Just a few months after the BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe made their public debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, it’s now the M4 convertible's turn to be unveiled, this time at the 2014 New York Auto Show.
Powered by the same M TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter in-line-six as its siblings, the M4 convertible has 425hp and 550Nm. Putting all that power down to the rear wheels is either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed M-DCT transmission. With the manual, the M4's 0-100kph sprint time is 4.4 seconds; with the dual-clutch, the time drops down to 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kph.
Thanks to extensive weight-saving measures, the all-new M4 convertible reportedly weights 60kg lighter than the car it's effectively replacing, the previous-generation M3 convertible. According to BMW, the key contributors to the car's lighter curb weight are its aluminum front fenders, hood and many of its chassis components. In addition, the M4 convertible also makes use of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic for its propeller shaft--making it 40% lighter than the steel equivalent used by its predecessor--and the strut brace in the engine compartment.
For its roof, the M4 convertible utilizes a three-piece system that can be stowed in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 20kph. In inclement weather, the roof can be raised at speeds of up to 15kph. Also, an innovative new loading aid raises the folded roof when it is stowed in the trunk, giving owners access to their belongings in just six seconds. In addition, the vehicle has a luggage capacity of 370L when the roof is closed and 220L when it is stowed.
The BMW M4 convertible is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
