Munich. BMW M GmbH is currently preparing the generation change for the iconic sports cars. With driving dynamics tests performed under racetrack conditions, the series development process for the new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 25.9 – 26.9 mpg; CO₂ emissions combined: 249 – 239 g/km, preliminary data) is entering its crucial phase. With a significant increase in performance vs. predecessor models and an M-specific suspension setup, newly developed straight six-cylinder engines once again set benchmarks in the segment of high-performance saloons and coupés of the premium midrange class. Comprehensive innovations in the areas of drive, wheel suspension, springs, dampers and braking technology require thorough testing on public roads at the BMW Group testing centres in Miramas, Southern France, in the Swedish town of Arjeplog as well as on a number of different racetracks.

Traditionally, the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring sets the yardstick for the perfect interaction between drive and suspension technology in every situation. However, because the performance characteristics of a BMW M automobile have to convince not only there but also on the most varied racetrack profiles, the test engineers always expand the test programme to include further circuits such as the current test drives with camouflaged prototypes of the new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé at the Sachsenring.

A few months before their world premiere mid-September 2020, the dynamic potential of the new BMW M3 Saloon and the new BMW M4 Coupé is already clearly perceptible. Inspiring agility, outstanding dynamics and precisely controllable handling even in extreme sporting situations characterise their driving behaviour. The balance between superior performance and unrestricted everyday suitability so typical of an M attains a new level. “With each BMW M automobile, we put motorsport technology on the road,” says Markus Flasch, chairman of the board of the BMW M GmbH. “The new BMW M3 Saloon and the new BMW M4 Coupé embody this principle in a particularly intensive way, because both models stand unmistakably in the tradition of the most successful touring car worldwide. And results of the test drives show us that the new model generation is significantly superior to that of its predecessors in terms of performance.”

Like all current high-performance-automobiles from the BMW M GmbH, the new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé are offered in two performance levels: Besides a 480 hp variant with a 6-speed manual shift, there is also the choice of a Competition model with 510 hp and an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. “For customers who prefer a puristic performance experience and particularly intense interaction with their vehicle, the model variants with a manual transmission constitute an offer that is unique in this segment,” explains Dirk Häcker, head of Development M Automobiles and BMW Individual. “On the other hand, with the Competition versions of the new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé, we are addressing maximum dynamics in regards power development and transfer – initially with classic rear-wheel drive and, at a later date, also in conjunction with the latest version of our four-wheel drive system M xDrive.”

Compared with the predecessor models, the straight six-cylinder engines featured by the new high-performance sports cars deliver a maximum output increase of 49 hp and 60 hp (Competition models) and a maximum torque of up to 650 Nm. Moreover, thanks to M TwinPower Turbo technology and high-revving concept, the power plant impresses with performance characteristics derived from motor racing. The power unit excels through extraordinarily spontaneous response in every speed range and is also deployed in the BMW M4 GT3, which will become the new top-of-the-rage model from the BMW M GmbH in the customer sport segment as from the 2022 season. 

With a meticulously operated testing programme, development and testing engineers at the BMW M GmbH are currently making sure that the M-specific suspension components are tuned to the engine’s performance characteristics to such an extent that they guarantee the new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé places in the first row of the starting grid in their vehicle segment. The around 3,670-metre stretch at the tradition-steeped Sachsenring, which is known as the long-standing venue of the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) racing series, also offers the ideal prerequisites for this purpose. With its challenging profile comprising hairpin bends, long straights and the downhill passage before the Queckenberg bend, it is possible lap after lap to achieve targeted optimisation of the longitudinal and lateral driving dynamics of the new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé.

Ends

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmwgroup/

For further information please contact:

Helen Wilson
BMW Group Media Relations Executive
Tel: 07815 372 480
Email: Helen.Wilson@bmw.co.uk

Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Emma Begley
General Manager, Communications
Tel: 07815 371 062
Email: Emma.Begley@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 376 867
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

An exclusive new BMW M4 ///M Heritage Edition will make its world debut on the legendary racetrack in the Eifel on 13 September. Based on the BMW M4 DTM developed by BMW M Motorsport, the special edition BMW M4 Coupe is available to UK customers in three striking colour combinations: Laguna Seca Blue, Velvet Blue metallic and Imola Red, replicating the colours of the BMW M GmbH logo. Originally seen on the track with racing cars such as the BMW 3.0 CSL, now the distinctive stripes stand for exhilarating performance and exclusive design, also on the road.

The high performance coupe, powered by a 450hp straight six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology will be produced and sold worldwide between November 2019 and April 2020 as an edition model and is limited to 75 units in the UK.

Furthermore, the carbon-fibre reinforced plastic roof boasts a striking decorative strip in the BMW M colours, which is integrated into the CFRP composite at the factory using a special manufacturing process. Likewise unique are the forged, 20-inch M light alloy wheels in a star spoke design finished in Orbit Grey matt and fitted with mixed tyres.

The interior of the edition model is also characterised by an exclusive selection of colours and materials. The spectrum of equipment includes model-specific Full Merino M leather seats in a bicolour design and with prominent openings within the area of the seatbacks. Each seat colour is oriented towards the exterior paint and is complemented by partly bicoloured contrast stitching. In conjunction with the unique exterior colours, the seats come in Silverstone/Black with turquoise stitching when the car is finished in Laguna Seca Blue or Velvet Blue and Orange when the car is finished in Velvet Blue. The Imola Red Edition models feature a Bicolour Red and Black interior which is complemented by exclusive red and yellow contrast stitching.

