The BMW M4 GTS often sparks debate. Some reviews suggest it’s overpriced and underperforms straight out of the box, leading to a misconception about its capabilities. However, to dismiss the M4gts based on initial impressions is to overlook its meticulously engineered design and the vast performance potential hidden within its adjustable components. The truth is, the m4gts isn’t just a showroom-ready track car; it’s a precision instrument demanding a nuanced approach to extract its full potential, much like a GT4 race car.
The Misconception of “Out-of-the-Box” Performance
Judging the m4gts as a typical “track-ready” car misses the point entirely. Imagine taking a GT4 race car straight off the transport trailer, leaving it at its transport ride height without any damping or alignment adjustments. It would undoubtedly underperform, lagging significantly behind optimized cars of similar specifications. The same principle applies to the m4gts. Its factory setup is a baseline, not the finished article. To truly unleash the beast, adjustments and fine-tuning are paramount.
Embracing the Setup Process: The Key to M4 GTS Track Domination
The beauty of the m4gts lies in its extensive adjustability. Multi-way suspension, alignment options, and other customizable parameters are not mere features; they are the keys to unlocking its track prowess. This process of dialing in the perfect setup for each track and condition is not for the casual driver expecting instant gratification. It requires patience, learning, and a willingness to experiment. While the intricacies of advanced suspension tuning might seem daunting, each small adjustment brings a deeper understanding and appreciation for the performance optimization engineered into the m4gts.
Even without expert-level knowledge, incremental progress is incredibly rewarding. The car is inherently fast and exhilarating, making the journey of optimization as enjoyable as the destination. Furthermore, there are readily available performance gains beyond the factory settings. For instance, adjusting the rear ride height lower than the blocking rings can significantly improve rear traction, often cited as the car’s only minor weakness.
Tire Choice and Beyond: Further Enhancements
Another area for optimization lies in tire selection. The factory-specified Star spec Cup 2 tires, while capable, are not the ultimate solution. Switching to generic spec Supercar 3R tires in stock sizes on the standard 666M wheels can yield lap time improvements of around one second, coupled with increased durability.
For those seeking to push the m4gts even further, upgrading to lighter wheels like FI-Rs and race-spec Hoosier tires opens up a new realm of performance. Combined with optimized ride height, alignment, and damper settings, these modifications could potentially bring lap times down to the 1:35 range, or even 1:34 on a perfect day at a typical track. This level of performance places the m4gts firmly in supercar territory, approaching the pace of production car records like the Viper ACR.
M4 GTS vs. GT3 and GT3 RS: A Performance Perspective
Drawing from track experiences with GT3 and RS models, it’s evident that a stock m4gts, when driven aggressively with sacrificial use of CCB brakes and Cup 2 tires and some damper adjustments, can rival the 991.1 GT3 in terms of lap times on technical circuits. With further enhancements like proper tires, camber plates, and comprehensive alignment and suspension optimization, the m4gts can bridge the gap between the 991.1 GT3 and the 991.1 GT3 RS in terms of pace.
While GT cars are undeniably sophisticated track machines, their straight-line speed advantage is often overstated in overall track performance. A tuned and track-prepped m4gts can closely match a 991.2 6MT GT3 in straight-line acceleration from 60 to 150 mph, highlighting the impressive capabilities of the m4gts when properly unleashed.
Conclusion: The M4 GTS – A Driver’s Track Weapon
In conclusion, the BMW m4gts is not merely a fast car off the showroom floor; it’s a highly adjustable and incredibly capable track machine that rewards driver skill and meticulous setup. By understanding its nuances and embracing the optimization process, owners can unlock a level of performance that rivals and even surpasses established benchmarks. The m4gts offers not just speed, but a deeply engaging and rewarding driving experience, making it a true weapon on any circuit.
