyres at no extra cost.

The interior of the new BMW M4 CS sets out squarely to create a sporting ambience. Lightweight M sports seats trimmed in leather/Alcantara get the ball rolling and the dynamic flavour extends all the way to the door panel trim made from compacted natural fibres and featuring pull loops. The bonnet – with its characteristic air outlet rearwards of the powerdome – and roof are made from the lightweight, extremely rigid and high-tech material carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

The generous use of leather and Alcantara allows the M4 CS to create a compelling and well-resolved ambience brimming with sporting intent and undeniable class. No M4 CS driver will need to compromise on the nicer things in life. Indeed, among the standard features on board are automatic climate control, a version of the BMW HiFi system Professional adapted to the signature acoustic demands of the M4 CS and the Navigation system Professional.

True to form, the BMW M GmbH designers have given the new M4 CS looks that reflect the car’s sporting intent. The signature feature of its prominent front end, complete with cutting-edge twin LED headlights, is the front apron with large, three-section air intakes. These serve up feed an ample supply of cooling air to both the high-performance engine and the fade-resistant M compound brakes with four-piston callipers at the front and two-piston callipers at the rear. The new model-specific front splitter was made from exposed carbon fibre exclusively for the M4 CS special edition. In the interests of aerodynamic efficiency, it teams up with the rear diffuser carried over for the BMW M4 GTS and the likewise newly designed, exposed carbon-fibre Gurney spoiler lip on the boot lid to minimise dynamic lift. Innovative rear lights with OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology introduced by BMW M GmbH exclusively for the M4 CS and M4 GTS break new ground, while the front splitter, Gurney and rear diffuser, together with the long CFRP bonnet, flowing, coupe-like roofline, elegantly sporty M exterior mirrors and muscular wheel arches, allow the new BMW M4 CS to cut an extremely dynamic figure, even when it’s standing still. The BMW M4 CS will be priced at EUR 116,900.

* Fuel consumption and CO2 figures were calculated based on the EU test cycle and may vary depending on the tyre format.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html.

• BMW M Division will present the coveted BMW M Award for the 15^th time at the end of the season.
• The 2017 prize car: the exclusive BMW M4 CS (combined consumption: 8.4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 197 g/km) in San Marino Blue Metallic.
• Car unveiled at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera.

Jerez de la Frontera. BMW M Division once again presented a real highlight - the prize car for the BMW M Award in 2017: the new BMW M4 CS. The special edition is available as of July 2017 and is set to bring motorsport to the streets, in the proverbial sense. As such, the new BMW M4 CS is the perfect prize car for the fastest qualifier in MotoGP. The BMW M Award is celebrating reaching a minor milestone this season: BMW M Division will present the coveted prize as the long-term partner of MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports for the 15^th time.

Since 2003, the MotoGP rider with the best qualifying results has been recognised at the end of a season with an exclusive and customised BMW M automobile. The car for the 2017 winner, the new BMW M4 CS in San Marino Blue Metallic, was unveiled today at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera.

“The presentation of the prize car for the BMW M Award in Jerez de la Frontera is a MotoGP tradition,” said Pau Serracanta, Managing Director of the Commercial Department at Dorna Sports, at the unveiling. “It is fascinating to see how BMW M Division manages to outdo itself every year. The new BMW M4 CS follows on seamlessly from the fantastic prize cars we have been treated to in previous years. It is a prime example of the technological expertise and innovative spirit, for which we have valued BMW M as a partner for almost two decades.”

“We are proud to be celebrating a milestone this year with the BMW M Award. The fact that we are presenting the prize for the 15th time goes to show status this award enjoys within the MotoGP family,” said Axel Mittler, Head of Cooperation MotoGP at BMW M Division. “We are delighted to be able to present the latest highlight in our product range as this year’s prize car, in the form of the BMW M4 CS. The BMW M4 CS is an exclusive, limited special edition with a clear focus on dynamics and sportiness. We are confident that it will delight the winner of the BMW M Award. We have our fingers crossed for all the MotoGP riders and look forward to seeing who receives the new BMW M4 CS at the end of the season.”

The new BMW M4 CS combines unique motorsport genes with road capability and is the embodiment of pure dynamics. Its powerful M TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine, which generates 460 hp and 600 Nm of torque, allows outstanding performance across the full range of engine speeds (combined consumption: 8.4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 197 g/km). A host of other high-performance components contribute to the excellent driving dynamics of the new BMW M4 CS, including the Active M differential, an M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic and a particularly athletic design for extremely quick changes between the seven gears without losing any time, and Cup tyres.

The consistent use of lightweight materials, both outside and inside, reduces the weight of the car and optimises the throttle response and agility. The exclusive alloy wheels on the BMW M4 CS are inspired by motorsport, while the innovative OLED rear lights are a new design feature. The athletic appearance of the BMW M4 CS continues inside the car – from the lightweight M sport seats in anthracite-coloured Alcantara leather to the M Alcantara steering wheel and many more exquisite details.

The BMW M Award forms a part of BMW M’s long-term commitment as “Official Car of MotoGP”. Just like the points system for the races, riders at each Grand Prix weekend are awarded points relative to their positions in qualifying. The rider with the most points at the end of the season wins the BMW M Award. Marc Márquez is the record holder after winning the BMW M Award four times in a row. After the four qualifying sessions held so far in the current 2017 season, the Spaniard is in the lead again. Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner both have three BMW M Awards to their name. Jorge Lorenzo has earned the coveted title of top qualifier twice so far. Sete Gibernau and Nicky Hayden have both won once.

The partnership between BMW M Division and Dorna Sports dates back to 1999. At the centre of the activities is the provision of the BMW M fleet. 2017 is BMW M’s 19^th season as “Official Car of MotoGP”. This year’s fleet of official MotoGP vehicles includes a total of six different BMW M models. Alongside the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car, the BMW M4 Coupé with water injection and the BMW M3 are also in action as safety cars. Two BMW X5 Ms take to the track as medical cars this season. BMW M Division provides the safety officer with a BMW M5. Two BMW S 1000 RRs, which BMW Motorrad provides as safety bikes, complete the 2017 safety car fleet.

2018 BMW M4 technical specifications, wheels and tires and pricing. Please note that this information is specific to Canada and all specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

2017 technical specifications, wheels and tires and pricing. Please note that this information is specific to Canada and all specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

• Wittmann receives BMW M4 Coupe at BMW Welt.
• Extensive modifications ensure an even greater motor racing feeling.
• Second DTM title for Wittmann in his fourth season.

