BMW News

    According to AutoExpress, BMW will reveal its upcoming M4 coupe—in concept form—at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August. Both the M4 coupe and the M3 sedan will be revealed at the Detroit Motor Show next January, along with the convertible version of the new 4 Series and the new BMW 2 Series coupe. 

    Even though the 435i’s chassis has been upgraded by BMW, Klaus Froehlich, Senior Vice President Brand and Product Strategies BMW Group, said that 80% of the M4's parts are unique, including a bespoke version of BMW’s new modular engine, a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, and completely overhauled suspension. The new M4 will also feature carbon-fibre bodywork to cut weight. He also added that a four-wheel drive M4 will not be offered as it will be too heavy for an M car. The performance specifications haven’t been revealed but the M4 is expected to be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-L six-cylinder engine that produces 450 bhp (335 kW) and 405 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque.

    He also talked about the M235i which will be the top model in the 2 Series. “I have just signed off the M235i’s M Sport performance kit, which will include a proper limited slip differential. I’m just working out whether to make this an option on all models. The M235i is as close a spiritual successor to the 2002ti that we’ve had. My initial benchmark was that it will be faster than the BMW 1M Coupe around the Nurburgring, which it is,” Froehlich said. The M235i features 18-inch wheels and special michelin tires from the 1M since they offer better performance when compared to the 19-inch versions.––Paul Duchene