M3_Power 636 Report post Posted November 4, 2009 (edited) Available only in Orange Me likey Time to trade the CSL me thinks Anyone keen for a mint condition CSL? http://www.bmw.tv/com/article/BMW+M3+GTS.+...amp;channelID=2 https://www.m-power.com/_open/b/home.jsp?lang=en http://www.skiddmark.com/?p=4986 As we suggested in a recent post BMW will be releasing a limited edition version of the M3 ��" effectively a road going version of the M3 GT4 which now looks likely to be called the M3 GTS. Take a look at the video above which was released this afternoon on BMW’s YouTube channel. Based on the same 4 litre V8 as fitted to the regular M3, but with its capacity increased to 4.4 litres and power output exceeding 450 bhp, the GTS will have stunning performance. The GTS is supplied like the previous E46 M3 CSL with a stripped out cabin, minus radio, A/C and other fripperies but no doubt these can be specified as options if the customer chooses. The M3 GTS will also come with a roll-cage and fire extinguisher, so its ethos is very much in the same vein as Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS. The prototype is said to have already lapped the Nurburgring in under 7 minutes 40 seconds, and is some 100kg or so lighter than the E92 M3 on which it is based. No news yet as to whether it is fitted with KERS, or what kind of production volumes we can expect. UPDATE: The GTS will come fitted with 225/35 Pirelli Corsa tyres at the front and 285/30 at the rear fitted to 19″ wheels and for the first time on an M-car the M3 GTS comes fitted with fixed calipers ��" ably assisted by six pistons at the front and four at the rear. The chassis is fitted with a bespoke set of springs and dampers, adjustable in compression and rebound and developed with track days and club racing in mind. The M3 GTS is also fitted with an adjustable front splitter and rear wing, generating positive downforce and allowing precise adjustment to suit the conditions and track layout. BMW’s motorsport engineers looked closely at the weight saving measures from the E46 M3 CSL, but since many of these features were already included in the standard E92 M3 (such as the carbon reinforced plastic roof), they had to go one step further. Lightweight bucket seats were a must, but this time they removed the rear seats completely. Several new lightweight solutions have been used ��" the use of Macrolon for the car’s windows in the back, new insulation materials, the lack of air conditioning, navigation and radio and then to top it off the M3 GTS is fitted with a titanium rear exhaust. No mention has made of a carbon fibre air intake, which will come as a surprise given the character it brought to the M3 CSL, but perhaps the titanium exhaust brought the M3 GTS already perilously close to acceptable noise limits. All these measures when combined result in a weight of around 1490 kilograms ��" which although nearly 100kg lighter than the regular E92 M3 is still nearly 110kg heavier than its spiritual predecessor, the E46 M3 CSL. But the M3 CSL lacked those final track-oriented touches and in this regard the M3 GTS is a far more complete proposition. The interior has been prepared for installation of the 6-point seatbelt included for use on the track. There are also mounts for the roll-over protective structure bolted on from the B column. A fire extinguisher and battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation are also included and whilst they don’t make the car any lighter, they do make it much safer than its predecessor when driven to its full potential. The car is fitted with a 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics. But the engine is surely the highlight of this M3 GTS. Using a en engine exclusive for the GTS, the engine builders of BMW M have developed a power unit based on the M high-performance engine of the current BMW M3: with a capacity of 4.4 litres and an output of some 450 bhp. BMW have stated that their aim is to clearly beat the lap time of the legendary M3 CSL on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which was recorded back in 2003 at 7 minutes 50 seconds, so rumours of the 7 min 40 sec lap achieved by a recent development driver is bound to put a smile on the engineers faces. The BMW M3 GTS will be made-to-order and the price as shown in the pictures below is expected to be EUR 115,000.- for delivery in Germany, including 19% VAT. (approx. £100,000). First cars are are due to be supplied from May 2010 and will initially be supplied only for the German market, further countries will receive cars from summer 2010. Edited November 4, 2009 by M3_Power Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
|ncary 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2009 Jesus Mary and Joseph. Can't wait to pick up one of these in 10 years when they are the next E36 M3! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Braeden320 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2009 Hot,what a weapon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3_Power 636 Report post Posted November 4, 2009 Not only that ... Its power to weight is better than CSL, E92 M3, M5, M6, 996 GT3, 996 GT3RS, 997 GT3, and even the 997 GT3RS (none of which are over 300 bhp/tonne) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ari Gold Report post Posted November 5, 2009 (edited) Phoooaaaarr! also: http://www.plates.co.nz/search/?legend=M3GTS Edited November 5, 2009 by Ari Gold Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JiB 2 Report post Posted November 5, 2009 Oh wow. A gt3 rs.....but with fr and v8! Best thing ever! (So far, on paper at least) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apex 693 Report post Posted November 5, 2009 (edited) Holly f**king sh*t balls I have a new dream car. And owe Glenn an apology, they did use that spoiler, but it somehow works. Don’t think this will ever be a cheap car sorry Henry, they may sell as few in NZ but they will be collectable like the RS porches and M3 CSL’s. I wonder what other colours it will come in, hope they do a complete rip off Porsche GT3-RS Green Edited November 5, 2009 by Apex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apex 693 Report post Posted November 5, 2009 Obviously this doesn’t excite everyone but for those with petrol running through their veins here are some nice High Res shots for your desk top to keep you dreaming. Love how there is still rear arm rests. Its not often a new product from BMW comes along and excites like this, there is hope for the M-division before they go all Turbo and fancy gearbox yet. http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2011-m3_gts/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jamez 2147483647 Report post Posted November 5, 2009 siiick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cale 36 Report post Posted November 6, 2009 I really really lust after this car. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crazyarab 6 Report post Posted November 6, 2009 Awesome. Shame it's Orange else I would have ordered one today... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apex Effects 3 Report post Posted November 6, 2009 you even gear a helmet an race suit? wow thats choice. orange is mean too maybe fluro greeN? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites