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BMW's ferocious new M4 coupe (pictures)

The M4 carries BMW's new idea forward that two-door cars get even-numbered model names, but retains the high performance of its M3 roots.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
2015 BMW M4
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The high-performance version of BMW's new 4-series coupe goes by name M4.

2015 BMW M4
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BMW's line of M cars were originally created to reward its race drivers with special versions of its street-legal cars.

2015 BMW M4
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The M4 feature upgrades to engine, suspension, transmission, steering and stability-control systems.

2015 BMW M4
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The engine is a 3-liter inline six-cylinder with two turbochargers and direct injection, making 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

2015 BMW M4
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BMW uses a new electric power steering system, allowing different driving programs.

2015 BMW M4
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LED headlights are an option for the new M4.

2015 BMW M4
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BMW recently revamped its naming strategy, designating all its coupes with even model numbers.

2015 BMW M4
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18-inch wheels come standard, and ceramic brake rotors are optional.

2015 BMW M4
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These fender vents serve to flow air out of the wheel well.

2015 BMW M4
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A carbon-fiber roof lessens weight at the top.

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The M Dynamic Mode stability program lets the rear end of the M4 drift out in corners, but holds the car back from a full spin-out.

2015 BMW M4
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Sport seats include adjustable bolsters.

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BMW includes a number of features standard in the M4, such as navigation. However, a rear-view camera is optional.

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BMW retains its simple gauge design and employs a monochrome LCD in the center for trip and driver information.

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The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission offers impressive performance, allowing lightning-fast gear changes at the touch of a paddle.

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The iDrive controller incorporates a touchpad, which lets drivers trace letters and swipe across a map.

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The wide LCD sits up on the dashboard, showing a simple main menu screen.

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Performance gauges show M4 drivers live horsepower and torque output.

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The M4 includes two programmable M buttons for the car's many drive settings.

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Drivers can set the stability program, steering, throttle, transmission and the suspension, when the adaptive suspension option is present.

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BMW's navigation system shows richly detailed maps and includes very broad live traffic coverage.

2015 BMW M4
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HD radio comes standard.

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BMW's music library screen has always been too complicated for quick operation on the road.

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Digital audio sources include the car's onboard hard drive, Bluetooth streaming and a USB port for drives and iOS devices.

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BMW Connected Drive integrates smartphones, adding a number of useful apps to the car's electronics.

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