The appealing and exclusive colour scheme continues with a unique carbon fibre interior trim designed exclusively for the BMW M4 ///M Heritage Edition. The CFRP structure of the trim incorporates the stripe design featuring the three characteristic M colours. Both the interior trim and the door sills bear emblems with the imprints “Edition ///M Heritage” and “1/750” as an indication of the limited run of this model. The lettering “///M Heritage” – in turquoise, orange or red respectively – is also embossed on the front driver and passenger seat headrests.

The BMW M4 ///M Heritage Edition is on sale from 3 September 2019 with full pricing details to follow. Deliveries are expected to commence from November 2019.

Ends

*All figures relating to the 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) 2007/715 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 information has already been calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes. In these vehicles, different figures than those published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on CO2 emissions.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and the official specific CO2 emissions of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars" available free of charge at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT),Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.

The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2018, the BMW Group sold over 2,490,000 passenger vehicles and more than 165,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2018 was € 9.815 billion on revenues amounting to € 97.480 billion. As of 31 December 2018, the BMW Group had a workforce of 134,682 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com 

www.bmw.co.uk
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Facebook: BMW UK
Twitter: @BMW_UK
Instagram: BMWUK
LinkedIn: BMW Group UK Limited
YouTube: BMW UK

For further information please contact:
Lauren Prema

BMW Media Relations Executive
Tel: 07815 370746
Email: Lauren.Prema@bmw.co.uk 

Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager

Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Emma Begley
General Manager, Communications

Tel: 07815 371 062
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs

Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 01252 921256
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

To celebrate the success of Marco Wittmann securing yet another DTM driver’s title at the season finale at the Hockenheimring, BMW M is launching the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition. The new edition model consists of top-class motor racing technology for drive and suspension as well as a specific design that mimics the DTM racing cars built by BMW Motorsport and delivers a power output of 500hp and a maximum torque of 600Nm.
 

*Preliminary draft figure to be confirmed.

The BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds and has a top speed is limited to 190mph* thanks to the innovative water injection technology featured in the straight six-cylinder power unit, previously seen on the BMW M4 GTS. This innovative technology enables cooling of the combustion chambers, significantly raising the engine’s thermally-related performance limits by 16 per cent in power output compared to the production model.

Frank van Meel, President of BMW M GmbH commented: “Congratulations to Marco Wittmann, his team RMG and the entire crew from BMW Motorsport. We have the pleasure of honouring Marco’s performance by producing a BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition in 2016 to mark his winning the DTM driver’s title. Never before has one of our edition models been so closely linked to motor racing.”

Distinctive exterior design inspired by DTM racing cars.
The BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition 2016 is exclusively available in Alpine White. Design and shaping of the additional foiling is reminiscent of the look of DTM racing cars produced by BMW Motorsport. Various aerodynamics components finished in visible carbon also give the car that distinctive racing car look. These include the front splitter, the aero flicks positioned in front of the front wheel arches, exterior mirror caps, side skirt attachments, and a rear diffuser as well as the large rear wing firmly mounted on the boot lid.

Pure motor sports atmosphere in a classy, reduced interior.
Inside the two-seater BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition 2016, both driver and co-driver sit in M Carbon bucket seats covered in exclusive Alcantara/Leather Merino. The entire interior is lined with exceptionally high-quality covering material Alcantara, also used on the M Sports steering wheel featuring a grey “12 o’clock” marker. Behind the front bucket seats of the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition, a white rollover bar replaces the rear seat system.

In terms of comfort and safety, the new edition is by no means sparsely equipped. Features include the BMW Professional Navigation system, air conditioning, adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam (glare-free high beam assistant), OLED taillights, Park Distance Control (PDC) at the front and rear as well as automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors. Full UK specification will be announced in due course.

Extensive measures to enhance driving dynamics.
In comparison to the production version of the BMW M4, the DTM Champion Edition impresses not only with enhanced performance, but also with further optimized dynamic handling qualities. This is also the result of even more consistent implementation of the lightweight construction concept. In addition to other components, the bonnet, roof, instrument panel support and rear diffuser are made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The end silencer of the double-flow sports exhaust system featuring two pairs of tailpipes is made of exceptionally lightweight titanium.

Optimal contact with the road is ensured by Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 high-performance tyres size 265/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear designed specifically for use on the racetrack and mounted on light alloys boasting a star spoke design 666 M in Orbit Grey matt. M carbon-ceramic brakes guarantee fade-free braking even in tough racing conditions. The individually adjustable 3-way coilover suspension is mechanically adjustable both for rebound and damping, thus allowing the car’s handling characteristics to be adapted according to personal taste.

The BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition is on sale now, prices to be confirmed.
 
                                                             

                                                            Ends
 

The BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2015 was approximately € 9.22 billion on revenues amounting to € 92.18 billion. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Facebook: BMW UK

Twitter: @BMW_UK

Instagram: BMWUK

LinkedIn: BMW Group UK Limited

YouTube: BMW UK

For further information please contact:

Gavin Ward                                           BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 01252 921261           

Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk

Lauren Prema                                       BMW Media Relations Executive

Tel: 07815 370746

Email: Lauren.Prema@bmw.co.uk   

Piers Scott                                            General Manager, Product and Internal Communications

Tel: 01252 921265            

Email: Piers.Scott@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel: 01252 921256           

Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Additional UK images of the BMW M3 and M4 with the new Competiton Package.

 https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Press pack for the M3 and M4 Coupé includes:

Words

Technical Specification

Price list

Presentation

Photography 

Video