Tradition and Future: The BMW M3 in Motor Sports

For as long as two decades and four model generations, the BMW M3 has been the embodiment of spectacular motor sports successes. The number of victories and titles achieved in touring car sports has never been matched by any other model. With its precisely balanced overall concept, the latest BMW M3 also provides the ideal basis for outstanding performance on the racetrack. The BMW M3 GT2 is currently causing quite a stir at long-distance motor sports events. The BMW M3 is also playing a predominant role in preparing the brand's comeback at the "German Touring Car Masters". Parallel to this, BMW is currently setting new standards in the support of club motor sports. The many decades of experience in the development of racing cars and high-performance, road-going automobiles are reflected in the high performance potential of the BMW M3 GTS.

High-Revving V8 Engine Technology At Its Best

The power required for high performance in motor sports is delivered by an 8-cylinder engine featuring a high-revving concept. With its unparalleled enormous pulling force, which is constantly available over a very wide engine speed range, the V8 engine developed exclusively for the BMW M3 by the BMW M GmbH features refined performance characteristics that are closely oriented towards the requirements of motor sports. A version of this power unit with further increased displacement, power output and maximum torque was exclusively conceived for the BMW M3 GTS.

The increase in displacement from 244 cu in to 266 cu in is achieved by a cylinder stroke that has been extended from 75,2 to 82 mm. In the enlarged combustion chamber, a maximum power output of 450 hp (BMW M3: 420 hp) is delivered at 8,300 rpm. Maximum torque has been increased by 30 lb-ft to 325 lb-ft and is available at an engine speed of 3,750 rpm.

Characteristic constructional features derived from motor sports, which include, inter alia, the crankcase designed as a bedplate construction and made of a special aluminum-silicon alloy, individual throttles, knock sensors featuring ionic-current technology and a dynamically optimized wet-sump oil supply have been adopted from the original power unit. The lightweight sports exhaust system developed for the BMW M3 GTS with model-specific primary catalytic converters and titanium rear silencers ensure optimum exhaust flow.

Transmission of power is effected by means of the M Dual Clutch Drivelogic gearbox developed for the BMW M3. This 7-speed transmission operates according to a principle also developed for motor sports and permits gear shifting without interruption of traction for extremely dynamic acceleration. Its gear shift characteristics have been exclusively tuned to the modified engine featured by the BMW M3 GTS.

High-Performance Suspension With Adjustable Racetrack Set-Up

The car's suspension technology also derived from motor racing is based on the front and rear axle construction featured by the BMW M3 Coupe. Contrary to that, the BMW M3 GTS features a rigid rear-axle support as well as a coilover suspension, the dampers of which are independently variable in the traction and compression travel. Moreover, camber on the front and rear axles and vehicle height are variable for motor racing purposes. The car is lowered by 16 mm at the front and 12 mm at the rear.

The high-performance brake system featured on the BMW M3 GTS has been designed as a fixed-caliper construction and comprises six pistons on each of the front wheels and four pistons on each rear wheel. Compared to the BMW M3, the brake discs are 18 mm larger in diameter at the front and 30 mm larger in diameter at the rear. Furthermore, steel-armored hoses are used.

Specific tuning of the stability control function DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), including ABS and the M Dynamic Mode (MDM), make allowances for the increased dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Optimum transfer not only of acceleration torque but also of the brake torque is also guaranteed by mixed tires on matt black, 19-inch M light alloy wheels featuring a Y-spoke design.

Aerodynamics

In order to optimize air stream and for on-demand adaptation of downforce characteristics, the BMW M3 GTS is fitted with motor racing-oriented front apron and rear wing elements. They offer the possibility to adapt the car's aerodynamic characteristics according to the racetrack profile and other basic club motor sport requirements. The air duct elements in the front apron are also variable, as is the position of the rear wing. The tail assembly is based on the corresponding component featured by the BMW 320si in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

The BMW M3 GTS can be recognized from the outside by its bright orange single-colored body. Additional model-specific features are 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 anodized chrome. In addition to the standard CFRP roof on the BMW M3 and titanium rear silencers, an exceptionally light construction of the centre console and door panels, the use of polycarbonate side windows at the rear and a polycarbonate rear window, dispensing with seats in the rear compartment and acoustic insulation configured specifically for the vehicle all serve to guarantee weight optimization. Automatic climate control and audio system supplied as standard comfort features in the BMW M3 can be fitted if the customer desires.

The interior of the BMW M3 GTS reflects a predominant focus on optimum performance and the highest level of safety on the racetrack. The range of equipment includes thoroughbred racing bucket sets, carbon interior trims and an Alcantara M steering wheel. Door and sidewall linings in the rear compartment are also made of Alcantara. The BMW M3 GTS is equipped as standard with a roll bar fitted behind the B-pillars. Furthermore, the car body offers fastening points for six-point safety seat belts and an optional extension for the roll cage. The car is fitted with three-point automatic seatbelts for road use. Additionally supplied six-point safety seat belts for driver and front seat passenger and a fire extinguisher complete the range of equipment.

BMW M3 GTS: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications