A BMW M4 Hot Lap Changed my Perspective on Street Car Speed [VIDEO]

"LeadfootYT" (leadfootyt) 07/27/2014 at 09:49 • Filed to: Column, Car Porn, Onboard Lap, Hitting Redline

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The BMW M4 has been a staple of automotive Internet controversy since it's reveal in Phoenix Austin Yellow. Lately that controversy has surrounded its name and its sound (following the demise of the legendary S65 V8), but after I experienced and filmed the ride above at this year's Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, I realized how mind-blowing the M4 - and indeed any modern sports car - actually is.

If you get the chance to go attend PVGP, you'll find there one of the most impressive and diverse concours and race events one can attend in the northeastern USA. The variety is incredible, the quality is stunning, and the racing is, well, real; held on the streets around Schenley Park in the city, it's one of the few historic races on otherwise public roads. But a big part of my experience there this year was the M4.

And the experience I had with that car was not one of mechanical yearning, or a want for a different engine. It was instead one of intense appreciation for the work that goes into the engineering of thousands of carefully-built components designed to work in perfect harmony at full speed - and to continue to work in perfect harmony through dozens more hot laps, and then again on the return drive, and onward into years of use. It was a feeling of confidence in the M4 and its now-turbocharged engine, and most of all in the piloting skills of BMW Performance Driving School instructor Mike Renner.

The PVGP course is a brilliant, if shocking, place for a racing event. The course is tight, narrow, and unforgiving, with no runoff area to speak of and - at one point - a bridge over one of the city's numerous gorges. Yet as this course turned into a blur in Renner's excellent stewardship of the M4, reaching 120mph on the straight over the blind crest and sliding gracefully jut feet from spectators and drop-offs, I realized two things.

The first was that these cars are publicly available. Someone can and will walk into a BMW dealership and request this twin-turbocharged supercomputer of a car based on journalist reviews and pure lust (both admittedly worthy persuasions), and be handed the keys without truly experiencing its capabilities (for any potential owner, I would non-solicitingly recommend the BMW Performance Driving School, or at least a hot lap in one of these at an event). And that's a shame, because no road experience in speed and performance could ever compare to feeling the sturdiness of this car with a professional driver at the wheel.

The second realization was that other people will walk into a dealer lacking the same knowledge about this car's mind-blowing speed and grip capacity, and want to make it faster.

Like it or not, the M4 - and indeed almost any modern performance car - is not the same mechanical creation it was in even five years ago. While the S65 V8 of the E9x series was certainly advanced, it did have the benefit of displacement to aid it. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo in the M4 has no such luxury, and relies instead on being just one part of a finely-tuned creation to produce a confident, sturdy experience. For this reason, I have trouble imagining an M4 with a manual. But its also the first time I've realized that sometimes a car should remain stock.

I myself am a fan of classic vehicles, and have a vow of sorts not to drive anything built after 2005 for want of minimizing computerized involvement. I own three manual vehicles, one of which is an E24 BMW, and I enjoy making select alterations to my cars to create the mechanical driving experience I enjoy.

But the M4 cannot be treated with the same tuning abandon as sports cars of ten or fifteen years ago, at least outside of the professional realm. The car should be treated with respect to its capability, and most importantly to the harmony created in all its components. Sports car have changed, and its time we pause and appreciate that. The speed this car can achieve even on the bump-laden public roads of PVGP is something to be respected, and to claim that the car lacks something in performance is ridiculous.

The feeling of complete mechanical and electronic harmony may not be for everyone, but in no way is the M4s nature as a modern sports car a shortcoming. Rather, it's a testament to both the passage of time, and the eternal human quest for speed. We've reached a point where stock street cars manage to be mind-numbingly fast and consistent, and perhaps its best to take a moment not to think about improving the product, but to pause and appreciate exactly what performance street cars can do.

For more PVGP footage and articles, keep an eye on Hitting Redline's !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and the website !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . A full event overview video is coming in a few weeks.

E92M3 > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 10:40

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Well said! There ARE so many people who will immediately go get a tune, and drop it on $400 springs. But they will never experience it's stock potential at 100%, and that's really sad.

nostradimas > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 11:34

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You really do get it.

I keep saying that these days, the only impediment on the road is the driver behind the wheel. 28K gets you behind the wheel of a V6 mommy-mobile Accord that, on Pilot Super Sports, could probably give a Countach PTSD on any track in the world, all while having two booster seats in the back, modern HVAC, and returning 25 MPG.

