BMW reveals 2015 M4 convertible ahead of New York Auto Show debut
Just in time for some high-speed topless cruising, BMW has announced details on its all-new M4 convertible ahead of its world debut at the New York Auto Show.
The 2015 model is mechanically identical to BMW’s M3 sedan and M4 coupe and features a folding hardtop roof like the one on the more average 435i convertible we drove in February.
As with its sedan and coupe brethren, the M4 convertible has a new, high-revving, twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. With just 3.0-liters it pumps out 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
PHOTOS: BMW’s 2015 M4 convertible
The standard transmission will be a six-speed manual gearbox, which is good for a zero-60 mph run in 4.4 seconds. A seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual will be an option (probably $2,900), and drops the acceleration time down to 4.2 seconds, BMW said.
The previous M3 convertible (remember, BMW has switched coupes and convertibles to even model numbers) was no lightweight. So BMW leveraged what it learned from the innovative i3 and i8 cars that use carbon fiber construction.
Thus, the M4 uses carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the drive shaft and engine strut brace. Combined with the use of aluminum for the front fenders and hood, as well as elements of the chassis, BMW said it was able to trim the M4’s weight by around 90 pounds over the earlier car.
The folding hardtop on the M4 convertible will disappear in 20 seconds, according to its maker, and can be operated up to 11 mph.
Pricing hasn’t been announced for this drop-top M car. But based on the coupe’s starting price of around $65,000, expect this convertible to go for no less than $70,000-$75,000. The 2015 M4 convertible will arrive in showrooms this summer.
