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2016 BMW M4 GTS: More power, less weight, ready for the track

BMW calls its new M4 GTS the "most agile, radical, and powerful M4 ever." It's got 493 horsepower, a slick new water injection system, a three-way adjustable coilover suspension, and a weight reduction of roughly 200 pounds compared to a stock M4. Only 700 will be built, with 300 allocated for the United States. And did we mention it looks absolutely killer? Let's talk about that water injection system for a moment, because it's the first time this technology is being used on [an intercooled - Ed.] production road car. Basically, water absorbs heat from surrounding air, so a fine mist is sprayed into the intake manifold where it evaporates, lowering the temperature of the intake air. BMW says this reduces final compression temperature, allowing the turbochargers to operate with increased boost pressure and better spark timing. The end result is increased output – 493 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque from the same twin-turbo, 3.0-liter straight-six as the standard M4. That's an increase of 68 hp and 36 lb-ft. But the GTS isn't just about increased power. In fact, the bigger story is its weight reduction. BMW incorporated the use of aluminum and carbon fiber throughout the M4's construction, and DIN curb weight is listed as 3,329 pounds. It's unclear if that's the exact US measurement, and BMW couldn't comment on that as of this writing, but compared to our 3,530-pound stock M4, that represents some 200 fewer pounds of heft. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used in the hood, making that part some 25 percent lighter than the stock piece. CFRP is also used for the driveshaft, making it 40-percent lighter than the standard setup. Even inside the car, the new center console is 30-percent lighter than what you'd find in a normal M4. The rear seats are gone, and we're sorry to say that the cool racing buckets pictured here won't be available in the US. Making this thing super capable at the track is a three-way M coilover suspension, combined with upgraded carbon ceramic brakes, set behind staggered wheels and tires. Up front, the GTS rides on 19-inch rollers wrapped in 265/35-series Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and out back, 20-inch wheels are fitted inside 285/30-series rubber. The only transmission available is the seven-speed, M DCT dual-clutch unit, and when all is said in done, BMW says the M4 GTS will run the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 28 seconds. Another cool feature: organic LED technology.

BMW recalling a grand total of three X3s over instrument panel defect

We've seen big recalls and we've seen small ones. Some involve millions of vehicles, and some - like the Infiniti Q50 recall on which we reported just the other day - involve just a couple dozen. But this has to be the smallest recall we've seen yet.
"Due to a production process error" in the BMW X3, states the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the notice below, "the team seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly." Big friggin' whoop, you say? Well, NHTSA points out that it could hinder the deployment of the airbag and send fractures flying everywhere.
The problem was discovered in a select few examples of the 2013 BMW X3 - both xDrive 28i and 35i models - manufactured in the later part of February this year. And by "select few," we literally mean a few - as in three. Three examples are being recalled. If you happen to be one of those three owners, expect to hear from your local dealership.

2016 BMW 650i Coupe Beauty-Roll

For those of you paying attention, we've really ramped up the old Autoblog video game these days. Our new series Car Club USA joins Translogic and The List, and there are more Daily Drivers and Short Cuts than ever. But sometimes, all you care about is the car. The Autoblog Beauty-Roll video series has one goal: bring you glossy videos of cars, and nothing but. We're collecting moving pictures of all the cars we test, inside and out. Each episode comes with a hit of engine sound – start-up and with a few revs – to round out the package. Set your resolution to max, kick it into full-screen, turn up the sound, and enjoy today's subject, the 2016 BMW 650i coupe. Oh, and if you'd like more Beauty-Roll, click here to see the back catalog.