That's why when I see overly critical reviews of cars these days, I just laugh. These (cars) things are brilliant, and we need to appreciate every one of them.

And yeah, the M4 is a spectacle to behold.

lonestranger > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 11:34

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How is it that I've never read one of your columns before?

Tom McParland > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 11:39

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This is an excellent post...my opinion of the M4 may be very different had I experienced it this way.

julienjj > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 11:46

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Life is too short to stay stock !

I don't get those that say that this car doesn't sound good however.

The only thing that annoy me is those weird "brappp" at throttle lift !!??? (what are they ?)

LeadfootYT > lonestranger 07/27/2014 at 11:57

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I used to write some for my website a couple years ago, but I couldn't draw too much from personal experience at the time. Now that I've been lucky enough to meet some pretty amazing people (in the BMW realm and elsewhere), I might start writing some more. Thanks for checking this one out!

LeadfootYT > julienjj 07/27/2014 at 12:00

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That's true haha, but I'll keep my modifications to the purely mechanical vehicles. And I suspect that has something to do with the waste gate opening or something. Not really sure. You could hear that sound from half the track away when the car was running.

MikeP3 > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 12:32

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And now for some counterpoint. Everything mass produced is a compromise, and often designed to the lowest common denominator: less skilled drivers, poorer roads, less-than-punctual maintenance, marginal fuel, etc. I agree that most mods are worse than stock, but there is always room to do something to a car to make it better for a specific driver's needs.

Edit: I re-read your article and just want to emphasize that you are making valid points. Magazines like Car and Driver tend to agree; they often question the cost and benefit of modifications when stock models do so well right out of the box.

Damasconian > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 12:50

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Great write-up, very well done.

Could you elaborate on your comment about the 6-MT? I understand the main point of all these parts working together, but why would a different transmission take away from that harmony? Was this comment based on track use alone? I would understand that aspect clearly.

cousintoast > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 13:13

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This was a great read. Really great.

Thank you!

LeadfootYT > Damasconian 07/27/2014 at 13:13

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That comment was inspired by the track experience, but I've also driven a number of modern, fast, manual vehicles myself, and found that with the amount of computerization between the throttle and clutch and the actual mechanics of the car is far too high to feel genuine. One notable example is the Audi S4 (and other Audis), a car which I've driven in both automatic and manual forms (which also has a feature I absolutely hate - push-button parking brakes. But that's another story). It feels more like a video game, in fact - you're still driving, and it sounds nice, but the cold, emotionless shifter and numb clutch just don't seem to reflect what the car is doing in real time - it still feels like it's shifting for you. I guess that's the main thing I was going after; if I'm going to exercise control over the car, I want to control the whole car, not just the time of the gear change. In an electronically-moderated vehicle, even shifting yourself feels like letting the computer do the work.

The only fast luxury vehicle I've driven with a manual that I've enjoyed is a CTS-V Wagon; I only drove it at slow speeds, but the clutch and shifter still felt connected, and you could feel little vibrations and movement in each (and the wheel as well) as the revs built. But even with that connection, it still felt modern and sturdy, and that was what was so impressive about that car.

Of course, it's unlikely I would consider a car like the S4 with either transmission - for any new car I could purchase, there's an older one in a higher class that could be had with a stick - and it's likely that the older vehicles would have even more connection between man and machine elsewhere, too.

VashVashVashVash > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 13:29

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That was a terrible video.

-Shots from the drivers perspective are good, but its best if they cover at least one entire corner, so you can see the precision involved.

-Shot of the car from outside as it passes a stationary camera are good, because it makes the car look pretty.

-Shots of random people awkwardly trying to stay still in a car while the driver has a very determined looking scowl on his face look terrible. Top gear makes them work because we feel some connection to the people we see, and also they are entertaining actors.

-Shots of the sky reflected off the windshield should have a one use per video limit under penalty of being forced to drink hot motor oil.

The soundtrack was great, so props there.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 13:31

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Easily the best post I've read on here all month. Hands-down 100% accurate.

At this point, the people who have been so critical of it up till now look somewhat silly.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > VashVashVashVash 07/27/2014 at 13:32

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I rather liked the video. Jesus, man, it's not a movie. Just a short clip of the car being driven. Where's your M4 video?

