The BMW M3 has always been the benchmark German uber-coupe against
which all newcomers to the segment are tested. Well BMW has
just upped the ante a little bit more with this, the BMW M3
GTS.
Previous generation ultra M3's have usually been given the CSL
moniker - aside from the M3 GTR (E46) model. But for this generation
of M3 the company has decided to try out the GTS badge.
The prototype model of the M3 GTS was revealed wearing a shockingly
bright shade of orange which is reminiscent of the gaudy colors
Porsche sometimes assaults their GT3 and GT2 models with. This
is bold color is actually quite nicely complimented with a range
of matt black elements which fit the car very well indeed.
Up front is a large adjustable splitter
to help control the oncoming airflow and route it neatly through
the grille and beneath the car. At the rear an adjustable race-like
spoiler has been fitted
and given the same matt black treatment. Helping vent the exhaust
gases is a new titanium rear silencer which not only enhances
the sound of the V8, it also helps reduce weight.
Weight reduction - especially up high where it has the greatest
negative effect on handling - has been one of the overriding
aims of the engineers developing the M3 GTS. This has resulted
in the car being fitted with a carbon
fiber roof - just like the old CSLs. Insulation and sound
deadening has also been kept to a bare minimum and the rear
windows are made from Macrolon instead of glass. The air conditioning,
navigation unit, and entire rear seat have also been deleted
in order to reduce weight, and allow room for a roll cage.
The 19" wheels with 225/35 tires at the front and 285/30
at the rear almost completely fill the wheel arches. Hidden
behind these are uprated brakes which feature six-piston calipers
up front, and four-piston calipers at the rear. Peer even further
into the wheel arch and you'll spot the yellow springs with
a small M logo. These units are adjustable for both compression
and rebound.
Aside from the removal of some of the creature comforts the
interior of the M3 GTS also features new lightweight sports seats, 6-point harnesses, a fire extinguisher and a battery
master switch/emergency shutoff switch.
Powering the M3 GTS is a 4.4 litre V8 which offers up around
450 horsepower. A 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted
shift characteristics sends the power to the rear wheels.
Text © diseno-art.com 2009
Source: BMW M Power
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