Spyshots: BMW M4 GT4 Howls on the Nurburgring

It follows on the success of the E92 M3 GT4 and has already been announced by BMW, who says it will be ready for the 2018 racing season.

The latest spy photos and video from the Nurburgring show an M4 GTS wearing extra aero components. These include a larger fixed rear wing, a more prominent front spoiler, and lower side skirts.

Also new is the rear diffuser, which has a more complex shape and probably works in combination with underbody elements to increase downforce while still conforming to GT4 class regulations. All this stuff will make it about three times more expensive than a regular M4 and about as much as a Porsche 911 Turbo S with options.

This will be the fastest M4 you can buy, and it should retain the 3-liter twin-turbo engine. However, power might actually go down from the bonkers 500 PS (493-hp) achieved by the limited edition GTS model.

We believe the GT4 will preserve the carbon fiber hood and doors from the GT4. However, an FIA-spec race cage should be installed for safety's sake.

This isn't going to be the only BMW factory-prepped race car, as the Bavarians sell the M6 GT3 and well below that the M235i Racing. Parts like the pedal box, brakes, and seats for the M4 GT4 are the same as those in the M6 GT3. The M4 should fit right between them regarding price and performance.

There are already some other cool cars from Aston Martin, Porsche, and even Toyota in the GT4 series. When the M4 is ready in 2018, we hope somebody will organize a head-2-head with the Cayman GT4 Clubsport.