Owner: Rob Batz | Photographer: influenti4l and photoMD
Debuted at the SEMA Show 2015, Rob’s widebody BMW M4 was definitely a show stopper especially by featuring the Varis Japan widebody and many precious JDM parts. The balance between the European built masterpiece paired with rare Japanese parts make this vehicle absolutely one of a kind.
Rob is no stranger to the modified car scene. He was born with his father’s influence in drag racing and has owned multiple vehicles including a F30 335i, R35 GT-R, and Evo X. With the opportunity to build this car to represent Bulletproof Automotive, he chose the best quality parts for his vehicle and the outcome is an absolute neck breaker.
Check out our interview with Rob below!
About Bulletproof Automotive
Bulletproof Automotive, LLC was established in 2000 and is an industry leader in the distribution of high end automotive tuning and customization products. Bulletproof has developed a following of millions of likeminded car enthusiasts who believe in quality, innovation and authenticity. Each year the company produces award winning vehicles to demonstrate the creativity, quality and innovation that speaks for Bulletproof’s ideals. That same DNA is regularly found within Bulletproof’s client’s cars, which are known for reaching the heights of the industry on the race track, the streets and the car shows of the world. Bulletproof Automotive is an international organization with sales routes worldwide and holding offices in Los Angeles and Bangkok.
1. General Information
Rob Batz
Honolulu, HI
Military / Marketing Consultant @ Bulletproof Automotive
F30 335i, CBA R35 GT-R, Evo X (this could be a very long list)
2. When did you first get into the car scene?
I was born into it. My father was a weekend ET bracket drag racer. I was turning wrenches on my first car before I was even old enough to apply for a driving permit
3. Why did you choose this particular year/model car? What inspired your build?
The opportunity to build a car to represent the company and some of our partners was presented to me. Coupled with moving back to the mainland United States soon so I wanted to pursue a track car build in preparation for my move to Georgia. So I sought out a 2016 M4.
The car and livery are truly inspired by the original 3.0CSL, with an obvious JDM twist. I wanted the car to be wide and wear the traditional /M colors, but yet be modern and show respect to the JDM BMW scene. Edwin Reyes, @yo_edo, nailed it on the livery!
4. How many years have you been building the car? What inspired it?
Total build time was just under 5 weeks.
5. What was the hardest obstacle you came across while building the car?
Time. The car was literally finished 1 day prior to being loaded for the trip to SEMA 2015. The team at Bulletproof Automotive worked around the clock to finish the car or it wouldn’t have made it.
6. We see more and more automotive enthusiasts choose either air ride or static… what made you decide to stick with air/coilovers?
Because Racecar…
7. What are your future plans for this car? Or new car?
At some point the car will undergo and engine and trans build as well as a turbo upgrade. I am patiently sitting back and watching the industry go through R&D since it is still a relatively new platform.
8. Awards/trophies?
None… YET…
9. Instagram shout outs
The team @bulletproofautomotive for their dedication to completing the car on time and working with partners to make sure that only the highest quality products went into the build. @varis_japan for their continued support on this project as well as past projects. @yo_edo for the livery that truly finished the cars appearance and made the image in my head a reality. And the rest of the contributors and sponsors, thank you all for the continued support!
Parts List
Engine
ArmyTrix TurboBack Exhaust
Gruppe-M Intake
ESS Tuning Software
Transmission
OEM DCT
Exterior
Varis/VRS Japan Complete Widebody (Carbon)
Varis/VRS Japan System 2 Hood (VSDC)
Varis/VRS Japan 1800mm Swanneck GT Wing
Willans Tow Strap
Interior
Recaro Japan RS-G Seats custom by Bulletproof Automotive
Bulletproof Automotive x Willans custom harnesses
M performance carbon DCT console, shifter, door handles
Rollbar by HG Motorsports
Custom rear seat delete by Bulletproof Automotive
Full custom Alcantara interior by Bulletproof Automotive
Wheels/brakes/suspension
20×10 / 20×12 Volk G25 (Mag Blue)
Toyo R888
Runduce Japan BBK
Aragosta 3way coilover with Aragosta AirCup assist
Prototype FallLine Motorsports rear camber/toe arms
High-Res Gallery
Videos
