Probably one of the most outrageous creations to roll out of M GmbH is the all-new M3 GTS.
It is not a proper roadgoing M car, as was the E46 CSL, but it seems to be a helluva lot more raw and edgy. Essentially, this is as crazy as it gets when it comes to the M3. Its the priciest and most extreme model, with only 150 to be produced.
With an upgrade in power, bringing in a total of 444-horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque and an overall lighter vehicle brings this into Porsche territory. But its price seems to exceed the boundary. Granted, it is a lot more limited.
Did BMW miss an opportunity to knock down Porsche's door with the M3 GTS by not pricing it more competitively OR is its price justified?
**Take a look at Chris Harris' full write-up by clicking "Read Article"
What is it?
A very expensive M3. There’s no official number from BMW UK because the 10 cars due to land here won’t arrive until next year and the 20% VAT rate will then be in place. But we know it’ll be £100k plus. It’s more of a track car than the iconic E46 CSL. The half-cage is standard as are the Pirelli P-Zero Corsas. There’s no manual gearbox option and there will only be 150 built.
Technical highlights
The motor is now 362cc bigger, bringing an extra 30bhp and 30lb ft (outputs are now 444bhp and 325lb ft, the latter delivered earlier in the rev range than before). Perspex side and rear glass, no rear seats, lightweight door cards and a minimalist centre console save 75kg over the standard car. The gearbox is BMW’s seven-speed DCT (dual clutch transmission), which is engineered by Getrag.
What’s it like?
Around the Ascari track in Spain, fast, very fast. There were standard E92 M3 Competitions to drive for comparison purposes and the GT3, predictably, monsters them. It doesn’t feel its 1530kg in direction changes, which is testament to the chassis changes which include a solid mounted rear subframe and adjustable dampers. Straight-line speed is impressive, BMW claims 0-62mph in 4.4sec and 190mph flat out. The noise is naughty...
[Source: EVO Magazine]
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