The 2015 version of the BMW M4 MotoGP safety car has been revealed, bringing with it a boost in power over the standard M4 and hints of a possible Clubsport production model.
BMW has not revealed precise figures, but it says the six-cylinder engine's power output has been boosted thanks to a new and innovative water-injection cooling system.
The water-based cooling system supplements the standard cooling system and aims to regulate the temperature of the turbocharger at track speeds in order to enable the safety car to keep performing at higher speeds for longer. This also allows the M4 safety car to maintain its official fuel economy figure at the same 32.1mpg as the standard road-going version of the M4.
The water-based cooling system is located in the boot, with a five-litre tank, a water pump, sensors and valve delivering water to the injectors at a pressure of 10bar. BMW says the water tank will only need to be refilled every fifth tank of petrol, even if the car is being driven at high speed on motorways.
This system is not available on any car other than the M4 safety car for now, but BMW has said it will be used on an M-series model in the near future, following testing in the MotoGP car. This points to a possible Clubsport version of the M4.
This production car could take several visual cues from the MotoGP car, which features details such as a large carbonfibre rear spoiler, a carbonfibre front and rear splitter, M Performance side skirts and carbonfibre door mirror caps. The fire extinguisher and LED lights are not likely to make it to any production model, however, nor are the large 'M' decals on the side.
Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:
Add your comment