LeadfootYT > VashVashVashVash 07/27/2014 at 13:36

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I don't normally do basic ride along videos, but I had the footage and sound and figured I'd put something together. I find the one-angle stuff boring and tedious, so I prefer to use the multi-camera setup with multiple DSLRs rather than GoPros. But its the only "single-take" ride along clip I've put together - my normal stuff focuses more on camera work:

Do you have a portfolio of your work I could take a look at?

LeadfootYT > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment 07/27/2014 at 13:44

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Thanks! I admittedly don't normally focus on ride along videos. I don't really enjoy the "box ticking" style of filmmaking, where you just get a shot of this, a shot of that, and call it a day so when I do film cars driving, I try to focus more on using well-composed shots than ones that show the details of the lap. But I figured that I'd put this one together with the footage (and sound) I had.

Most of my stuff follows a more cinematic documentary style:

Always appreciate seeing people's responses. Shame they don't always get the intended purpose (or lack thereof, in the case of the M4 video, which was just made with extra raw clips haha).

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 13:46

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Well, I loved it so there's that haha. I think I've seen that 530i video before, and it's awesome. Gorgeous car, and great filming as well. Keep up the good work, this is the kind of thing I really appreciate seeing.

Futrell's Indenor XD2 needs a head gasket > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 13:55

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Perfect example of why I'm not a fan of paddle shifters at ~2:31: windshield wipers.

Detroit Velvet Smooth > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 14:02

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Car looks great from this angle

Bubblebutt > VashVashVashVash 07/27/2014 at 14:11

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Jesus just zip it nerd.

KlassicK > VashVashVashVash 07/27/2014 at 14:24

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I'd actually have to disagree with you and say that it seems as if they were really going for quality sound, but they landed just short.

And my god does that thing sound like a Mini Cooper.

VashVashVashVash > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 14:29

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That was beautiful!

KC-10Paul > julienjj 07/27/2014 at 14:42

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Sounds exactly like a DSG GTI with an aftermarket down pipe.

Triumph of the Will Clark > lonestranger 07/27/2014 at 14:42

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Seriously, this is absolutely fantastic stuff! I love the fact that he can appreciate the intent of modern cars while still holding onto a personal preference for less-computerized cars. It really helped to clarify my thinking.

KC-10Paul > Futrell's Indenor XD2 needs a head gasket 07/27/2014 at 14:46

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They should be mounted on the steering column and not on the wheel.

font9a > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 15:16

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If only BMW could make it sound like the Ghibli twin-turbo 6 cyl...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 15:19

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Perfect response to a negative comment (which, honestly, I agreed with a bit...).

This video is fantastic. Well done.

LeadfootYT > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/27/2014 at 15:21

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It's whatever. I spent all of 30 minutes on the M4 one haha.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 15:24

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Like you said, you had the footage, so it was worth sharing, if for the noises alone.

LeadfootYT > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 07/27/2014 at 15:25

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But thank you. The E12 one is what I mainly do for the website - I've only done the one lap video, although that apparently hasn't caught on much. I'm mainly hoping it'll get a bunch of YouTube hits and boost the daily views a bit (simple stuff tends to do that) so I can focus on the cinematic pieces.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 15:29

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Keep up the good work - looking forward to seeing more.

jeebus > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 15:33

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The car sounds like shit.

jeebus > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 15:37

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that e12 is sex. Needs euro bumpers though.

BryantGumbelLikeMalcomX > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 16:32

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An amazing read. Thank you so much for sharing. This makes my wait that much harder!

ThatbastardKurtis > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 16:35

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That e12 video was excellent, beautiful. On par with Petrolicious. In fact I thought it was a Petrolicious vid at first.

MM54 > Futrell's Indenor XD2 needs a head gasket 07/27/2014 at 16:44

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It was lightly raining on-and-off that day (Source: I was there. Saw the M4 making laps too, sounded good)

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Joe Boost > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 17:27

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glad to see a fellow jalopnik reader in the burg. I drive these roads everyday on my way to work and they are a marvel. The thing is the city is notoriously bad at fixing the many potholes we have.

P.S. I was the guy in the yellow Testarossa and White Diablo.

jiffylube > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 17:35

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Good points you bring up. I know so many people who buy a car, I'm thinking of all the WRX buyers I see, and immediately modify and tune it to make it go faster when the owner doesn't even have the talent of driving the car at 8/10ths in stock form. Put that money into driver education and track time first, who cares about the highway pull you did in a straight line against an old Mustang. I once got a ride with Tarzan Yamada around a track in a stock STi and it was amazing.

