Car Throttle » BMW M3 GTS

BMW Dealer Customizes 1-Series to Produce M3 GTS-Lookalike

Tony — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 07:39:57 +0000

Remember the BMW M3 GTS? We sure do. The car was produced by BMW as a special, extreme M3. Unfortunately, it was available only in European markets, where it sold out quickly.

The 1-Series is about to get an M performance variant of its own pretty soon, but up until now more performance has had to come from customization.

Parkview BMW, a BMW dealer in Ontario, liked the M3 GTS so much that they decided to create their own mini-model based on the 1-Series.

The most noticeable similarity would have to be the same stunning Fire Orange paint that really set the M3 GTS apart. It is also paired with similar black alloy rims.

Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without other modifications as well and Parkview BMW is happy to oblige. The car gets a a complement of BMW Performance Parts, including an body kit, carbon fiber rear diffuser, mirror caps, spoilers and roof.

Inside, the carbon fiber accents continue, along with an Alcantara steering wheel, M gear shift knob and aluminum pedals.

As far as performance modifications to the engine, whether or not the dealer did that has not been made certain. We do know it certainly looks the part though. You can check out more over at 1-Series fan site 1Addicts.

New Pictures of BMW M3 GTS Released, Nurburgring Lap Time Clocked

Tony — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:01:00 +0000

If you had to pick one BMW that is the enduring favorite of car enthusiasts everywhere, it would most likely be the M3 – followed closely by the M5. The M3 is a perennial favorite, and it recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. BMW marked that occasion with another special edition model, the Frozen Gray.

However, if given the choice, we would definitely take the M3 GTS over the Frozen Gray. Unfortunately, we don’t have that choice – the M3 GTS wasn’t sold on our shores. The GTS is a hardcore racing model that takes the existing M3 and ups the performance ante even further.

That is evident in the car’s lap time around the ring, which at 7 minutes and 48 seconds, comes in at a full 17 seconds faster than the stock M3. However, while much faster than a stock M3, that figure is still down significantly on the times set by the Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 GT3. You can check out a video of the M3 GTS’s Nurburgring run here. Some of the new pictures released by BMW are shown below.

BMW Planning A Suped Up M3 GTS?

Tony — Tue, 18 May 2010 19:53:04 +0000

The BMW lineup is known as the “Ultimate Driving Machine” for the level of performance delivered by standard cars in the lineup.

While that might be changing a bit with cars like the X1 being added, for the most part it rings true. The BMW M3 takes that even further, by any measure an impressive performance vehicle.

BMW took the formula a step further with the orange, overseas market-only M3 GTS. Now comes speculation that BMW could be even going beyond that, with an M3 GTS-R.

If a power bump, upgraded suspension and braking system, aerodynamics tweaks and a dieting program for the sold-out M3 GTS wasn’t enough for you, more could be coming.

More as in more weight reductions and more power, as well as further changes to the bodywork – maybe even a production implementation of the Formula One KERS regenerative braking system. While orange is the signature color of the M3 GTS, the GTS-R would be in Stealth Frozen matte black.

This informationisn’t official, but is on good word from a source at BMW website M3Post. The poster says “it’s called saying goodbye (to the E92 M3) in spectacular fashion.” Indeed!

VIDEO: BMW M3 GTS Around the Nurburgring

Tony — Fri, 14 May 2010 05:11:41 +0000

Last year, BMW released the most high-performance, hardcore M3 ever – the GTS. Sadly, it is German-market only special edition. Being limited production and with a pricetag of around $145k we doubt many would be able to experience it.

That said, this year’s run of 25 units has already been sold. BMW says it was “Born on the Racetrack to Live on the Streets” – and we would be inclined after seeing this video below.

Take the powerful M3, more tuning and reduce weight from the 3704 pounds of the stock M3 to 3285 lbs and this is what you get. Check it out!

BMW M3 To Get Competition Pack?

Tony — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 03:05:49 +0000

BMW has been putting an emphasis on new performance lately, in addition to efforts to expand the lineup by going down market. In the past few years, the X5 and X6 M has been added, and rumor has it that a M performance model for the 1-Series is in the works as well.

BMW recently announced the M3 GTS, the highest performance M3 to date. Being German only and with no plans for it to be available in the United States, some increased performance for the M3 could be on the way.

(BMW M3 Sedan from the United Kingdom Pictured)

As if it really needs it! More performance = more $ though. Bimmerfile is the site with the scoop, saying to expect a similar competition package to the one that debuted in 2005 on the previous generation M3.

That means 19-inch wheels, larger brakes, an upgraded interior (Alcantara was used on the previous car) and a suspension lowered by 10 millimeters. No word on if any engine enhancements will come with the package, but it doesn’t seem likely.

Some of the parts developed for the M3 GTS are supposedly being used for the package, so we’re looking forward to seeing what makes it. Still hoping for that orange color….

VIDEO: BMW M3 GTS

Tony — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:03:40 +0000

On Thursday, BMW unleashed their high-performance M3 GTS. The GTS is a $170K, lightweight take on the M3. “Born on the Racetrack to Live on the Streets” is BMW’s tagline for the GTS. No new pictures have came out since Thursday, but something better has.

BMW has released not one, but two videos showing the car doing a bit of track time. The first was just a teaser. Unfortunately, the car isn’t slated to come to the United States. Oh BMW, you do tease! I’ve included new high-resolution versions of the previously released GTS images in addition to the videos. Enjoy!