Although the BMW M3 coupe has been renamed the M4, that’s not to say it won’t spawn as many special-edition variants. And so in the spirit of the E46 M3 CSL and the E90 M3 GTS, BMW now launches the concept version of a new, M4-based GTS model. Fittingly, it is being unveiled during the week of the Pebble Beach Concours, surrounded by supercars (which the M4 GTS intends to be) and classics (which it hopes to eventually become).

Executed in a Frozen Dark Grey hue with Acid Orange accents, the M4 GTS concept assumes a menacing and intimidating look. BMW says it was developed to compete on the racetrack, yet it will be street-legal.

DAVEY G. JOHNSON, THE MANUFACTURER

BMW's M GmbH subsidiary has taken the opportunity to showcase not just a celebration of sheer power, but also technology. The production M4 GTS’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six will be fitted with a water-injection system, which cools down the intake temperature thus allowing a higher compression ratio or increased turbocharger boost for more power. The system also increases efficiency. BMW isn’t yet ready to quantify the benefits in terms of output, but they should be significant, as evidenced by our recent experience behind the wheel of a 1-series prototype thus equipped. The M4 GTS will be the first series-production application for a technology that we expect to see on several of the company's mainstream models down the road.

The Concept M4 GTS comes with 265/35R-19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires up front and 285/30R-20s at the rear. They are mounted on forged-aluminum wheels whose "666 M" designation is rife with symbolism. Aerodynamic enhancements include a carbon-fiber hood with a large vent, as well as a front splitter and rear wing that are both manually adjustable.

View Photos DAVEY G. JOHNSON, THE MANUFACTURER

The M4 GTS concept also is fitted with OLED taillights, which BMW M has said will be coming to a new model soon. The ultrathin lighting units assume a snakelike appearance, and they prove that BMW isn't just catching up on lighting technology, it’s striving to take a leadership role in the industry.

We expect to see the de-conceptualized M4 GTS on the road some time next year—probably early next summer. And yes, it will be offered in America. Expect to pay a hefty premium over the regular M4. Why give a preview so early? To steal some of the thunder from Mercedes-AMG's brawny C63 coupe, of course.

DAVEY G. JOHNSON, THE MANUFACTURER

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io