[11] M4 For Sale Bmw Making Annually Headline

Thanks to a corporate name-changing decision, the upcoming 2-door version of the 2015 BMW M3 will roll onto the scene later this year officially dubbed the 2015 BMW M4 Coupe. A mechanical clone to the new M3, this even sportier looking variant also gets its first public viewing at the Detroit Auto Show. A good bit of information about the M4 has been leaked ahead of its reveal, but for those who may have missed our earlier M4 preview, we offer a quick recap of the most interesting facts.

Like its Sedan sibling, the new BMW M4 Coupe embodies a host of more aggressive M-spec visual cues. Its bolder front fascia boasts a distinctive take on BMW‘s signature "angel-eye" quad headlamps – now available as optional adaptive LED units – which flank a black-accented twin-bar kidney grille and oversize air intakes coupled with a deeper front splitter. The recasting also nets BMW Air Curtains and a deeper splitter counterpointed by a power-dome hood whose character lines flow back and on over the M4’s lightweight CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) roof. The M4’s side view is enhanced by prominent M gills/Air Breather vents on the front fenders while its muscular wheel arches house 225/40 front and 275/40 rear tires mounted lightweight 18-inch forged alloy wheels. Its more flowing roofline aside, M4 also features the same kind of tweaked rear fascia, a body-colored lower diffuser that houses twin-paired exhaust outlets and with unique taillamps. However the M4’s decklid features a more subtle integrated spoiler lip.

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As might be expected, the M4’s cabin treatment parallels that of the M3. Its full range of M-style enhancements include everything from uniquely trimmed M sport front buckets and a dedicated instrument cluster to an M leather-wrapped steering wheel and M door sill plates plus a 60/40 split-folding rear seat made of lightweight composite that incorporates specially contoured backrest that provides added lateral support.

Motivating the new M4 Coupe is the same all-new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged M-crafted inline-6 found in the M3 Sedan. It’s tuned to turn out an estimated 425 horses, five more than the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 it replaces. More critical to its mission, this new six also makes 406 lb-ft of peak torque – a stout 38-percent bump in peak twist units – and delivers it from 1,850 to 5,500 rpm. Although final U.S. specs are pending, BMW indicates neither will be far off of those projections. The new M4 also will have a standard 6-speed manual transmission that should let it run from 0- 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and offer an optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission that can trim that interval to 3.9 ticks. Top speed is an electronically limited 155 mph with either gearbox, and the new M4 is projected to deliver 25 percent better overall fuel economy.

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Like the M3 Sedan, the new M4 Coupe benefits from a wide-ranging weight-reduction program that helps drop about 180 pounds in curb weight compared to the M3 Coupe it replaces. Here, too, the prime influences are a more extensive use of CFRP — which also is found in the M4’s decklid as well as the roof, prop shaft and hood struts – along with the greater presence of aluminum in the hood, front fenders and fully redesigned suspension system. BMW notes those new forged alloy chassis bits also help reduce the M4’s unsprung weight, a factor destined to endow it with even more precise and agile handling.

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The 2015 M4 Coupe shares all of the other chassis upgrades found on the new M3 Sedan, including a new electromechanical power steering system with driver-selectable Comfort/Sport/Sport+ assist levels, an Active M Differential and an available Adaptive M suspension, also with Comfort/Sport/Sport+ operating modes. While base stopping power will come from upgraded M-spec brakes, the M4 also will offer M Carbon Ceramic super-stoppers as an option.

The 2015 BMW M4 Coupe is due in showroom in early summer. Prices, options and EPA numbers will be announced closer to its actual on-sale date.

More Sport Coupes…

The all-new Alfa Romeo 4C is set to launch here in 2014

Impressive upgrades add new appeal to the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet

The Porsche Cayman and Cayman S are all-new for 2014

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