BMW M3 GTS

BMW’s M3 is brilliant, we all know that although some may not like to acknowledge it, you do after all have to drive like idiot to own one. Nevertheless, the CSL variant has been hotly anticipated because it takes an impressive machine and improves it with more power, and less weight.

This time round however the CSL is called the M3 GTS, which makes no sense to me, why build up the CSL brand and then not tell anyone you’ve made another one. Regardless, the new GTS is based on the coupe and is definitely slanted towards being a track-day special M3.

To prove that this is a race focussed M3, BMW has added a variety of features that will ensure a quicker lap time. The crankcase is constructed from a special aluminum-silicon alloy and made in a bedplate design, there are anti-knock sensors with ion flow technology thrown in there along with individual throttle butterflies and to top it off there is a wet sump oil supply. Now I understand almost none of that, as will I suspect most M3 drivers, but that won’t stop them from memorising the whole lot (and there’s more that I haven’t mentioned!) so they can tell you all about it.

What I do understand is that the 4.4 litre V8 which replaces the 4.0 litre V8 of the stock M3 churns out 331kW/450hp, which when combined with around 155kg weight saving over the stock M3, makes the GTS goes faster, simle as that. The carbon fibre roof is obviously there to help with the weight issue, as well as all the usual slimming tactics. The air-con and sound system are gone, along with racing seats and plenty of carbon fibre adorning the cockpit all makes the GTS lighter. All this raw performance will be shoved through the 7 speed M double-clutch gearbox, which will apparently allow for shifts without the slightest interruption of power.

It really does sound like the M3 GTS means business, every aspect of the car seems to have been tweaked, from the suspension to the brakes and even the aerodynamics have been given the CSL, sorry GTS treatment.

BMW M3 GTS