M4 is an impressive car, I hope it helps to bring down e90 M3 prices so I can possibly get one soon.

Damasconian > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 17:41

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I understand the broader point of what you are trying to say. But I watch the new Porsche Cayman GTS reviews coming in and all are praising the manual in this car. That's compared to the fabulous Porsche PDK, which is the best available auto for this class of automobiles.

Did you drive the DCT after trying the manual in the M4? I guess I'm trying to figure out if the manual in this specific car is the problem, or if your comments reflects the broader relationship between engine and transmission.

Disclosure: I have a M4 on order with manual. I am fascinated with the exact point you are trying to make, and strangely have seen it written more about this bmw than any other car, save the GTR.

newton > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 18:38

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I like your work.

BAC Tetra Sedan > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 18:39

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This is fast ride, not hot lap.

heeltoehero > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 19:53

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That lift throttle farting is obnoxious. Sounds like the way my buddy's 408 LS2 used to break up in 3rd gear under light throttle because of the hole in the tune. No thank you.

LeadfootYT > BAC Tetra Sedan 07/27/2014 at 20:27

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They advertised them as hot laps, so I called them hot laps. Whatever. If you can drive faster on a mostly-blind track you only visit once a year, complain all you want. Otherwise, I'm not really sure it matters.

Greg C > BAC Tetra Sedan 07/27/2014 at 20:32

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Did the hot lap last year with Mike in an M6. I often drive this course in my E36 vert, as I live in Pittsburgh. What Mike can do with a car is incredible. Glad you enjoyed the PVGP. As one of the many volunteers for the Allegheny Chapter of the BMWCCA it is our highlight event of the year.

mil405 > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 22:42

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I wish Mr. "Drove it 20 minutes at a 4" Tom McParland was with you.

http://carbuying.jalopnik.com/what-you-learn…

TheStraightSixKid > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 22:58

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Slow Clap!

red_barchetta > LeadfootYT 07/27/2014 at 23:36

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As a auto enthusiast who lives in the Steel City, going to the PVGP is a MUST. The variety of cars and the races there are amazing-tastic-car-orgasmic.

I was standing on the hill where the starting grid was, and seeing that Bimmer flying through that tight first right-hander really changed my perspective on speed as well.

DonKeybals > VashVashVashVash 07/28/2014 at 01:19

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Backseat film directing much? You are one of those cats that sit around chatting about mise en scene all day long, but your last project was a wedding video?

Joe Boost > Joe Boost 07/28/2014 at 03:13

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very well written btw man. Have me second guessing the eventual rs3 purchase.

Bond...Adrian Bond > VashVashVashVash 07/28/2014 at 07:09

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Thank you, Mr. Scorsese. But seriously, great commentary and all valid.

John Coctostan > VashVashVashVash 07/28/2014 at 08:02

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Seriously, less ticket inducing power, same soundtrack, and although FWD, it has a lever.

Two Italian ladies.

John Coctostan > John Coctostan 07/28/2014 at 08:04

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Mama!

John Coctostan > LeadfootYT 07/28/2014 at 08:08

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I have tried each and every one of those types of cars and just go back to glorious rowing.

VashVashVashVash > DonKeybals 07/28/2014 at 09:04

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Nope. I'm one of those cats that's really excited about the M4, but all I got to see was 4 strangers sitting awkwardly in a car. Seriously, I don't car about filmography, mine is a signal to noise complaint.

bsamsel > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment 07/28/2014 at 10:33

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lol

bsamsel > VashVashVashVash 07/28/2014 at 10:33

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ha such a critic, but good analysis!

BmacIL > nostradimas 07/28/2014 at 20:33

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Knowing that very example well myself, I can say it is true.

Vazfx > LeadfootYT 07/28/2014 at 21:29

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(dropped the mic and walked off) well done

nostradimas > BmacIL 07/28/2014 at 21:52

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The Countach or the Accord? (please say countach please say countach you're going to say accord but please say countach)

BmacIL > nostradimas 07/29/2014 at 16:33

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I wish Countach. Throwing those amazing tires on just about any car that's not a Camry or Corolla makes for a surprisingly capable machine.