Battle of the Beasts: BMW M4 with 1000hp Takes on M1000RR in Thrilling Drag Race Showdown
When it comes to sheer automotive thrills, nothing quite beats the heart-pounding intensity of a drag race. And when the contenders are a heavily tuned BMW M4 Competition and a factory-upgraded BMW M1000RR motorcycle, expectations soar sky-high. I'm here to relay every pulse-quickening moment of this epic battle that unfolded under the meticulous overview of Car Wow's Matt Watson.
A Beast on Four Wheels
The BMW M4 in question isn't your regular factory model. This beast, having undergone a transformation by Evolve Automotive in Luton, emerges with a jaw-dropping 1000 horsepower and 1000 Nm of torque. Stock, the M4 xDrive boasts a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six, pumping out 510bhp and 650Nm of torque. But, after a massive £35,000 worth of upgrades, including forged internals, a revised exhaust manifold, and two huge hybrid turbos, this M4 kicks the standard performance figures to the curb.
Matching Beastliness on Two Wheels
Not to be underestimated, the BMW M1000RR motorcycle—a marvel in BMW's superbike lineup—comes prepared. Flaunting carbon fibre wheels and bodywork, this bike is powered to deliver 212 horsepower, all while weighing in at a mere 192 kilos. The M1000RR's aesthetic isn’t the only thing that's impressive; its rider, Chris Northover from Bike World TV, hints at its cold-weather disadvantage, yet remains confident in its prowess.
The Clash of Titans on a Cold Runway
A potentially icy runway lays the stage for this showdown, creating an additional layer of suspense. Matt, seated comfortably in the heated M4, and Chris, bracing the cold on his M1000RR, exchange friendly banter before delving into what promises to be an extraordinary test of speed and engineering. The M1000RR boasts of a 314km/h top speed, but will it be enough to overshadow the M4's brute force?
The Drag Race Unfolds
The first launch sees the M1000RR taking an early lead, but not without its hitches—the M4 faltered due to an unexpected need for manual gear shifts. Quick to adapt, Matt manages a flawless launch in the subsequent trial, leaving the M1000RR in the dust over the quarter-mile stretch. Despite initial disbelief, the race results were undeniable—a 9.9 second victory for the M4 compared to the M1000RR's 10.4 seconds.
Technical Challenges and Triumphs
As with any high-stakes race, technical difficulties were inevitable. The M4 faced a misfire issue, proving that performance-tweaked machines come with their share of unpredictability. Conversely, the M1000RR, despite being factory standard, couldn't escape technical murmurings of its own.
The Final Verdict
While both machines showed off their immense power and engineering prowess, it was the BMW M4 that dominated the drag race. This doesn't detract from the M1000RR's remarkable performance, but it underscores the incredible potential and thrill of automotive tuning.
This race was more than a mere spectacle of speed—it was a testament to the passion, skill, and technological marvel that define the realms of both automotive and motorcycle racing. No matter the outcome, both the M4 and the M1000RR showcased the exhilarating possibilities when man and machine work in perfect harmony.