Munich. Almost four weeks have passed since BMW works driver Marco Wittmann won his second driver’s title in the final of the DTM racing season at the Hockenheimring. On Friday the 18th of November, he was a guest in Munich where he collected his new and very special company car – the BMW M4 Coupe equipped with a comprehensive package of BMW M Performance Parts. During the morning at the workshop, the trained coachbuilder Wittmann was given a detailed first-hand description of the fitted components before receiving the key of his Java Green BMW M4 Coupe at the BMW Welt in the afternoon. During the course of the day, he also gained his first impressions behind the wheel of his new M automobile. 

“My new company car looks great and is a really fantastic drive,” Wittmann said. “The colour suits me very well, because I love being on the road in a slightly more conspicuous car. BMW M Performance Parts refine the already awesome BMW M4 Coupe and turn it into a valuable and unique one-off. Many thanks to BMW, the BMW M GmbH and to BMW M Performance Parts. I will enjoy every kilometre in my new car.”

Extensive modifications to Wittmann’s BMW M4 Coupe.
The highlights selected by Wittmann himself from the broad range of BMW M Performance Parts include a carbon rear diffuser, a rear spoiler, front grille slats in high-gloss black and side panel attachments. In the interior, a carbon gear selector trim, pedal pads and LED illuminated door sills provide that special something. The current BMW M Performance accessory range was developed incorporating motorsport know-how, is perfectly aligned to each respective model and can be combined to suit individual preferences.
BMW is now supplementing the offer in this product range with retrofit options for the BMW 5 Series. Furthermore, model-specific BMW M Performance Parts are also available for BMW M automobiles and all models of the BMW brand. The retrofit components for the drive train, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit, which were all designed in close cooperation with the BMW M GmbH and BMW Motorsport, ensure a noticeable increase in driving dynamics and underscore the sportive note of the car’s exterior as well as the interior ambience of each vehicle.

Second title for Wittmann in the fourth DTM year.
The racing car Wittmann drives on the racetrack is even sportier than BMWs equipped with BMW M Performance Parts – the Red Bull BMW M4 DTM. Since 2014, BMW has deployed this high-tech racing car, based on the BMW M4 Coupe, in the DTM, the world’s most popular touring car racing series, against direct competition from the premium segment. On 16 October, in an exciting final after 18 races this season, Wittmann secured the second DTM title of his still young career. 26 years of age, he is the youngest two-time DTM champion of all time and the first BMW driver in DTM history to gain two titles. In 2014, he had already won the DTM driver ranking in a BMW M4 DTM.

Munich , 28th April 2016. Special models from the BMW M’s mid-range series with even better performance and radically designed for high-level driving dynamics have enjoyed a lasting tradition at BMW M Division for decades now. The latest example is the BMW M4 GTS, which is limited to 700 units (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 199 g/km)*. In order to provide formidable proof of this elite sports car’s outstanding performance qualities, BMW M has opted for a particularly spectacular way of drawing the public’s attention: The BMW M4 GTS is to become the official DTM safety car during the 2016 season.

The demands on such a lead car at the most popular international touring car series are high. According to the DTM rules “the DTM safety car is designed and adapted for high-performance driving on race circuits and is powerful enough to maintain the speeds at which other vehicles also participating in the event can be driven without an adverse effect on their racing capabilities.” In other words: the DTM safety car must be capable of setting a speed at which DTM drivers are able to keep, inter alia, the tyres and brake systems of their racing cars within an ideal temperature range.

BMW M4 GTS: impressive r acetrack performance ex works.
The BMW M4 GTS already fulfils these requirements in the production version. Under its bonnet it boasts the award-winning, 3.0-litre engine taken from the BMW M3/M4. Thanks to innovative water injection technology, it was possible to increase engine power output by 51 kW/69 hp to 368 kW/500 hp. Maximum torque was increased from 550 Nm to 600 Nm. Hence, the BMW M4 GTS (ECE kerb weight: 1,585 kg, power to weight ratio: 3.0 kg/hp), which was consistently developed according to the lightweight construction principle, is the most agile, radical and best-handling model in the series. It sprints from a standstill to the 100 km/h mark in a mere 3.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 305 km/h (limited).

The tyres of the type Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 in the sizes 265/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear, which come as standard and were specifically designed for the BMW M4 GTS, contribute to the car’s outstanding handling characteristics. They are mounted on weight-optimised, forged and burnished M light alloy wheels in Acid Orange and feature an exclusive 666 M star spoke styling.

Moreover, the mandatory safety features for the DTM safety car are already fitted: in the form of the optional Clubsport Package – available for the BMW M4 GTS at no extra cost – including an Acid Orange roll bar located behind the front seats, 6-point seat belts especially adapted for racing and a fire extinguisher. Therefore, to render the car suitable for DTM racetracks, it was only necessary to install the specific safety car light system with an LED light bar on the roof, LED flashers in the distinctively designed front apron as well the flash mode function for the LED headlamps. Clearly visible “DTM Safety Car” stickers and a radio installation for interference-free communication between the safety car crew and the race control were also added.

DTM safety car driver looks forward to his new racetrack vehicle.
Jürgen Kastenholz has been the official DTM safety car driver since 2010. After driving the BMW M4 Coupe DTM safety car for the last two years, he is looking forward to his new car, behind the wheel of which he will sit for the first time at the start of the DTM season in Hockenheim (6 to 8 May 2016). “The BMW M4 excels through neutral handling, fantastic response and enormous power delivery starting at low engine speeds for optimum acceleration out of tight corners,” says the 48-year old. “The new BMW M4 GTS will be even better. So I will have complete trust in the car from the word go – and this is absolutely essential to be able to lead a pack of 24 DTM racing cars quickly around the circuit during the caution periods.”

BMW regularly presents limited special series of particularly dynamic vehicles so as to sharpen the brand core: Sheer Driving Pleasure. Meanwhile a look ahead to future developments is provided by eye-catching concept cars that reflect the essence of the brand's pure DNA. The public response to both is reflected in the result of this year's readers' vote organised by the magazine "Auto Bild Sportscars". In two rating categories, readers voted BMW Group models "2015 Sports Car of the Year": the "Serial Production Coupés" class was won by new BMW M4 GTS, while in the "Concept Cars" category, the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage was able to attract the majority of votes.

