BMW has closely previewed the new M4 coupe with a new concept car. The BMW Concept M4 Coupe offers a thinly veiled look at a production version that will launch at the Detroit motor show in January. 

The concept, which will be unveiled at Pebble Beach this weekend, is billed only as a design study at present and, as such, gives no technical insight into the new M4. However, BMW sources have confirmed that the new M4 will return to straight-six petrol power, ditching the V8 of its M3 coupe predecessor.

As the 3-series coupe adopts the new 4-series name for its latest generation, so the M3 version adopts the M4 name. The M4 name will be used for the coupe and as-yet unseen cabriolet and Gran Coupe (four-door) versions of BMW’s new staple M car, with the M3 name remaining for the 3-series-based four-door saloon that will also be shown in Detroit. Continued..