GT2 S features carbon parts and 600hp
Spectators at this year's 24-hour race at the Nürburgring had the chance to see the first project from tuner G-POWER's new Motorsport Division. The M3 GT2 S is aimed specifically at customers looking for a vehicle along the lines of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, but who have thus far been unable to find one in the BMW product line-up, the company says - namely thoroughbred racing technology combined with exceptional performance in a car that is fully road legal.
There are two models on offer, the G-POWER M3 TORNADO CS, and the even more hardcore G-POWER M3 GT2 S.
Tornado (right) is less extreme
Both vehicles rely on the SK II CS supercharger system, with high-performance ASA T1-522 radial compressor, which also runs in a similar format in the ALPINA B6 GT3 race car. A dual-flow carbon air intake, a substantial cast aluminium charge air cooler and a cast aluminium airbox help add up to maximum boost pressure of 0.5bar, and a resulting output of 600hp and 428lb ft. In order that the increased output remains weight neutral, G-POWER uses a titanium exhaust system.
The German tuners have also got to work on the flab, and the GT2 S has a full carbon body kit in which the front skirt, all four wings and the rear skirt are all replaced by ultra-lightweight carbon elements. A carbon front lip and the multi-part carbon rear spoiler also improve aerodynamic downforce. On the M3 TORNADO CS, you'll have to make do with a carbon spoiler lip and rear diffuser.
The blower kit alone is €11k
New forged Silverstone Clubsport alloy rims measuring 9X20ins and 10.5X20ins for the TORNADO CS, and 3-part Silverstone RS forged wheels measuring 9X20 and 11.5X20ins on the GT2 S significantly reduce unsprung mass, thus delivering better acceleration and greater cornering agility, they say.. The TORNADO CS gets 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, while the GT2 S is fitted with Pilot Sport Cup sports rubber measuring 245/30 R 20 and 315/25 R 20.
G-POWER says its 'Clubsport' suspension package optimises the BMW M3's road manners and features coilover suspension that is independently adjustable for both compression and rebound, a stabiliser kit for the front and rear axles, and support bearings that enable correction of camber or caster.
On the inside you get carbon racing buckets that are 12 kg lighter than their standard counterparts, while the M3 GT2 S goes a stage further and loses its rear bench. Overall, G-POWER says its weight loss program for the M3 GT2 S adds up to around 150kg, bringing the dry weight down to less than 1,500kg. They claim the GT2 S handles the dash from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds while the M3 TORNADO CS takes 4.3secs. The top speed for both vehicles is limited by transmission ratios. With the 6-speed manual it stands at more than 198mph and with the 7-speed DCT at more than 205mph.
If you want to play, G-POWER will sell you the supercharger kit from approximately €11k, while a complete M3 GT2 S will set you back €140k.