BMW M4 GTS continues its winning streak.
By winning the "Serial Production Coupés" category, the BMW M4 GTS has built on the success of the BMW M4 Coupé and the BMW 435i Coupé, which were voted Sports Car of the Year in 2014 and 2013 respectively. The BMW M4 GTS underpins its sports car status with a lap time of 7:28 minutes on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife. This performance is enabled by a three-way coilover suspension specially harmonised for the BMW M4 GTS, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres in the sizes 265/35 R19 at front and 285/30 R20 at rear, intelligent lightweight construction with the use of aluminium, carbon fibre, composite materials and high-strength steels and a high-performance in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology. Due to the innovative water injection - used for the first time in a serial production vehicle - the engine delivers an output of 368 kW/500 hp and a torque of 600 Nm from a capacity of 3.0 litres (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; CO2‑emissions combined: 199 g/km)*. This enables the BMW M4 GTS to accelerate in 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, reaching a top speed of 305 km/h (cut off).

BMW 3.0 CSL Homage wins the "Concept Cars" category.
The victory of the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage was a premiere: it attracted the most votes in the "Concept Cars" category which was offered for the first time - and it won by a very clear margin. This concept study was presented at this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este as the BMW design team's tribute to the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL - the timeless, classic BMW coupé icon of the 1970s.

The BMW 3.0 CSL Homage translates the character of the original into the contemporary age, reinterpreting it in a new and exciting way. Cutting-edge materials were used to build this concept car, including carbon fibre (CFRP). The high-tech material is used extensively in the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage, moving the philosophy of lightweight construction forward to the current state of the art. As in the 1970s original, the lines of the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage express pure dynamic performance: striking air deflectors, powerful wheel arches and a prominent roof and rear spoiler frame an elongated body. The front air deflector serves to ventilate the engine compartment while the wings above the rear wheels ensure optimum air flow around the vehicle. Small camera rear mirrors further reduce aerodynamic drag. The large rear spoiler increases surface pressure on the powered rear axle, thereby improving power transmission. An Air Curtain and Air Breather guarantee optimum wheel arch ventilation and air extraction. The 21-inch light alloy wheels in matt and high-gloss Bi-Color finish add a particularly striking touch. Air deflection blades in the wheel rim gaps additionally optimise aerodynamics.

Further top placements for BMW models.
In addition to the category winners, there were other BMW models that gained podium positions. In the category "Serial Production Sedans", the BMW M5 "30 Years of the M5" finished second, as did the BMW X6 M in the category "Serial Production SUVs". The BMW M135i came third in the category "Serial Production Compact Cars".

The "Auto Bild Sports Cars of the Year" readers' vote was held this year for the 14th time. The title "Sports Car of the Year" is among the most important awards for sports-style vehicles in the automobile sector in Germany, and it is highly coveted among all vehicle manufacturers. There were 142 models to choose from for the readers' vote in 2015. Drawn from test and road reports of the last 12 months, the vehicles were classified in 18 categories – eight for serial production vehicles, eight for tuning vehicles and one category each for small-series vehicles and concept cars respectively. The awards were presented today at the Essen Motor Show Race Night.

The BMW placements at glance:

Serial Production Coupés, winner: BMW M4 GTS.

Concept Cars, winner: BMW 3.0 CSL Homage.

Serial Production Sedans, 2nd place: BMW M5 "30 Years of the M5".

Serial Production SUVs, 2nd place: BMW X6 M.

Serial Production Compact Cars, 3rd place: BMW M135i.

For further details on official fuel consumption figures, official specific CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions
and power consumption of new cars", available at all sales outlets, from
Deutschen Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html. Manual CO2 (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB)

Richmond Hill, ON. BMW Canada is pleased to announce that the special edition BMW M4 GTS will be available in Canada, in limited numbers, in spring of 2016. Pricing and additional technical specifications will be revealed closer to the market launch.

The introduction of the new 2016 BMW M4 GTS gives BMW M GmbH a new and exclusive technological masterpiece which elevates the potential of the BMW M4 Coupe to an impressive new level. With its powerful, motorsport-inspired looks and high-performance technology, the BMW M4 GTS has its sights set squarely on the race track. Thanks to an innovative water injection system helping boost power to 493 horsepower and track ready chassis, this Special Edition M vehicle recorded a lap time of 7 minutes 28 seconds around the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife, the world’s most challenging race circuit, making a clear statement about this model’s exceptional dynamic abilities.

At the same time, the sharpest BMW M4 of all can also hold its own on public roads. BMW M GmbH is launching the BMW M4 GTS in a special edition limited to 700 units worldwide, with 50 units of this high-performance Special Edition M4 available for the first time in the Canadian market. In so doing, it is highlighting the innovative tenacity of the BMW M engineers in developing trailblazing M technologies on the powertrain, chassis and lightweight construction fronts.

“Special Edition models sharpen the character of the BMW M brand and embody an emotionally rich and exclusive driving experience. We’ve taken a radical route with the set-up of the BMW M4 GTS to create a sports machine for the race track that delivers top-end dynamics and inspirational performance. It allows us to demonstrate what is possible today with a road-legal car. Owners can drive their BMW M4 GTS to circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, the Nürburgring or Laguna Seca – for clubsport events, for example – and then set lap times there that raise the bar to extremely high levels for road-legal cars.” says Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH.

Performance boost courtesy of innovative water injection.

At the heart of each and every BMW M model is its engine. The BMW M4 GTS uses the multi-award-winning M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder in-line engine from the BMW M4, capable of 7,600 rpm but adds innovative water injection technology to give the 3.0-liter unit a substantial power boost. Unusually high-revving for a turbocharged engine, it offers linear power delivery over a wide engine speed range. An innovative water injection system, used for the first time in a road car, takes this 6-cylinder in-line turbocharged unit to new performance heights by relaxing the thermal constraints on power and torque. The system has already proved itself on race tracks around the world on board the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car, this year’s lead safety car in the world’s top motorcycle racing series.

The engine develops its maximum power of 493 horsepower – an increase of 16 percent over the BMW M4 – at 6,250 rpm. Peak torque has been increased by 10 percent to 442 lb-ft, and is maintained over a very wide rev band (4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm). It accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds, on the way to a governed top speed of 189.5 mph. Despite the significant extra power, the engine also excels on fuel efficiency, providing similar levels to those found in the BMW M4 Coupe.

Innovative water injection system.

The BMW M4 GTS is the first production road car to be fitted with a trailblazing water injection system. With this arrangement, the BMW M engineers have utilized the principle that water absorbs heat from the surrounding air when it changes phases. Water is injected as a fine spray into the intake manifold plenum chamber where it evaporates (phase change), significantly lowering the temperature of the intake air. This action reduces the final compression temperature in the combustion chamber, minimizes the risk of knock and allows the turbocharged engine to operate with higher boost pressure and advanced spark timing. The result is increased power and torque, and a substantial improvement in efficiency. Despite the extra power output, thermal stress on all performance-related components is reduced. All of these features ultimately help to diminish wear and prolong engine life.

