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The 2021 BMW M4 Convertible Is Officially in the Testing Phase

Spy photographers recently snapped some pics of the 2021 BMW M4 Convertible prototype near Munich. Even the vehicle’s heavy camouflage couldn’t disguise the evolutionary design, which resembles cues from the Concept 4.

The main attraction of this prototype is its massive grille that looks like a giant peanut. Seriously, it’s absurdly large. Adrian van Hooydonk might say the comically big grille was a purposeful part of BMW’s continual evolution — but everyone is calling BS. We’re talking 24/7 grille, people. Soon there will be nothing else — only grille.

Of course, the M4 does have some pretty attractive features (however overshadowed they might be by ). Slender headlights and a bulky front bumper flank it. A high-performance system with blue calipers backs the lightweight brakes. The shots give us a good look at the body lines, fender flares, exhaust setup and lip spoiler. The back end is tame, but the four-pipe exhaust system suggests hidden power under the hood. Plus, you can’t take your eye off the rear spoiler, which features a third brake light.

Under the hood is a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine. It generates 473 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Or, if the Competition Package is more your style, you’ll enjoy 503 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.

The cabin’s interior will look a lot like the 3-Series. You can expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and a 10.25-inch infotainment system. The biggest challenge is the return of the retractable soft top. While the top will reduce weight, you’ll also notice more prominent blind spots.

The Debut of the BMW Concept 4

BMW unveiled the Concept 4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September of this year, which previews the next-generation 4-Series. The company describes the design as an interpretation of their commitment to the magic of coupe driving.

There’s been a lot of rumors surrounding the M3 and M4. BMW has yet to release details about the powertrain. However, you can expect four- and six-cylinder motors.

Reports suggest the cars will offer rear and all-wheel drive, though it’s not clear if this feature is available for the M4 Convertible. You’ll also be able to choose between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic.

Frank Van Meel, head of BMW M, claims the company will adopt a four-tier model strategy. Along with the M3 and M4 Standard and Competition guises, we’ll also see a CS and CSL version.

The Competition will offer more power than the standard version, while CS will showcase track focus and weight-saving measures. The CSL’s durable design is meant to replace old GTS models — complete with improved aerodynamics, stickier tires and less weight.

Grilles, Grilles, Grilles

Critics praise the vehicle for its low roof, sharp lines and rear deck. Honestly, the only judgments I’ve heard made about it relate to the grille. Based on spy photos and videos of the upcoming M3 and M4, the peanut-shaped feature is a definite possibility for the Concept 4.

Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s design chief, claims he knew the massive grille would draw backlash. Still, he’s hurt by the comments, saying the design was an attempt to turn the original kidney concept into a pair of lungs — meant to represent a horse.

Hooydonk suggests the car’s complaints come from different customer priorities around the world. The loudest criticisms hail from Europe, where drivers like sleek black designs and prefer to go unnoticed. The market, which is strongest in the U.S. and China, backs up this claim.

The Future of the 2021 BMW M4

Priced starting at $70,000, the M3 and M4 will keep facing strong competition from Audi, Lexus and Mercedes. We’ll have a better idea of what to expect from the 2021 BMW M4 when the M3 debuts next year.

BMW M3 to Sport Rear-Wheel-Drive

BThe CEO of Mercedes-AMG, Tobias Moers, recently announced his company would no longer consider RWD cars for Mercedes’ go-faster division. All performance vehicles from Affalterbach will have a 4Matic setup. While this may seem like a progressive choice, BMW’s Markus Flasch sees the subject differently.

As the Chairman of the Board of Management for BMW’s M division, Flasch has taken a distinctly separate approach to the issue than Moers. Flasch argues that rear-wheel drive is still relevant for some segments of the market, and the BMW M3 will sport the feature. His logic is relatively easy to follow.

An AWD layout is more suitable for medium and larger cars, which customers tend to drive throughout the entirety of the year. Smaller and cheaper M cars — like the M2, M3 and M4 — usually remain in an owner’s garage in inclement conditions. They’ll often take them out when the weather is good, less so when it’s not.

Because of this, Flasch is determined to keep RWD alive as he continues to pursue xDrive, and in doing so, remain faithful to the spirit of the M division. Though he won’t please everyone, Flasch believes he’ll satisfy most BMW enthusiasts. Regardless, he has other exciting developments in line for the coming decade.

Progress and Innovation

Beyond the BMW M3’s rear-wheel drive, Flasch has also announced plans for new CS models. They won’t necessarily take the form of a coupe, and you may even see that CS suffix attached to an SUV sometime in the far future. Of course, these comments strongly suggest that BMW may bring back the CSL.

Flasch didn’t provide any model names, but the M2 is the likeliest candidate to benefit from this treatment if the Coupe Sport Leichtbau makes a comeback. However Flasch chooses to proceed, BMW enthusiasts can feel secure knowing the company’s highly regarded performance division is in capable hands.

With Flasch behind the wheel, it’s safe to say that BMW is on the right track. His ambition for a hypercar in the M division is one of the prime examples of his innovative mindset. Though his predecessor, Frankus Van Meel, ruled out the possibility of a hypercar in 2017, Flasch is taking things in another direction.

In the past, BMW has shown a reluctance to broach the subject of supercars and hypercars. However, Flasch feels that a low-emissions supercar is feasible with help from BMW’s i division. He’s shown an interest in collaboration between the M and i divisions, and the product of their teamwork will likely turn heads.

Looking Toward the Future

Flasch has a clear vision for the future of BMW’s M division. In addition to the rear-wheel drive for the BMW M3, enthusiasts should remain on the lookout for more exciting developments in the months and years ahead. The potential release of a low-emissions supercar is only a taste of what’s to come.

As Flasch moves forward with his plans for BMW, it’s reasonable to speculate his division will see a significant transformation. As it evolves and takes shape, enthusiasts will likely view the changes as positive, if not well-intentioned.

The First Ever BMW M4 CS

BMW announced today at the 2017 Auto Shanghai the first ever BMW M4 CS, an exclusive special-edition model produced by BMW M GmbH. The BMW M4 CS lines-up between the BMW M4 Coupe with Competition Package and the uncompromisingly track-focused BMW M4 GTS. The 3.0-liter high-performance engine raises the output of the BMW M4 Coupe by 29 horsepower, to 454 hp. The state-of-the-art M TwinPower Turbo technology allows the BMW M4 CS to dip below the four-second mark for the 0 to 60 mph sprint, stopping the clock at 3.8 seconds (preliminary) while the standard M Driver’s Package raises the electronically limited top speed to 174 mph. With its two mono-scroll turbochargers, charge air cooler, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing, the inline 6-cylinder engine aims at higher echelons of performance and efficiency. More aggressively styled, the first ever BMW M4 CS continues the decades-long tradition of successful M special editions, which began in 1988 with the E30 BMW M3 Evolution. The first ever BMW M4 CS will be built at the BMW plant in Munich and will be available at U.S. dealerships in 2018 with pricing announced closer to market launch.

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