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Kyalami - BMW used the inaugural Festival of Motoring at Kyalami to debut its M4 GTS in South Africa.
BMW announced that of the 500 built globally, 23 would be made available locally.
The price? An eye-watering R2.2-million.
Weight-saving taken to the extreme
We were only allowed one lap around the newly-refurbished Kyalami race track in the 368kW racer, powered by a six-cylinder in-line turbo engine borrowed from the standard BMW M4. In GTS guise it has innovative water-injection technology to provide the 3.0-litre unit a substantial power boost.
The last stripped-out production M coupe seen in South Africa was the M3 CSL in 2003.
BMW has festooned the GTS with lightweight materials to keep it lean and mean at 1585kg. Some of its weight-saving, you don't get door-handles in the GTS, material door pull loops are offered instead.
Notable features? An adjustable rear wing and front splitter made from carbon fibre. The rubber needed is pretty serious: the wheels in star-spoke 666 M Styling are forged and polished, and come in Acid Orange. BMW have fitted Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres to the GTS (front: 265/35 R19, rear: 285/30 R20).
BMW says the GTS will gallop to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and has to be physically restrained at 305km/h.
Watch: Onboard BMW M4 GTS at Kyalami