M TwinPower Turbo technology.

The BMW M4 GTS engine’s M TwinPower Turbo package comprises two fast-responding mono-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve lift control and Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing. The result is smooth and efficient power delivery with extremely sharp response.

7-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic.

The BMW M Division’s 7-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic (M DCT) sets standards in terms of smooth power delivery, lightning quick up-shift gear changes, perfect rev-matching downshifts and track-ready design. In addition to automatic shifting, this highly advanced transmission also enables shifting without torque interruption, using the steering wheel shift paddles or center console mounted gear lever. Manual mode also offers a specially configured Launch Control system that provides ultra-fast acceleration off the line, with optimal gear changes for the subsequent upshifts.

Monterey/Munich. A year on from the launch of the BMW M4 Coupe, BMW M Division is presenting an initial preview of a high-performance model for use on the road and, above all, on the race track: the BMW Concept M4 GTS.

The move sees BMW M Division once again returning to its roots. The BMW offshoot, founded in 1972 as BMW Motorsport GmbH, not only caused a sensation with its iconic BMW M1 racing car, but developed the first turbocharged engine to win the Formula One World Championship and was the force behind what remains the world’s most successful racing touring car – the Group A BMW M3.

And so the new BMW Concept M4 GTS continues the tradition of BMW M3 special models already illuminated by the BMW M3 Evolution (1988), BMW M3 Sport Evolution (1990), BMW M3 GT (1995), BMW M3 CSL (2003), BMW M3 GTS (2010) and BMW M3 CRT (2011). Technology honed in race competition, a hike in power, a commitment to lightweight design and limited production numbers have ensured these sharpest examples of their type offer unbeatable performance coupled with an emotionally powerful and exclusive driving experience.

“While the BMW M4 Coupe embodies the ideal combination of motor sport genes and unrestricted everyday usability, the BMW Concept M4 GTS previews an emotionally powerful and exclusive special model conceived with an eye for trailblazing technology and a keen focus on the race track,” explains Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division. “Despite its outstanding track ability, it is still fully road-legal. This is racing technology for the road in the truest sense.”

The BMW Concept M4 GTS showcases new technologies destined to make their series production debut in a new model to be unveiled at a later date. For example, the BMW Concept M4 GTS features the innovative water injection system that has already provided a significant output and torque boost in the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car. In addition, the BMW Concept M4 GTS has rear lights with OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology that give the high-performance model a whole new look when darkness falls.

The world premiere of the BMW Concept M4 GTS takes place on 13 August 2015 surrounded by top-flight classic automobiles on display at the Monterey Car Week in California, USA.

Optimised down to the finest detail.
The BMW Concept M4 GTS builds on the BMW M4 Coupe’s dynamic and emotional use of forms. Yet its character as a high-performance special model, in which every detail has been developed to fulfil its purpose as a successful track machine, also comes immediately to the fore. The manually adjustable front splitter and rear wing – both in exposed carbon – ensure perfect aerodynamic balance and allow the BMW Concept M4 GTS to be adapted for both individual race tracks and for use on the road. Another example of the engineers’ rigorous adherence to lightweight design is the CFRP (carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic) bonnet, which lowers the car’s weight and centre of gravity further still. A wide front air intake optimises airflow and minimises front axle lift.

The dynamic and exclusive presence of the BMW Concept M4 GTS is accentuated by the exterior paint shade Frozen Dark Grey Metallic, with the Acid Orange accent on the front splitter creating an effective contrast. The lightweight, forged and polished light-alloy wheels in 666 M styling also feature an Acid Orange accent. The 9.5 J x 19 (front) and 10.5 J x 20 (rear) wheels are fitted with Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres (265/35 R19 at the front, 285/30 R20 at the rear). The mixed-size tyres provide the ideal conduit for the stand-out dynamic attributes of the BMW Concept M4 GTS.

Water injection: power up, full-load fuel consumption down.
The engine powering the BMW Concept M4 GTS is equipped with the same innovative water injection system that has endowed the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car with a noticeable increase in output and torque.

The water injection system introduced by BMW M Division sees the engineers using the physical effect of water when vaporising to draw the required energy from the ambient medium. The water is injected into the plenums of the intake manifold as a fine spray. When the water vaporises, the intake air cools significantly. As a result, the final compression temperature in the combustion chamber – and therefore the engine’s tendency to “knock” – is reduced, enabling the turbocharged engine to use higher boost pressure and earlier injection timing.

This technology ensures an increase in output and torque, while at the same time reducing the thermal stress on performance-relevant components. All of which also enhances the stability and durability of the turbocharged engine. The BMW Concept M4 GTS therefore brings high-performance technology directly from the race track to the road.

The strong performance potential of the turbocharged six-cylinder in-line engine already demands an exceptionally sophisticated thermal management system for the engine and ancillary units. To ensure optimal operating temperatures in all situations, the M Division engineers have developed a highly innovative and effective cooling system. It comprises a main radiator plus additional radiators for the high- and low-temperature circuits, transmission and turbocharger in order to keep temperatures stable. The turbochargers are cooled by means of an indirect intercooler, assisted by an additional electric water pump.

OLED rear lights radiate ultra-high precision.
The BMW Concept M4 GTS is fitted with innovative rear lights featuring OLED technology. OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) are a new type of light source producing full-surface and homogenous illumination – in contrast to LEDs, which emit light to a single point. Their low installation height of just 1.4 millimetres and the ability to actuate individual light modules separately create fresh design scope in lighting concepts. OLED technology enables extra flexibility and forges an unmistakable appearance that signals exceptional precision.

OLED technology heralds a new era in light design and lighting concepts, and opens up new possibilities when it comes to a characteristic and distinctive light signature for BMW models – both for their daytime driving lights and during the hours of darkness.

Munich/Doha, 30th March 2015. The opening round of the 2015 MotoGP World Championship in Qatar marked the start of a 17th season as “Official Car of MotoGP” for BMW M. BMW has been involved in MotoGP since 1999 and provides the official fleet of vehicles. BMW M Division’s commitment also incorporates many other activities, including the presentation of the coveted BMW M Award.

As a long-term partner of MotoGP organiser Dorna Sports, BMW M Division is once again introducing a number of new features this season. These include a technical innovation: at the Qatar Grand Prix, at the “Losail International Circuit”, the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car took to the track with innovative water injection for the first time. With this new technology, the engineers at BMW M Division have achieved a tangible boost in performance from the high-performance engine of the BMW M4 Coupé (431 bhp/317 kW in the production version, combined fuel consumption of 8.8-8.3 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions of 204-194 g/km). This is due to the fact that water injection makes it possible to raise the upper performance limits, which have otherwise been restricted thermally. Following intense testing within the MotoGP World Championship, the water injection system will also be employed in a BMW M production model in the near future.

