An interesting BMW M4 prototype has been spied testing at the Nurburgring disguised as a MotoGP safety car. However, it is believed to be much more than that.
The current M4 MotoGP safety car is identical to the road-going M4 with the exception of its special livery. The following prototype however, features a host of aerodynamic and visual changes and could be an early prototype for a lightweight, M4 GTS variation.
For example, it features a revised front bumper and splitter as well as a fixed rear wing. Additionally, the car is sporting a special set of lightweight wheels as well as Recaro racing seats.
As for the existing M4, it is of course powered by the same twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine as the new M3. This powertrain revs to 7600 rpm and produces an impressive 431 hp between 5390 rpm and 7000 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque from a low 1800 rpm to 5390rpm. That torque figure is available across a broader rev range and is an improvement over the outgoing BMW E92 M3 of 40 per cent.
As a result of brand new powerplant, both the 2014 BMW M3 and 2014 BMW M4 will sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.1 seconds when equipped with the optional seven-speed M double clutch transmission. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h but this can be increased to 280 km/h with the optional M driver’s package.
In addition to this increase in power and torque, both new models weigh around 80 kg less than a comparably equipped predecessor model. As a result, the BMW M4 Coupe tips the scales at 1,497 kg while the M3 Sedan stands at 1,520 kg in base specification. These weight savings have been achieved through the extensive use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic as well as a carbon fibre roof and aluminium chassis and body components.
[Via World Car Fans]
