Is the BMW M4 GTS just another track-focused car, or is it something more? Many reviews initially suggested it might be overpriced for its out-of-the-box performance. However, the true potential of the M4gts lies in its extensive adjustability. Like a finely tuned instrument, the M4GTS rewards drivers who understand how to dial in its complex systems, transforming it from a capable sports car into a track weapon that can rival supercars.
The Crucial Role of Setup: Beyond Showroom Specs
To truly appreciate the M4GTS, it’s essential to shift your perspective. Think of it less as a showroom-ready track car and more like a GT4 race car fresh off the transporter. A GT4 racer, delivered in transport configuration with baseline settings for ride height and damping, would be significantly slower than its optimized potential. It would underperform against competitors with similar power, weight, and tires simply because it hasn’t been properly set up. The same principle applies to the M4GTS.
The “problem” isn’t the car itself, but rather the common misconception of how to approach it. Testing an M4GTS as if it were designed to be at its peak straight from the showroom will inevitably lead to disappointing results. Its performance is unlocked through a meticulous process of adjustments tailored to each track and driving condition. This journey of optimization, while potentially daunting, is where the true magic of the M4GTS emerges.
Performance Gains Beyond Factory Settings
While the array of adjustments might seem overwhelming initially, even small, informed tweaks can yield noticeable improvements. For those willing to explore, the M4GTS offers readily accessible performance gains beyond its factory-imposed limitations. For instance, lowering the rear ride height beyond the factory blocking rings can enhance rear traction, addressing one of the car’s minor weaknesses.
Tire choice also plays a significant role. The factory-specified star-spec Cup 2 tires, while capable, represent another artificial constraint. Switching to generic-spec Supercar 3R tires in stock sizes, mounted on the standard 666M wheels, has been shown to improve lap times by approximately one second per lap, while also offering increased durability.
Approaching Supercar Territory on Track
With optimized ride height, alignment, and damper settings, combined with race-spec wheels and tires, the M4GTS can achieve impressive lap times. Imagine hitting the 1:35 range at a home track, or even dipping into the 1:34s on a cold day with favorable conditions. To put this into perspective, the Viper ACR, a production car record holder driven by the factory team, achieves lap times around 1:32. This places a properly setup M4GTS firmly within striking distance of serious supercar performance.
Experiences on track, driving both GT3 and RS models, further illuminate the M4GTS’s capabilities. In stock track specification, sacrificing CCB brakes and Cup 2 tires with minimal damper adjustments, the M4GTS can rival the 991.1 GT3 on a technical circuit – the performance difference is negligible. With further enhancements like proper tires, camber plates, and optimized alignment and suspension, the M4GTS slots neatly between the 991.1 GT3 and 991.1 RS in terms of track pace on demanding circuits.
While GT cars boast exceptional engineering, their straight-line speed is a significant factor in their overall performance. A notable comparison point is the near-identical straight-line speed between a .2 6MT GT3 and a tuned, track-prepped M4GTS down Sebring’s Ullman Straight, from approximately 60 to 150 mph. The stock GT3 might hold a slight edge, but the comparison underscores the M4GTS’s impressive power and potential.
The Sheer Enjoyment of the M4GTS
Beyond lap times and technical specifications, the M4GTS delivers an unparalleled driving experience. It’s not just about raw speed; it’s about the engaging process of optimization and the sheer fun of driving a car that responds so directly to adjustments. Even without pushing for ultimate lap times, the M4GTS is inherently fast and incredibly enjoyable. The journey of understanding and refining its setup is rewarding in itself, making every drive an exciting and engaging experience.
