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The new BMW M4 GT4 carries the factory-prepped race torch

Purchasing a factory-prepared race car is a relatively easy thing to do, if you have the means. A number of manufacturers, from Mazda to Porsche, sell cars that are race-ready straight out of the box. BMW, following on the success of the E92 generation M3 GT4, announced today that an M4 GT4 will be ready for the 2018 season. The GT4 spec is the lowest class of FIA GT racing. It's meant for amateur racers, and as such the regulations are quite strict. Every car must have at least one amateur driver, and the rules as to what constitutes as an amateur are very specific and clear. Aside from BMW, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Toyota all field cars in GT4 spec races. Like the M3 GT4, the new version of the M4 comes from the factory homologated to FIA GT4 spec. BMW says the M4 GT4 will use the standard coupe's 425 horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine, including the electronics – the outgoing M3 GT4 used the standard car's 420 hp, high-revving, 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8. The new car will also pull bits like a carbon fiber hood from the M4 GTS. Specific details like weights or fluid capacities haven't been revealed, nor has the transmission been confirmed. It's unclear if the M4 will be heavier than the smaller outgoing M3, which weighed slightly over 3,000 lbs. Expect things like built-in air jacks, a roll cage, lightweight seats, and other race-ready parts to carry over. The M4 GT4 will start testing at the end of 2016 in preparation for a 2018 debut. Customers with who can't wait can purchase one of BMW's other race-ready offerings. BMW currently sells the M6 GT3 and M235i Racing. Parts like the pedal box, brakes, and seats for the M4 GT4 are the same as those in the M6 GT3. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the current M3 GT4 sells for about $140,000. The car should go on sale late next year. Related Video: Motorsports BMW Racing Vehicles bmw m4

BMW i3 EV continues to shed camouflage

As BMW gets closer to introducing the production version of its plug-in i3, we keep seeing the hatchback being tested with lessening degrees of design-obscuring camouflage. Last we heard, BMW is expecting to have the i3 ready by the end of this year, and the swirly, blue camo does little to hide its basic design in these latest spy shots.
We get our first clear look at almost everything above the wavy beltline including the silver roof edges and matching mirror caps, and it can't hide the dip in the beltline behind the B-pillar - matching what we've already seen on the i3 Coupe Concept unveiled at the LA Auto Show last year. Another change we notice is the lower portion of camo removed from the front fascia allowing us to see the air opening and the black, vertical inserts leading up to the fog light bezels. Judging by the "Hybrid Test Vehicle" stickers on the side of this prototype, we can only assume that this is the optional range-extended model.

2015 BMW M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe are officially revealed [w/video]

The new 3.0-liter inline-six makes 425 turbocharged horsepower from 5500 rpm all the way up to 7300 rpm.
BMW has announced the 2015 M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe, high-performance versions of the new 3 Series and 4 Series that launched this year. The new Ms have stirred controversy in a variety of ways, but one must remember that the M cars traditionally don't follow a specific mold.