The BMW M3 already holds a spot among the most extreme sports cars on the road. It may not be exceptionally fast, but its driving dynamics are matched by few and on-track performance will impress anyone.
That didn’t stop BMW from introducing a new GTS edition that’s specifically designed for racing yet totally drivable on regular roads. It all starts under the hood where engineers fitted a larger yet lighter 4.4L V8 engine producing 450 horsepower.
The car tips the scales at around 1,490 kilos while the standard M3 weighs an additional 165 kilos.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. It’s roughly the same unit as the base M3, but with pinpoint tuning that allows even greater responsiveness.
Of course, power without control is useless, which is why the GTS edition benefits from upgraded suspension management featuring adaptive shocks and chassis. Ride height can be lowered by 16 millimetres up front and 12 millimetres in the back.
The brakes have also been upgraded to include six-piston front calipers. Furthermore, the M-tuned Dynamic Stability Control Plus (DSC+) and Dynamic Performance Control systems are still part of the package to ensure that electronic assist will step in when the time is right (both can be fully deactivated, though).
Last but not least are race-inspired Recaro sports seats and an exclusive orange paint colour, making this limited-edition model stand out even more.
Unfortunately for North American enthusiasts, the BMW M3 GTS will be sold in Europe only. For the time being, there is no indication whatsoever that the car will jump across the Atlantic.
That didn’t stop BMW from introducing a new GTS edition that’s specifically designed for racing yet totally drivable on regular roads. It all starts under the hood where engineers fitted a larger yet lighter 4.4L V8 engine producing 450 horsepower.
The car tips the scales at around 1,490 kilos while the standard M3 weighs an additional 165 kilos.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. It’s roughly the same unit as the base M3, but with pinpoint tuning that allows even greater responsiveness.
Of course, power without control is useless, which is why the GTS edition benefits from upgraded suspension management featuring adaptive shocks and chassis. Ride height can be lowered by 16 millimetres up front and 12 millimetres in the back.
The brakes have also been upgraded to include six-piston front calipers. Furthermore, the M-tuned Dynamic Stability Control Plus (DSC+) and Dynamic Performance Control systems are still part of the package to ensure that electronic assist will step in when the time is right (both can be fully deactivated, though).
Last but not least are race-inspired Recaro sports seats and an exclusive orange paint colour, making this limited-edition model stand out even more.
Unfortunately for North American enthusiasts, the BMW M3 GTS will be sold in Europe only. For the time being, there is no indication whatsoever that the car will jump across the Atlantic.
 |
| Photo: BMW |