BMW M3 GTS celebrates its debut

The BMW M3 GTS is making its debut both on the racetrack and on the road. Although the vehicle produced at BMW M GmbH manufacturing facility is destined to be used at club sport events, it is also officially road-legal. The powerful version of the high-performance BMW M3 Coupe has received an even more powerful engine, an exclusive tuning of the 7-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, modified suspension technology and specifically optimised with regard to aerodynamics and lightweight construction.

The M3 GTS is powered by an 8-cylinder engine, especially developed by BMW M GmbH for the M3, which features a high-revving concept. It had its displacement increased from 3995 to 4,361 cc, thanks to a cylinder stroke that has been extended from 75,2 to 82 mm, and has a maximum power output of 450 bhp and maximum torque of 440 Nm, available at an engine speed of 3,750 rpm.

Thanks to this powerful engine the M3 GTS is able to reach a maximum speed of 305 km/h and accelerate from 0 up to 100 km/h in mere 4.4 seconds. The M3 GTS accomplishes the 1000 meter mark in 22.5 seconds.

“The BMW M3 is an icon and internationally synonymous with the highest level of dynamics,” explains Dr. Kay Segler, CEO of the BMW M GmbH. “Our aim was to develop a model variant that would prove its outstanding potential both on the road and at club sport racing events. The BMW M3 GTS is pure M feeling, embodying the brand values in a highly concentrated form.”

The power is transmitted to the wheels via the M Dual Clutch Drivelogic gearbox developed for the BMW M3. Created for motor sports this 7-speed transmission permits gear shifting without interruption of traction for extremely dynamic acceleration.

Another feature of the BMW M3 GTS is its suspension that has also derived from motor racing and based on the front and rear axle construction featured by the BMW M3 Coupe. In the new vehicle a rigid rear-axle support and a coilover suspension have been fitted. The M3 GTS also features variable camber on the front and rear axles and vehicle height for motoring race purposes. The car is lowered by 16 mm at the front and 12 mm at the rear.

In terms of breaking system the BMW M3 GTS has received a fixed-calliper construction which includes six pistons on each of the front wheels and four pistons on each rear wheel.

The BMW M3 GTS has been fitted with motor racing-oriented front apron and rear wing elements, which are destined to enhance and for on-demand adaptation of downforce characteristics. Thanks to them BMW M offers a way to adapt the car’s aerodynamic characteristics according to the racetrack profile and other basic club motor sport requirements.

Its orange single-coloured livery makes the BMW M3 GTS recognizable from the outside. Other model-specific features include the matt black exterior components such as the BMW kidney grille, roof trims and alloy wheels as well as the side gill elements made of dark anodised chrome.