“Millions of fans around the world are captivated by MotoGP. Therefore, it provides us with an outstanding opportunity to present our brand, technology and products to an international audience that is enthusiastic about racing,” said Frank van Meel, President of BMW M Division. “BMW M has always been synonymous with technological innovations, and we are delighted to be able to present the innovative water injection as another new highlight this year. When it comes to leading a field of high-performance racing prototypes safely in any conditions, technology gleaned from the world of motorsport and innovative ideas are indispensable. That is precisely why BMW M is the ‘most powerful letter in the world’. The new water injection is just one example of this. The 2015 season marks the 17th year of BMW M as ‘Official Car of MotoGP’. The successful cooperation with Dorna Sports has grown consistently over the years and is set to continue in the long term. In 2019 we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of BMW M in MotoGP. We are proud of this partnership, which spans decades and is extremely rare in international high-performance sport.”

The new water injection sees the engineers make use of the water’s physical effect during the vaporisation process to extract the energy required from the environmental medium. Water is injected into the intake module’s collector as a fine spray, thus significantly cooling the exhaust air during vaporisation. This lowers the discharge temperature in the combustion changer and thus reduces the tendency for knocking. The turbo engine can thus be operated with a higher charging pressure and an earlier ignition point. The lower process temperatures also reduce the formation of hazardous substances, in particular nitrogen oxide (NOX). This way, the innovative technology increases performance and torque, while at the same time ensuring outstanding consumption and emission figures.

Another highlight of the MotoGP Safety Car fleet is the new BMW X5 M, which makes its debut as the Medical Car this season. With the new BMW X5 M (575 PS/423 kW; combined fuel consumption: 11.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 258 g/km), BMW M Division is once again setting benchmarks in the sector for high-performance Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupés (SAC). It combines the characteristic features of the successful BMW X family – exclusivity, robustness, agility and road capability – with the high-performance approach typical of M. As with all the vehicles in the Safety Car fleet, the BMW X5 M was prepared for its outings as MotoGP Medical Car in the BMW M factory.

In total, the fleet of official MotoGP vehicles comprises six BMW M and M Performance models. As well as the BMW M4 Coupé, the BMW M3 and BMW M6 Gran Coupé are also employed as Safety Cars. A BMW M5 is available for the Safety Officer, while the new BMW X5 M and the BMW M550d xDrive Touring are used as Medical Cars. BMW Motorrad also provides two BMW S 1000 RRs as Safety Bikes. You can find more information on the 2015 Safety Car fleet online at: www.bmw-m-safetycar.com

Among the many other activities that make up BMW M Division’s commitment to MotoGP is the BMW M Award, which will be presented for the 13th time in 2015. This award is presented at the end of each MotoGP season to the rider with the best overall result in qualifying. The winner receives an exclusive BMW M automobile. The BMW M MotoGP Experience sees guests of BMW M Division experience an unforgettable race weekend. They are given an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes by BMW M MotoGP experts Loris Capirossi and Alex Hofmann. Furthermore, BMW M Division also presents its latest high-performance automobiles and other models of car from the various brands within the BMW Group on Grand Prix weekends. 

Dear Media Representatives,

The 2015 season marks the 17th season of BMW M as “Official Car of MotoGP”. Ever since 1999, MotoGP organiser Dorna Sports has been able to rely on a dependable partner in the form of BMW M when it comes to ensuring the highest possible degree of safety at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. This successful partnership has grown consistently over the years. Last autumn, Dorna Sports and BMW M Division extended their cooperation up to and including 2020. This means we will be able to celebrate the 20th anniversary of BMW M in MotoGP in 2019. We are proud of this partnership, which spans over decades and is extremely rare in international, high-performance sports.

BMW M has always been synonymous with technological innovations, and we are delighted to be able to present another new highlight this year: in the near future, BMW M Division will begin production of a model featuring water injection. Water injection is a system designed to increase the performance and reduce the consumption of combustion engines. We will be using this technology in the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car for the 2015 season for the first time.

When it comes to leading a field of high-performance racing prototypes safely in any conditions, technology gleaned from the world of motorsport and innovative ideas are indispensable. That is precisely why BMW M is the "most powerful letter in the world". The new water injection is just one example of this. Outstanding driving properties and impressive performance parameters – this is what allows our high-performance automobiles to master any challenge, whether on the racetrack or in everyday use.

Millions of fans around the world are captivated by MotoGP. Therefore, it provides us with an outstanding opportunity to present our brand, technology and products to an international audience that is enthusiastic about racing. As well as providing a Safety Car fleet featuring the latest BMW M high-performance models, our commitment to MotoGP also includes many other activities. The BMW M Award, which was presented for the first time in 2003, is a much sought-after accolade among the world’s top motorcyclists. The BMW M MotoGP Experience and our BMW M MotoGP Experts allow us to offer our guests an unforgettable weekend of racing with an exclusive insight into what goes on behind the scenes. As if this were not enough, fans at racetracks around the world also have the opportunity to discover the wide world of BMW M at close hand.

This Media Guide offers you an informative overview of our partnership with Dorna Sports and our commitment to MotoGP, as well as the history of BMW M Division and the company’s extensive range of products. Should you have any further queries, it goes without saying that we are only too happy to help. I hope you have an exciting 2015 season!

Frank van Meel

President of BMW M Division

Munich. Just a few months after their market launch, the new BMW M3 and the new BMW M4 Coupé have received the "Auto Bild Sports Cars of the Year" award. The readers’ vote organised by the automobile magazine "Auto Bild Sportscars" saw the BMW M3 Sedan win the "Serial Production Sedan Models" class, attracting 30.21 per cent of the votes cast. Meanwhile the BMW M4 Coupé (16.67 per cent) came out on top in the category "Serial Production Coupé Models".

Top performance, driving pleasure and efficiency.
With their votes, magazine readers have impressively underscored the outstanding position of the new M models. The BMW M3 Sedan and the BMW M4 Coupé (combined fuel consumption of each: 8.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 204 g/km)* set the benchmark in the segment of high-performance sports cars when it comes to overall concept, precision and agility. They are powered by a newly developed 6-cylinder in-line engine. Fitted with M TwinPower Turbo Technology and high-revving concept, the power unit provides a peak output of 317 kW/431 hp. The maximum torque of 550 Nm is available across a wide engine speed range, exceeding the top level of the predecessor BMW M3 by almost 40 per cent. The weight was reduced by around 80 kilograms by means of a consistent lightweight construction concept, achieving the very highest level of driving dynamics as well as outstanding efficiency. This gives the BMW M4 Coupé a DIN unladen weight of 1,497 kilograms. Fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced by 25 per cent. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé with the optional 7-speed dual clutch transmission take 4.1 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h as well as offering impressively robust race track capability.

"Auto Bild Sportscars" belongs to the Auto Bild Group, the largest magazine group in the automobile segment in Europe. Readers were able to vote online at "autobild.de" and were given a choice of 143 automobiles in 17 categories. The title "Auto Bild Sports Cars of the Year" was awarded for the 13th time in 2014 and is one of the most important awards for sports-style automobiles in Germany. The award ceremony took place at the "Race Night" as part of the 2014 Essen Motor Show.

* Fuel consumption figures were calculated based on the ECE test cycle, dependent on tyre format.

For further details on official fuel consumption figures, official specific CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars", available at all sales outlets, from Deutschen Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html. ManualCO2 (PDF - 2.7 MB)

2015 BMW M3 Sedan, M4 Coupé and Cabriolet Cabriolet technical specifications, features and amenities, wheels and tires, paint, upholstery and trim, colour linked parts and pricing. Please note that this information is specific to Canada.

Keen to celebrate this success in fitting style, BMW M GmbH is unveiling the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition (0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, fuel consumption combined: 8.8 l/100 km [32.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 204 g/km)*. The Champion Edition will be built in a limited run of 23 units, reflecting Wittmann’s car number. And – in a further tribute to the DTM winner – it will be offered exclusively in Alpine White. The other signature features of the special-edition model, which will be refined exclusively at the BMW Individual Manufactory in Garching (near Munich), will likewise display close links with the victorious BMW M4 DTM. The matt-black bonnet and boot lid with eye-catching stripe design make an excellent visual complement to the standard CFRP roof, as does the black character line along the car’s flanks. Added to the mix are an M kidney grille with orange surround, an M logo rearwards of the front wheel arches, the number 23 on the doors and the flag along with “WIT” and “DTM Champion 2014” lettering on the rear side windows.

Richmond Hill, ON.  The all-new BMW M4 Cabriolet arrives in Canada this fall, closely following the earlier introduction of its M4 Coupe and M3 Sedan siblings. The 2015 BMW M4 Cabriolet is powered by the same BMW TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine  producing 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque and can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed M DCT transmission. The new BMW M4 Cabriolet arrives in Canadian BMW showrooms in September with an MSRP of $84,500.

The new inline-6 M engine: High-revving, turbocharged unit combines the best of both worlds.

Like the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe, the new M4 Cabriolet sees a return to an inline-six engine, as used on the second and third generations of this iconic open sports car. The new turbocharged engine combines the best of both worlds – reaching a maximum 7,600 rpm, it is unusually high-revving for a turbocharged engine, resulting in linear power delivery over a wide engine speed range and a soulful engine note, while M TwinPower Turbo technology ensures that peak torque is on tap over a broad rpm range. A further hallmark of this engine is its outstanding efficiency.

The new engine sees a power upgrade over the previous generation V-8 to 425 hp, which is delivered between 5,500 and 7,300 rpm. Peak torque has been increased by roughly 40 percent to 406 lb-ft, and is maintained over a very wide rev band (1,850–5,500 rpm). The sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes the new BMW M4 Cabriolet just 4.6 seconds when equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. Equipped with the 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, this number falls to 4.4 seconds. The BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine hits maximum revs of 7,600 rpm, in keeping with the typically high-revving character of M engines.

The M TwinPower Turbo technology comprises two fast-responding mono-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Direct Injection, Valvetronic variable valve timing and Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing. Valvetronic and Double-VANOS work in tandem to seamlessly control intake valve lift. The result is smooth and efficient power delivery, very sharp response and reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

The six-cylinder engine features a closed-deck crankcase design which is very rigid and allows cylinder pressures to be increased for improved power output. And instead of liners, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire arc-sprayed coating, which results in a significant reduction in engine weight.

Engine weight is further reduced by the forged, torsionally rigid crankshaft which, as well as saving weight, also provides increased torque-carrying capacity. This significantly reduces rotating masses, resulting in improved throttle response and acceleration.

Innovative technologies delivering top-level performance.
Power transfer in the BMW M4 Cabriolet is via a standard six-speed manual gearbox. Available as an option is the seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission M DCT, which allows the driver to change gears not only using the selector lever in the center console but also via the shift paddles on the steering wheel. This transmission effectively combines two gearboxes, each with its own clutch. This means gear changes are executed with no interruption in the flow of power – and the shift processes are therefore shorter. Drivelogic allows the driver to select from different shift modes, which see the M4 Cabriolet adopting a particularly comfort-oriented, economy-focused or ultra-sporty approach to gear changes when in automatic mode. The Launch Control function also integrated into M DCT enables optimum acceleration off the line.

The standard Active M Differential optimizes traction at the rear axle. The electromechanical steering system, meanwhile, represents a new development from BMW M GmbH and is the critical component in the link between driver and car. It offers the gifts of direct steering feel and precise feedback. The integrated Servotronic function electronically adjusts the level of steering assistance according to the car’s speed, providing optimum steering characteristics at all speeds. Three steering settings (COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+) can be selected at the touch of a button to adjust the level of steering assistance to the situation at hand and to the driver’s personal tastes.

The optional Adaptive M suspension likewise comes with COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. The BMW M4 Cabriolet is equipped as standard with M compound brakes, but customers can also order their car with even lighter and more effective M carbon ceramic brakes, which boast the additional visual highlight of gold-painted calipers.

Lightweight design across the board: Shedding weight in all the right places.

As well as outstanding dynamic qualities, intelligent lightweight design also allows the BMW M4 Cabriolet to claim exemplary efficiency. Its extensive weight-saving measures produce a curb weight of just 1839 kg – some 41 kg lighter than its predecessor.

Among the key contributors here are the aluminium front fenders and hood, with lightweight aluminium construction also a feature of the chassis. Extensive use is also made of a material that is both lightweight and extremely stiff, and therefore durable: carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The new BMW M4 Cabriolet also features a CFRP drive shaft. The high rigidity and low weight of the CFRP tube mean that the drive shaft can be produced as a single-piece component, without a center bearing. This achieves weight savings of 40 percent over the previous model and a reduction in rotating masses, which in turn results in more dynamic powertrain response.

