BMW previews new M4

BMW has revealed several retro-fit enhancements for the new 4-series coupe, part of its M-Performance line of options. In the process the company has provided the first clues to its upcoming M4's appearance; the M4 will replace the just-discontinued BMW M3, and sources tell Autoweek the new performance coupe will make its world debut at the Detroit auto show next January.

The performance package consists of an aggressive aero kit, various interior trim upgrades and suspension modifications. There will be new 20-inch wheels shod with 225/35 front and 255/30 rear low-profile tires, as well as a subtle increase in power and torque for the two direct-injection engines the 4-series will have in North America.

Buyers of the 4-series can opt for the complete package or pick and choose items individually -- all are available on a retro-fit basis through official BMW dealerships.

BMW's M division styled the aero kit, said to closely preview the M4's look and bring several comprehensive changes to the 4-series coupe's look. These include a deeper front bumper with a carbon-fiber splitter and enlarged air ducts, LED imbued Xenon headlamps and blackened chrome trims throughout the exterior -- including the grille, air breather trim along the flanks, window surrounds and tail pipes. The exterior mirror housings are carbon-fiber. Also look for body side decals, wider sills, carbon-fiber rear spoiler and a rear bumper with air extraction ducts and a diffuser.

Inside there is a new three-spoke steering wheel, more heavily contoured sport seats and other individual touches BMW plans to make public at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show.

BMW says the 4-series package adds 27 hp and 29 lb-ft to the 428i coupe's standard 2.0-liter turbo four, so the numbers will be 269 hp and 287 lb-ft. The increases brought to the range-topping 435i coupe's turbocharged 3.0-liter six are more generous, providing it with an extra 34 hp and 37 lb-ft to bolster output to 336 hp and 332 lb-ft.

BMW says the increased power comes through software revisions and new exhaust systems on both engines. The result, according to the German car maker, is a “perceptible increase in performance without any increase in fuel consumption.”

By Greg Kable