BMW has begun shakedown testing of its 2014 M4 coupe at its Nurburgring test facility, and we have the spy shots to prove it. The M4 nameplate reflects BMW's latest branding scheme, with coupe-variants of the new 3-Series set to
don the 4-Series badge.
Although still covered in heavy camouflage, there are plenty of design cues to identify this prototype as the 2014 M4. A close eye will notice the test car's wide fenders, big wheels wrapped in low-profile rubber, cross-drilled rotors and quad-exhaust outlets - all telltale signs of a BMW "M" vehicle.
Codenamed "F82," the 2014 M4 will be
powered by a turbocharged inline-six engine. The question remains, though, just how many turbos will be strapped to the straight-six. BMW could opt for a tri-turbo setup, which would employ two conventional turbos plus a small, electric turbo used to boost the engine in the low end of the rev range. At the very least, the M4 will arrive with two turbochargers.
Whatever the setup, the M4 will deliver at least 450 horsepower. Power will be shifted to the car's rear wheels via a dual-clutch automatic or a manual gearbox.
Look for the 2014 BMW M4 to launch sometime during the second half of 2013.