 The CFRP strut brace in the engine compartment is a further example of how all weight-saving measures on these vehicles have also been tailored to the improvement of driving dynamics. Weighing only 1.5 kg, the strut brace offers superior rigidity to a comparable aluminum component and at the same time plays a key part in the excellent steering response and precision of both vehicles.

The use of carbon is a reminder that BMW is a global leader in high-strength, lightweight CFRP construction, and that it was BMW who brought out the first mass-production vehicle with a body consisting entirely of this material – the innovative BMW i3.

Design: the powerfully expressive face of BMW M.

Viewed from the front, the BMW M4 Cabriolet stands out most prominently with its powerful contours and a strongly defined three-dimensionality, which lends it a powerfully expressive face. Characteristic design elements leave no doubt that this car is the work of BMW M. There is the modern take on the twin headlight arrangement (with optional LED technology), for example, not to mention the distinctive twin-bar kidney grille with black painted grille bars – which reflect the design of the characteristic BMW M double-spoke wheels and bear the M logo – and the powerfully designed front apron with its trio of large intakes supplying cooling air to the high-performance engine and brakes. Among the other hallmark BMW M design features on display is the characteristic power dome on the hood, which hints at the potential of the brawny M TwinPower Turbo engine and creates space for the intercooler. And the striking exterior mirrors, with their suggested twin-stalk mounts, optimize the aerodynamics of the new BMW M4 Cabriolet.

The flanks: low-slung silhouette and dynamic lines.

The profile of the M4 Cabriolet extends the dynamic impression created by its front end. The hallmark BMW proportions of a long hood, long wheelbase, set-back glasshouse and short front overhang are lent further emphasis by familiar M design elements.

Those dynamics-accentuating details include likewise newly designed M gills, which perform both a stylistic and a functional role. Integrated into them are Air Breathers, which team up with the Air Curtains in the front apron to help optimize the airflow around the wheel arches and therefore improve aerodynamics.

The interior design: flawless ergonomics in a sporting ambience.

Climbing into the BMW M4 Cabriolet, drivers will be greeted by an interior architecture complete with unimpeachable ergonomics and clear driver focus. In keeping with its character, however, the interior fulfils an even more sharply defined sporting brief. To this end, the host of traditional BMW M equipment details includes M door sill finishers, an M driver’s footrest, M gearshift lever, M-design circular instruments with white graphics, M leather steering wheel with chrome trim, color contrast stitching and electroplated-look shift paddles (if the M-DCT gearbox is specified).

The front seats also represent an evocative expression of BMW M’s motor sport genes. Taking visual inspiration from the bucket seats fitted in racing cars, the seats feature a full-size single-piece back panel. This means the construction of the seats is very flat, while the high, width-adjustable side bolsters and low-set seat surface allow an ideal seating position and provide excellent support. Despite their undeniably sporty design, the BMW M sports seats are equipped with comfort-enhancing features including electric adjustment and heating. On the seat surface, the stitching, upholstery segmentation and perforation lend the seats a slim-fitting feel. Illuminated for the first time, the BMW M logo on the seat backrests adds a new and exclusive highlight.

Interior with exquisite materials and motor sport ambience.

The BMW M4 Cabriolet stands out with an interior that is exclusive and functional in equal measure. For example, the M Sport leather multifunction steering wheel is standard, as are bucket-style M sports seats. New to this generation of Cabriolet are the standard three-temperature neck warmers which allow for comfortable open-air driving at high speeds and low temperatures.

Drivers of the BMW M4 Cabriolet can look forward to piloting their car from behind a double-spoke M leather steering wheel. The M logo, chrome trim and color contrast stitching are central elements of the cabin’s racing ambience. Both models come standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission is available as an option. M-DCT allows the driver to change gears using either the selector lever on the center console or the shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

Three-piece retractable hardtop. Form and function.

The BMW M4 Cabriolet offers outstanding everyday driving qualities and a dynamic design, with the top up or down. These seemingly contradictory qualities were already combined in the BMW M3 Cabriolet, the predecessor that set standards for premium mid-size Cabriolets. The hardtop of the BMW M4 Cabriolet features a number of design improvements that reduce noise levels for a much quieter interior ambience. The sound-absorbing headliner also reduces wind noise by up to 2 dB in comparison to the predecessor model.

When the top is up, the luggage compartment has a volume of 370 liters – some 20 liters more spacious than its predecessor BMW M3 Cabriolet. Even bulky items can be transported with the BMW M4 Cabriolet. A flat and level storage area can be utilized when the backrest of the rear bench seat is folded down. The standard load-through feature makes even more space available: Either a wide opening between the rear passenger compartment and the trunk, or a smaller opening, for skis for example, when four people are seated in the vehicle. All it takes is the push of a button to transform a dynamic coupe into an elegant, athletic Cabriolet in a mere 20 seconds. The top can also be lowered when the vehicle is travelling at speeds of up to 18 km/h.

The redesigned wind deflector is standard equipment and is now smaller, lighter and easier to use, and more effective than previous variants. When it is not needed, the wind deflector can be stored behind the rear seat to save space, which is also a new feature. The BMW M4 Cabriolet also has plenty of space in the trunk, even when the retractable hardtop is lowered. The new Cabriolet offers wider access to the luggage compartment, and an electro-hydraulic loading assistance system raises and positions the folded hardtop in the trunk as needed to ensure maximum utilization of the 220 liters of storage space available.

The loading assistance feature makes sure that there is always ample access to the trunk whether the top is up or down. Two storage compartments on the right and left of the main luggage area are also available for stowing small items when the retractable top is up.

Optional equipment items provide comprehensive driver information.
Needless to say, the BMW M4 Cabriolet is also available with the wide range of driver assistance systems and mobility services introduced under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner, some of which are already familiar from the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe. Along with the standard new-generation Navigation System offering extra capability, sharper graphics and 3D elements for the map display, are the optional Driving Assistant Plus, which warns the driver of a looming collision with a pedestrian or vehicle, the intelligent anti-dazzle LED High Beam Assistant, and Active Protection with Attention Assistant.

The optional Head-Up Display comes with additional, M-specific functions such as a gear display, rev counter and Optimum Shift Indicator.

Hall of Fame: Open-top performance for over a quarter century

The new BMW M4 Cabriolet builds on 26 years of tradition. A Cabriolet has lined up alongside its two-door Coupe sibling as a firm fixture of the BMW M3 in all four generations.

