BMW’s most hardcore car, the M4 GTS, seems to have come at a bad time, considering that its competition has never been this good. The mightiest BMW has to deal with the brand-new Porsche 911 GT3 RS and, now, the Mercedes-AMG GT R and hardcore track cars have never been better. So can the BMW M4 GTS hang with the two cars from Stuttgart? Chris Harris finds out.
On paper, the M4 GTS seems to be in the ballpark of the other two. Under its carbon fiber hood lies a twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter I6 engine, the same basic unit that powers the standard M4. However, it’s been given some added power, via water-injection, so it makes 493 hp. That engine sends power through a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box to the rear wheels. It also gets fancy fixed carbon fiber aerodynamics, new suspension, new steering and a stripped out interior. So it’s very light and very powerful, allowing it to get from 0-60 mph in about 3.8 seconds. But what about the other two?
Well, on paper, the Mercedes-AMG GT R is quite a bit more impressive. Its 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 makes 585 hp and is also paired with a dual-clutch transmission, powering the rear wheels. So it’s significantly more powerful than the M4 GTS and that shows, with it getting from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. That’s faster than the M4 GTS but not by much, so the Bavarian still has a shot.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS makes 500 hp from its 4.0 liter flat-six that’s also paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch (although, it’s now available with a six-speed manual as well) and powers the rear wheels. The 911 GT3 RS is the fastest car here, being able to clock 60 mph in 3.0 seconds flat. That’s mightily impressive. So can the most hardcore Bavarian keep up with this level of competition?
Chris Harris doesn’t think so. Which is surprising, considering that he’s actually a big fan of the new F80 M3. However, he doesn’t see the point or the value in the M4 GTS.
First, Harris drives the Mercedes-AMG GT R and is seriously impressive. It’s powerful, balanced, violent and exciting while still being comfortable and luxurious. It proves that you don’t need to strip every single creature comfort out to have a car that’s exciting, dynamic, thrilling and hardcore. The slip-angles he’s able to hold, and for how long he’s able to hold them, is incredible. After driving the AMG, he drives the M4 GTS and just simply isn’t as impressed.
By comparison, the Bimmer is too boosty, the steering isn’t as accurate and the entire package is too disjointed and sloppy to be worth more than the AMG. It’s an entertaining car and it’s interesting but it just doesn’t live up to Harris’ expectations. He admits that he should love it, based on the other BMWs he loves, but he doesn’t.
But the Bimmer’s flaws are even more prominent when he drives the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Its front end is better, its steering is far better than both other cars, its chassis is the most balanced and it’s just more exciting than anything else. So the GT3 RS is still king. The AMG runs it closer than expected but the M4 GTS needs some work.
Another proof to that the pathetic bmw is the only useless car maker in the world.
David, don’t know where you’re from mate, but globally, words like ‘pathetic’ and ‘useless’ means something quite different. I understand, tho, you meant to use ‘fantastic’ and ‘sensible’ instead.
All jokes aside, once you’re past 13, you’ll be able to voice your disapprovals in a more mature manner. Hang in there bud!
How pathetic can this be….. Race cars vs a saloon. The M4 GTS is super impressive, its not as wide as a AMG GTR, nor does it have a rear engine set up like a 911 GTS, still very capable. The straight 6, with only 3 litre puts out 493 horses, and 443 lbs/ft of torque. Thats a 164 hp per litre turbo engine. BMW has added a new water injection system to help boost the engine to 21 psi. I think by far, its the most interesting car in this lot.
@Horatiu
http://www.autobild.de/videos/video-bmw-m10-2019-sportwagen-12099711.html
Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Autobild assumes Bmw is planning an R6 Tri Turbo hybrid super car with over 600 hp and additionally an full E- version for 2019/2020. Two variants were under discussion. Autobild also assumes that the E version could replace the less succesful i8. If I were Mr Harald Krüger, I would choose the V8 Hybrid with approximatley 750 hp instead R6 Hybrid with approx. 500 hp + Batterie (to sume it up, only 600 hp) over the full e- version to compete with super cars such like Mc Laren 730 S, all Ferraris, all Lamborghinis, everything from Porsche, or Bmw should build both versions.
I think they should only do a 6cyl car but hybrid, 600hp + 180-200 “e” hp to the front wheels sounds good. But they’ll probably do neither of those
There is a gap between the V12 6.6 l engine and V8 with 4.4l which needs to be filled. I think Bmw has to come with something more special if they want to play in the same league like Porsche and Ferrari. I was thinking about an 5.0 liter V10 engine with approximately 750-800 hp for such car from Bmw M.
When is the BMW 4.0l v8 coming?
Not 100% sure, maybe next gen 7er or next M5?
http://www.google.de/amp/www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/07/jaguar-land-rover-to-source-bmw-v8-engines.html/amp
They don’t want to play in the same league as McLaren, Ferrari and Lamborghini, that’s the thing. If they do a standalone sport car it’d definitely not be a traditional layout but more like an i8 on steroids or an all electric car
Forget the i8. I prefer the car above from the Autobild Photoshop. I like the style mix between 8er with the lower body profile and McLaren. Looks sexier in my opinion.
Forget the i8? No.
I believe now is the time to build a halo car, something like M1
Autobild called it M10.
This video is over 2 months old!!!!!
You guys need to keep up!
Again, Chris Harris is a total clown and is just in for the ratings. Best way to increase viewership? Bash the latest BMW halo car…The M4 GTS is not even in production any more.
The Gts has received rave reviews from all over the word and most of all, on the best tracks or Europe.
BMW needs to bring in a new mid-engine sports car to shut out the critics, that will be interesting. Hope they will build a new M1.
I’ve an E92 M3, but I still think BMW should call it for what it is, 4series is a 2+2 not a genuine 2 seater coupe made from the ground up. They should compete like for like and roll out proper mid and smaller coupes with the 8 Series. Let us have a decent engine in the new Z4 when/if they produce a coupe version, doubt it from BMW these days.
Apples vs Oranges… Whats the point of comparing ? Two 4 Litre powerplants vs a 3 Litre, 2 exotic full blown sports car versus a sporty car. Obviously, we know who will come out on top. In addition, 911 is a rear engine race car, their rear weight biased weight distribution is going to be a winner in terms of handling, also due to its non compressed powerplants, launching it should be the easiest, the driven wheels at the back get extra help due to more weight planted at its rear, along with less brutal torque numbers. Porsche has an awesome NA engines (125 horses per litre) that sings to 9000 rpm. The M and the AMG have brutal pulling power, along with lesser rear weight, making them slightly tricky to pull off the line. AMG will be better, because its a proper sports car, The M4 is just a sporty sedan with extensive work to make it close to exotic, its by far quite brilliant already.