A HIGH performance supercar for both road and track is being unveiled in California this weekend by BMW.

Just 12 months on from the launch of the M4 Coupe, the prestige brand's MDivision is presenting the fiery BMW Concept M4 GTS.

It sees the performance offshoot, founded in 1972 as BMW Motorsport GmbH, returning to its roots.

It not only caused a sensation with its M1 racing car, but developed the first turbocharged engine to win the Formula One World Championship and was the force behind what remains the world's most successful touring car - the Group A BMW M3.

Frank van Meel, president of the M Division, said: "While the BMW M4 Coupe embodies the ideal combination of motor sport genes and unrestricted everyday usability, the BMW Concept M4 GTS previews an emotionally powerful and exclusive special model conceived with an eye for trailblazing technology and a keen focus on the race track.

"Despite its outstanding track ability, it is still fully road-legal. This is racing technology for the road in the truest sense."

The concept, which is being shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance weekend, showcases new technologies destined to make their series production debut in a new model to be unveiled at a later date.

As an example, the M4 GTS features the water injection system that has already provided a significant output and torque boost in the BMW M4 Moto GP Safety Car.

In addition, the concept has rear lights with OLED - organic light-emitting diode - technology that give the high performance model a whole new look after dark.