BMW has revealed that it has finally given the hardcore M3 GTS the go-ahead for production.
It won't be cheap though - the on-the-road price in Germany is an eye-watering 136,850 euros (around £116,500 - more than twice the cost of a standard UK M3).
Still, you do get quite a lot of low-volume bespoke tweakery for your money. The clever chaps at BMW M GmbH have increased the bespoke V8's stroke, massaging it out to 4361cc from the standard car's 3999cc. The result is power that's up 30bhp to 444bhp at 8300rpm and torque that jumps by 10 per cent to 325lb ft at 3750rpm.
The M division has also tuned the ABS, 'M' mode system, stability control and twin-clutch DCT 7-speed transmission specifically for the GTS.
Removing the electronic speed limiter on the M3 GTS allows a 190mph top speed, while the 0-62mph sprint is dealt with in 4.4secs - two tenths of a second quicker than the standard M3.
As well as the powerplant pump-up, BMW has also put the M3 on a diet, with a lighter centre console, polycarbonate side windows and the absence of rear seats all contributing to a weight reduction of 70kg over the standard M3.
"The BMW M3 is an icon and internationally synonymous with the highest level of dynamics," explains Dr. Kay Segler, boss of BMW's M division. "Our aim was to develop a model variant that would prove its outstanding potential both on the road and at club sport racing events. The BMW M3 GTS is pure M feeling, embodying the brand values in a highly concentrated form."
With its new GT2 M3 racer heading to Le Mans, and with a planned return to the DTM in 2012, BMW is keen to emphasise the motorsport credentials of the M3 GTS. Its rear wing is derived from the WTCC 320si's wing, while the adjustable front spoiler has obvious club motorsport applications.
Inside the motorsport focus continues, with a B-pillar-back roll cage, a fire extinguisher, bucket seats and six-point harnesses in addition to the standard three-point belts.
The visual cues of the GTS include unique orange paint, matt-black Y-spoke 19in alloys and matt-black kidney grille. The car goes on sale in Germany in July.