BMW took their uber-M3 GTS to the Nurburgring recently to prove it’s worth. The results weren’t exactly amazing…
When BMW revealed their M3 GTS earlier this year, enthusiasts worldwide were salivating at the idea of a more hardcore, track focused version of the latest E92 M3. It looked even more purposeful than the old M3 CSL, and promised much with it’s roll cage and big rear wing. There are also 19″ black alloys, and a few more aerodynamic tweaks as well.
The main are of excitement though, was a new version of the M3′s V8 engine, which with 414bhp and a noise like a Messerschmitt at full attack is hard to beat. Well once again M-Division Gmbh have delivered the goods. Some were expecting a mildly tuned engine, but what you get in the GTS is a completely bespoke unit.
The old engine has been bored out to 4.4 liters (up from 4.0), which gives 444bhp and 325lb/ft of torque, which would be enough to markedly improve the performance when put through the standard 7-speed DCT dual clutch gearbox. But again the M3 has been tweaked some more by losing weight.
Despite the factory car having weight-saving pieces like the carbon fibre roof, BMW saw it fit to reduce body mass even further. After all, the GTS aims to beat the old M3 CSL’s Nürburgring lap time. Measures thus taken include employing light body-contoured seats, a new titanium rear silencer whose work can be heard on the video as well as the removal of air conditioning and the rear seat. Rollover protection mounts were bolted on from the B column while a fire extinguisher and a battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation ensure safety.
Suspension upgrades include the utilisation of yellow springs for the fully adjustable suspension while the rear axle support is said to be bolted in place. Most notable in previous spy materials was the big rear wing which generates high levels of downforce. It is adjustable as well as the front splitter for increased cornering precision and handling.
With all this, you would expect the car to be considerably quicker than the old M3 CSL around the fabled ‘Ring. Well, it is quicker, but only by 2 seconds. This has left many fans disappointed, as the GTS costs a huge €115,000. For this outlay you could have a new Porsche 997 GT3 RS Mk2, which is another few seconds faster again, and some say much more exclusive and suited to the job.
We say, save €80,000 and buy a second hand M3 CSL, then spend a few thousand getting some choice upgrades. You’ll be passing M3 GTS’s on the Nurburgring in no time…
What would you do? Buy the Porsche or M3 GTS? Or go out and buy the old CSL? Leave a comment below to let us know…
It look like the battle of the GT’s is about too start and the lineup is very stiff indeed!@£^&. GTR’s 911′s R8′s
Well having said all that you could save again and again and even again!!! And just buy a Nissan GTR that goes round the Nub in 7.30 to round thing up!!! But it nice to see that orange tango on the BMW M3 which has always been a great car in my books. But will the punters pay the extra cash to have it when there so many other beast you could have for the same deal which offer the same and even more!?
What do I think about the car.
The only thing here for me is that the spoiler on the boot lid is not to my liking and somehow just looks wrong. However we all know the important of working dynamic’s!!! Which is the real point for car like this.
But for me it not looking all that clever in that department for serious track work.
And those in the know will spot what’s not quit right about it or is questionable based on the press picture.
But I have no problem with the M3 as rule it alway been a great driving machine!!! But I am not sure I would spend on this version as there are other choice which win in every way given the price.
My Verdict:
A disappointing 6.5/10 overall.
If your a diehard BMW M3 fan you may like this car and all the hype. And why not it still a great car.
But based on the price and facts the competition are flexing I would need more reason to choose it personally.