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BMW reveals the new M3
GTS
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BMW
8th November, 2009
BMW M GmbH has revealed the BMW M3 GTS based on the BMW M3 Coupé. The M3 GTS
is largely hand-built by the most skilled craftsmen at BMW M GmbH as a
harmonised package of modifications, with production exclusively to the
customer’s personal order. Focused on motorsport, the modifications comprise
both the drivetrain, the suspension and the body of the car, as well as its
interior. European market launch of the BMW M3 GTS will be in spring 2010.
Offering this exclusive model for the genuine motorsport enthusiast, BMW
M GmbH is continuing a tradition introduced on former generations of the BMW
M3. Once again, the sports potential of the BMW M3 is being consistently
enhanced and upgraded to an even higher level, the customer benefiting from
the Company’s wide range of know-how in the development and production of
racing cars. Through its race-oriented modifications enhancing both
performance and safety, the BMW M3 GTS is ready to go in Clubsport events on
the track and comes with the option for homologation on the road. So that
the driver is able to make his way to the race track in the very same car he
will use for racing.
Consistent lightweight technology.
Consistent lightweight construction, adjustable aerodynamic units,
an increase in engine size and output on the V8 high-speed power unit and
suspension technology meeting all the requirements of motorsport – all this
gives the BMW M3 GTS a top position among high-performance cars built for
Clubsport racing. Unladen weight according to the DIN standard is less than
1,500 kg (3,300 lb), the lightweight body comes with special mounts for
six-point seat belts and a rollcage fitted behind the B-pillar.
 Through
its design and construction, the materials used and its special equipment,
the BMW M3 GTS is a lightweight performer all the way, offering a genuine
motorsport driving experience in every respect. In addition to the carbon
fibre roof already featured as standard on the BMW M3, weight is
consistently optimised by features such as silencers made of titanium, the
extra-light centre console and door linings, the omission of rear seats,
automatic air conditioning and an audio system, as well as sound insulation
tailored specifically to this very special model.
V8
high-speed power unit: derived from motorsport, optimised for motorsport.
The eight-cylinder power unit of the BMW M3 GTS enlarged in
size to 4.4 litres and boosted in output to some 450 hp boasts construction
principles and technical details carried over directly from motorsport. A
supreme surge of ongoing power throughout a wide range of engine speed
characterises the outstanding performance of the V8 with its high-speed
concept. The features typical of a motorsport engine include the crankcase
made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy and constructed in bedplate
design, individual throttle butterflies, anti-knock sensors with ion flow
technology, and, wet sump oil supply optimised for supreme driving dynamics.
Seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic with race-bred gearshift.
Power is transmitted in the BMW M3 GTS by the M double-clutch
gearbox with Drivelogic also available as an option on the regular
production model. This seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic gearbox follows a
principle also developed for motorsport, shifting gears without the
slightest interruption of engine power. The transmission was developed
specifically for a particularly powerful high-speed engine and offers ideal
qualities for truly dynamic acceleration at all times. The gearshift
characteristics on the seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic have been tailored
specifically to the modified power unit of the BMW M3 GTS and the driver is
able to shift gears both through the selector lever on the centre console
and through special M shift paddles on the steering wheel.
 High-performance
suspension with purpose-built brakes.
To convey the supreme
power of the engine to the road in equally supreme style even under the most
extreme conditions, the BMW M3 GTS comes with suspension technology likewise
derived from the highest realms of motorsport. While the suspension is based
on the front and rear axle of the BMW M3 Coupé, the rear axle subframe is
bolted firmly in position and the suspension features adjustment threads on
the dampers for individual variation of the inbound and rebound strokes.
The high-performance brake system of the BMW M3 GTS features fixed callipers
with six pistons up front and four pistons on the rear wheels. The
race-oriented set-up of DSC Dynamic Stability Control naturally considers
the supreme dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Different-sized tyres front
and rear running on 19-inch M light-alloy Competition rims in double-spoke
design ensure optimum transmission of acceleration and brake forces to the
road.
Aerodynamics: optimised components with variable
geometry.
To optimise the flow of air and adjust the car’s
downforce as required, the BMW M3 GTS comes with a race-oriented front air
dam and rear wing. This allows appropriate adjustment of the car’s
aerodynamic qualities in motorsport and for other purposes, tailored to the
specific profile of the respective track. The air guidance units on the
front air dam, for example, may be varied in their geometry, just like the
position of the rear wing based on the wing already featured on the BMW
320si raced in the WTCC World Touring Car Championship.
Exterior
features such as the BMW kidney grille and the gills at the side finished in
chrome on the regular BMW M3 come in special dark eloxy-plated chrome on the
BMW M3 GTS.
 Special
interior for supreme performance and safety.
The interior of
the BMW M3 GTS clearly reflects the focus on supreme performance and safety
on the race track. The interior features include classic bucket seats,
interior trim in carbon and an M steering wheel finished in alcantara. The
door and side panels at the rear also come in alcantara, while six-point
seat belts delivered with the car for subsequent use, a fire extinguisher
and preparation for an emergency-off switch in motorsport round off the wide
range of special features inside the car.
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