M4 Coupe

Make
BMW
Segment
Coupe

We're all well aware of the monstrosity that is the new BMW M4's front grille. We covered this ugly mug extensively and even showed off some spy pics of this design catastrophe, but now we have received some distressing news that might send BMW racing fans into a tailspin: the 2022 BMW M4 GT3 factory race car will also be getting the massive grille.

The prototype race car that is set to replace the mighty M6 GT3 shares most of its design with the road car, and has been spotted sporting the gaping wound of a grille, but camouflaging has hidden the true extent of the damage.

In the pics, you can see the GT race car parked next to the new M4 prototype leading up to the MotoGP race in Austria this weekend. The differences between the road going car and the track monster are clear to see: the race car sports a set of bulging fender flares that according to GT3 rules need to cover the wide slick tires, and the rest of the bodywork features gulping air intakes and the obligatory rear wing for added down force. What is obvious is that the two cars share that unsightly grille. We can only comment on the exterior of the car, but you can be assured that the modifications to this car are more than skin deep.

At least the grille on the GT race car seems to be functional: you can clearly see a set of individual air intakes lurking behind the facade, and at the bottom of the grille is what looks to be a single cross member, replacing the multiple grille lines on the standard car. These cars generate a massive amount of heat, so perhaps the massive grille isn't a bad thing. We expect the M4 GT3 to use a modified version of the S58 twin-turbo straight-six engine which will power the upcoming BMW M3 and M4 cars. Transferring power to the rear wheels should be a sequential transmission. According to BMW, the M4 GT3 will be entered into "selected racing events" in 2021.