Thursday 13th May 2010

BMW M3 GTS Gets Green Light

Full specs, pics and video of new hardcore M3

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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.

 

 

 

[jet1987]

Pretty expensive!

[cpufreak]

is it not sold out already?

[Cassius81]

Seems a tad pricey, plus I can't help but think that the rear wing looks like the ones you usually see tacked on to chav'ed Rover 600s or mid-90s 320 BMWs. Liking the power improvements and lighter weight though.

Can I have those mods in a normal M3 without the drug dealer wheels please?

[soad]

jet1987 said:

Pretty expensive!

Aye, but I still wouldn't mind one...

[UncappedTag]

Wow this offers so much value.

[Staffy1984]

So it's more expensive than a GTR V-spec and still not as good, surely they could've shaved more than 70kg out of the standard car for nearly £60k?

I bet it's great to drive but compared to the competition where's the value for money?

[130R]

Even though I currently own a BMW, there is no way I would buy this over a GT3 RS. I don't believe this will be able to match the Porsche on a track.

[Zod]

I like it, but the weight reduction is very disappointing. The E46 CSL was something like 160kg lighter, had 17 extra bhp and cost about £18k extra.

[adycav]

Bloody hell, six posts in to an expensive German car thread and someone mentions the Nissan pissing GTR.

Is this some kind of record?

[Staffy1984]

adycav said:

Bloody hell, six posts in to an expensive German car thread and someone mentions the Nissan pissing GTR.

Is this some kind of record?

Sorry mate haven't been on the forum for a few months, guess it's a sore subject

Should've expected to get someones goat with that one hehe

[ScoobieWRX]

Lately it seems a number of high end vehicle manufacturers are coming out with factory tweaked racy versions of the normal flagship models for twice the price. Pity you don't get twice the performance.

I don't like Porsches or BMW's but i have to say, if this was less expensive i would certainly make an exception. The drive it seems to have out of corners and wide sweepers (unless it's all down to camera angles etc...) looks pretty amazing, and i just love the colour.

The fact it's kind of stripped out and has a small cage is a big appeal, i guess making it ready for all out track use, but just how much better is it than a std M3. Is it really twice the price better or do BMW just not care because there will always be buyers for this type of car at just about any price.

[adycav]

Staffy1984 said:

adycav said:

Bloody hell, six posts in to an expensive German car thread and someone mentions the Nissan pissing GTR.

Is this some kind of record?

Sorry mate haven't been on the forum for a few months, guess it's a sore subject

Should've expected to get someones goat with that one hehe

No worries, it's usually on the 911 threads!

[Stu R]

I can imagine that being a lot of fun actually, but it's crazy money when you consider the merits of the E46 M3 CSL when compared to the bog standard E46 M3.
I'm guessing they're a riot on track, and I'm sure they'll have no problem shifting them...and I love the E9x shape... but I couldn't drop £100k+ on one, least of all because I don't have £100k+ to blow on a car. If I wanted a car of that nature for some fast road and trackday hooning and did have that sort of budget, I'd be going straight to the Porsche dealership and getting myself a 997 GT3RS, which I'm fairly sure would make me a lot happier.

Still, can't blame them. I'd far rather see BMW churning out overpriced versions of their roadcars to flash their motorsport credentials than just constantly churning out bland looking cars for niche markets which they've created. If they can get away with both so be it.

[Staffy1984]

adycav said:

Staffy1984 said:

adycav said:

Bloody hell, six posts in to an expensive German car thread and someone mentions the Nissan pissing GTR.

Is this some kind of record?

Sorry mate haven't been on the forum for a few months, guess it's a sore subject

Should've expected to get someones goat with that one hehe

No worries, it's usually on the 911 threads!

I have to say though, after just watching the vid it looks and sounds fantastic and rapid as fook, especially when the arse starts to hang out

[RB Will]

You could pretty much do a home made version using an E36 M3 for £15k or less.

[BBS-LM]

I would rather save up the extra money and get the GT3 RS thanks. But it's great to see BMW put a car like this out there for the public, good for them.

Edited by BBS-LM on Thursday 13th May 12:07

[teen_cerbera]

OK, brand new E92 M3, CSL wheels, race prepped interior, more carbon fibre parts, get some perspex windows fitted and then a trip to G-Power Germany for some "tuning" would save an absolute fortune!

[E21_Ross]

BBS-LM said:

I would rather save up the extra money and get the GT3 RS thanks.

there is one big problem with that.....getting hold of one.

this is a lot of money for what seems like little improvements, but i'm guessing it's got suspension tweaks etc etc as well. for the price, it had better not be far off GT3 pace!! but, for those who can't get GT3's (try getting one from a dealer....they aren't exactly easy to come buy) then this might be another option.

[leon9191]

130R said:

Even though I currently own a BMW, there is no way I would buy this over a GT3 RS. I don't believe this will be able to match the Porsche on a track.

+1 they make exactly the same power as well at 444bhp but I bet the BM weighs more. Looks nice though.

[WCZ]

horrifically expensive for what it is, 30bhp increase seems a little st too.