BMW M4 Coupe May Get Twin-Turbo V6, No Manual Option

One of the most important debuts at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’elegance was the brand new BMW M4 Coupe Concept. Based on the new BMW 4 Series Coupe, the new M4 is quite an aggressive looking car with large air inlets making for a very dynamic front end. It also offers swift design theme with a sporty low rear.

“At BMW M, design is above all an expression of function. Each design element is based on the underlying technical demands of the BMW M high performance concept. Thanks to this authenticity, the design provides a taste of what can be experienced with each model: Power, precise control and superior handling – an unforgettable driving experience on the racetrack as well as on the road” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

“The BMW M4 Coupe Concept reflects the BMW M philosophy in ideal form: It combines motor racing genes and unrestricted everyday suitability in a highly emotional overall concept. For four generations, the BMW M3 has put motor racing on the road and the BMW M4 Coupe Concept consistently continues to pursue this fundamental idea. The new model designation “M4″ refers – like all other BMW M automobiles – to the series on which this concept car is based,” explains Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, Chairman of the Managing Board of the BMW M GmbH.

Now BMW continued on talking about the design of the car (which you can read more about below), but we know you’re all wondering what’s going to be under the hood. So far, insiders say that the BMW M4 Coupe will drop the current M3’s V8 in favor of a twin-turbo V6 making more than 450-hp. Unfortunately, we also hear that the new M4 will drop a manual transmission in favor of exclusively being offered with an automatic.

We’ll find out soon enough.

THE FRONT END

Faceted surfaces, precise contours and distinctive visual depth shape the powerfully expressive front end of the BMW M4 Coupe Concept. The classic “BMW face” with its double kidney and a modern interpretation of the twin round headlamps featuring LED technology provides the car with a distinctive identity, making it recognizable as a BMW M automobile at very first glance. The bonnet with its characteristic power dome symbolises the immense power of the engine that lies beneath it. This dynamic element is further emphasized by a distinctive contour. A further striking feature on the front of the new BMW M4 Coupe Concept is the BMW M double bar kidney grille: The black kidney grille bars imitate the characteristic M double spoke design of the BMW M wheels, the M4 emblem on the kidney grille adding an exclusive accent to the front end. The powerfully shaped front apron sporting the carbon fibre front splitter immediately catches the eye. The three large air intakes supply the high performance power unit with sufficient cooling air. At the same time, the interplay of surfaces, contours and volume authentically express the car’s supreme potential. The sharply outlined vertical air vents located in the outer section of the side air intakes, the so-called Air Curtain is a design statement of its own. Together with the Air Breather, this feature ensures the aerodynamic closure of the wheel arches and consequently, improved air flow and fuel consumption.

THE SIDE

Viewed from the side, the dynamic impression conveyed by the front end continues. A streamlined, flat silhouette and an athletic body design characterize the BMW M4 Coupe Concept. Typical BMW proportions – a long bonnet, long wheelbase, set-back greenhouse and a short front overhang – create an exceptionally dynamic appearance even when the car is at a standstill. Muscular wheel arches and the powerfully expressive surface language reveal the BMW M4 Coupe Concept’s supreme performance capabilities at very first glance.

The flowing roofline enhances the BMW M4 Coupe Concept’s sporty design with elegant finesse. As a visible high-tech lightweight element, the contoured CFRP roof characterizes the BMW M4 Coupe Concept’s technically innovative design. The CFRP roof reduces weight and ensures a lower centre of gravity, thus facilitating an even sportier driving experience. Here, form and functionality are optimally combined in typical BMW M fashion.

The coupe-like roofline flows into the muscularly designed rear end, which then adopts the contour of the roof. A rear spoiler lip is integrated into the trunk lid for optimum downforce. Thanks to this feature, the BMW M4 Coupe Concept not only has better downforce values, but when viewed from the side, also gains in volume and length, in athletic presence. Below it, the boldly shaped, muscular sill emphasizes the car’s sportive stance on the road.

A conspicuous detail on the car’s side panels is the redesigned M gill. This characteristic M design element constitutes a both sporty and functional statement. On the M4 Coupe Concept, the M gills incorporate the Air Breather, which together with the Air Curtain within the front apron serves to ventilate the wheel arches and facilitate better airflow values. Exclusively designed, bicoloured 20″ M light alloys boasting the typical M double spoke design complete the sportive design of the car’s sides. The five filigree double-spokes rims with polished outer surfaces reveal M Carbon ceramic brakes.

THE REAR

The muscular rear end of the BMW M4 Coupe Concept gives visual indication of the car’s supreme power. The entire tail section boasts a sculptural and broad appearance. The large shaded areas beneath the spoiler give the rear end an even flatter and athletic appearance. At the same time, the flat taillights located far to the outside, the wide track and the powerfully flared wheel arches underscore the car’s stable stance on the road. Horizontal lines accentuate the car’s width, lowering the visual centre of gravity even further.

Within the tail section of the BMW M4 Coupe Concept, the design feature of the front apron comprising faceted surfaces is formally replicated and continued further. The interplay of surfaces and precise contours around the optical air vents further accentuates the rear end’s dynamic design. Twin tailpipes are a characteristic M feature on the rear end. The two pairs of carbon fibre tailpipes are encompassed by the sculptural rear apron. A carbon fibre rear diffuser completes the overall aerodynamics package.