First generation: the racing car with the soft-top.
The launch of the first BMW M3 in 1986 served primarily to satisfy the homologation requirements for what was then the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). In order to take its place on the grid for this prestigious race series, BMW had to come up with a series-produced version of the competition car and build 5,000 examples of it for sale within a year. The road-spec BMW M3 was created with the demands of motor sport very much at center stage and there were no plans initially for an open-top version. However, after around two years of resistance, BMW eventually gave in to significant customer demand, and the BMW M3 Cabriolet was unveiled in 1988. It was based on the four-seater BMW 3 Series Cabriolet and powered by a four-cylinder engine initially producing 193 hp. In 1990, output was increased to 215 hp, enabling the open-top M3 to accelerate to a top speed of 238 km/h – making it the world’s fastest four-seater series-produced Cabriolet at the time. The first generation BMW M3 Cabriolet was not offered in the North America.

Second generation: new advances in safety technology.
The powers that be in BMW’s motor sport department – now rechristened M GmbH – had planned an additional Cabriolet version of the second-generation BMW M3 (launched in 1992 globally and in 1994 in North America) from the outset. Based on the second generation 3 Series Cabriolet, the BMW M3 Cabriolet was launched in 1994 with a raft of innovative safety technology on board. For example, the rollover bars of the standard rollover protection system – positioned behind the rear seat head restraints – would spring up in an instant if the car was in danger of turning over, teaming up with the ultra-rigid windscreen frame to protect the passenger compartment. In North America, the second-generation M3 Cabriolet was powered initially by a 240-hp 3.0-liter inline-six that was later enlarged to 3.2-liters.

Third generation: shining an even brighter spotlight on the car’s sporting character.
In spring 2001, almost exactly a year after the starting gun had been fired on the third generation of the BMW M3, M GmbH unveiled the Cabriolet variant to join its Coupe stablemate in the line-up. It was identical to the M3 Coupe up to the A-pillar, but a striking beltline gave the open-top model an even broader, more powerful appearance. The BMW M3 Cabriolet therefore cut a more muscular, broader, more hunkered-down figure than any BMW M3 before it. And it had the bite to back up the bark; hallmark M attributes such as a 333 hp high-revving naturally-aspirated engine, beautifully tuned M suspension, a variable M differential lock and M high-performance brakes enshrined the BMW M3 Cabriolet as an elite athlete.

Fourth generation: giving the sporting character an even sharper edge.
Less than a year on from the debut of the fourth-generation BMW M3 Coupe and the four-door Sedan that followed a little later, BMW stirred the fires of anticipation among open-air driving enthusiasts with the launch of the BMW M3 Cabriolet in spring 2008. A 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine generating 414 hp – and sustaining around 85 percent of its 295 lb-ft peak torque across a rev range of 6,500 rpm – gave drivers of the drop-top four-seater an impressive armoury with which to sate their appetite for sporty, dynamic corner-chasing and relaxed cruising alike.

-30-

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 45 BMW automobile retail centres, 20 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 30 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Barb Pitblado, Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

416-305-1709 / barb.pitblado@bmwgroup.ca                  

Rob Dexter, Product and Technology Specialist

BMW Group Canada  

905-428-5447 / robert.dexter@bmwgroup.ca

Richmond Hill, ON. BMW today announced the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe models, which capitalize on the strengths of the latest 3 Series Sedan and fresh 4 Series Coupe models as their respective foundations. As the first-ever BMW M cars to feature the achievement of an engineered-in reduction in curb weight from one generation to the next, the all-new M3 and M4 stand poised to attack corners, hills, and braking zones, and will vigorously defend BMW M’s decades-strong position as segment leader around the world.

Featuring a return to the inline-6 engine format made famous by BMW M, the all-new, 3.0-liter BMW M3 and M4 engine is approximately 10 kilograms lighter than its V-8 predecessor and packs an even stronger punch. With 425 horsepower from 5,500 – 7,300 rpm, 406 lb-ft of torque from 1,850 – 5,500 rpm, and capable of 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds when equipped with the M-DCT transmission (4.1 seconds with standard 6-speed manual), the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe will debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and will begin sales as 2015 models in late spring of 2014 (Editor’s notes: All specifications preliminary. Complete Canada-specific specs, pricing, options, and packages will be announced closer to the on-sale date).

The launch of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe sees BMW M GmbH revealing a new interpretation of the high-performance sports car – and carrying the BMW M philosophy over into the fifth generation of the M3. More than 40,000 examples of the fourth-generation BMW M3 Coupe were built, and now the BMW M4 Coupe is poised to continue this success story. The “M4” badge is a reference to the model series that provides the basis for the new M model – and, for the first time, the Coupe will be introduced at the same time as the four-door variant. Logic dictates the latter will be christened the BMW M3 Sedan.

“Four generations of the BMW M3 have blended motor sport genes and uncompromised everyday usability within an emotionally rich overall concept,” explains Dr Friedrich Nitschke, President BMW M GmbH. “The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe represent an ongoing commitment to this philosophy. The engine is the heart of every M model, and the new turbocharged six-cylinder unit fitted in the two new cars combines the virtues of a high-revving naturally aspirated unit with the strengths of turbocharger technology. A committed lightweight design concept produces a weight saving of around 80 kilograms over the outgoing M3. The BMW M3 and BMW M4 take motor sport technology from the track to the road, and thousands of laps of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife – the world’s most exacting race track – have readied the new models for that transition. Meticulous and passion-fuelled development work has underpinned the creation of two high-performance sports cars that set new standards in terms of overall concept, precision and agility.”

The high-revving, inline-6 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology freshly developed for the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe produces a maximum output of 425 hp. Its peak torque of406 lb-ft is available across a wide rev band and outstrips the figure recorded by the outgoing BMW M3 by roughly 40 percent. And yet the engine also achieves a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of nearly 25 percent. Both the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe cover the sprint from 0 to 60  mph in 4.1 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual transmission and even 3.9 seconds with the optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission.

In the interests of maximizing dynamic ability and ensuring excellent efficiency, weight savings of around 80 kilograms have been achieved over a comparably equipped predecessor model. The BMW M4 Coupe, for example, has a DIN curb weight of 1,497 kilograms, thanks to the rigorous application of intelligent lightweight design measures. These include the increased use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminum for a number of chassis and body components. Indeed, both models feature a carbon roof.

One of the primary objectives in the development of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe was to ensure the new cars offered impressive race track capability. Hence the presence of a track-specification cooling system, which ensures that the optimum temperature balance for the engine, turbochargers and transmission is maintained at all times.

In order to accentuate the racing character of the two models in terms of both their technical composition and the fine-tuning of the cars, the engineers worked closely with BMW Motorsport’s professional racing drivers during the development phase. For example, DTM drivers Bruno Spengler and Timo Glock took part in the extensive testing and set-up work carried out at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit.