BMW M4 GTS and BMW M2 unintentionally confirmed

Instagram, out of all places, “confirms” today that BMW will indeed launch a BMW M4 GTS and M2 model this year. An image showing a badge for a BMW workshop reveals that BMW is preparing the marketing plans for the highly rumored M4 GTS and F87 M2.

Even though the launch date has yet to be revealed, we believe both models will appear this summer, with one of them likely to be launched at the 2015 M Festival in May and the other at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

BMW M4 GTS

In addition to the obvious aerodynamic components, customers can look forward to some new lightweight elements on the M4 GTS. The weight benefits will also be realized through the omission of the rear bench and the use of extremely lightweight bucket seats.

To further improve the power-to-weight ratio, a performance upgrade for the twin-turbo inline six-cylinder S55 in on BMW’s list as well. We currently estimate that the expected BMW M4 GTS middle-class athlete will drive its rear wheels with about 470 hp.

As hinted last month, the upcoming BMW M4 GTS will feature the water injection system seen in the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car.

Our own sources say that the BMW M4 GTS might remain an European affair only.

BMW M2

The highly-awaited BMW M2 will enter production in November. BMW M2, despite having a proper M name and not just 2 Series M, is going to be very similar to the 1M. Even the recipe is quite similar to that of the 1M, the approach will be different as BMW is purpose building the M2 from scratch to be a monster. The 2 Series is already a better, more sorted sports car than the 1 Series, so it already has an advantage over the 1M. Plus, thanks to BMW’s newfound knowledge of lightweight materials and engine technology, it should be quite a bit faster.

BMW has learned a lot about lightweight materials from the i3 and i8, so expect some of these techniques to make the M2 as light as possible. The goal for BMW is to make it lighter than the M235i (3,505 lbs with a manual).

The M2 will also appeal to a younger audience who are enow flocking to the likes of Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG.

Under the hood, we believe the F87 M2 will use an updated version of the N55 TwinPower 3.0 liter engine (N55B30T0) with 360-370 horsepower. The M2 prototype runs with both a manual and automatic transmission so we expect both options to be available in the production series.

The BMW M2 has a production date of November, 15, 2015 with first deliveries taking place in March 2016.

[Source: Bimmertoday]

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