Section: //M3 GTS

EVO Tests the 3.0 CSL vs the new M3 GTS

Sections: //M3 GTS Dec 29th, 2011 No Comments

While this test actually was published earlier this year, up until now EVO hadn’t allowed it to pop-up on their site. So if you’re not an EVO subscriber (shameful) you can now read the full review by Chris Harris at EVO.co.uk. However be warned, Harris is not a huge fan of the GTS as compared with the Porsche GT3. Here’s a quick excerpt:

It is a very different machine to the base M3, or even the Competition Pack version. The geometry changes have wrought much more steering weight and feel, there’s less understeer and less ride comfort. The dampers and ride-height are adjustable too, so nothing is definitive. As presented, it lacks the suppleness of a GT3 RS, but is similar to the Porsche in that its overall road manners are so palatable that each glance in the rear-view mirror comes as a slight shock: it reminds you of the deleted rear seats and bolt-in roll-cage.

But the 3.0 CSL is another story.

Fifth Gear: BMW M3 GTS vs the Porsche GT3 RS

Sections: //M3 GTS, Video Jul 16th, 2011 2 Comments

First Vicky took it out solo. Now it’s up against Tiff in the venerable 911 GT3 RS.

BMW M to Expand & Innovate

Sections: //1M\\, //M3 GTS, //M3\\, //M5\\, //M6\\, //M\\, //X5 M\\, //X6 M\\, Rumor May 1st, 2011 5 Comments

Through various sources it’s become clear that M has plans to expand it’s line-up from the traditional 3-4 products. Crucial to this are the X5 and X6 M twins. With the Chinese, Russian and Brazilian markets showing dramatic appetite for big M cars, it’s clear that there’s a lot of market share to gain and profit to be hand. For instance China’s M sales grew 355% alone last year. That kind of number doesn’t go unnoticed in Munich.

Because of this M is likely looking to add another M SAV to the mix. However whether that’s an X3, the forthcoming X4 and even a hot version of the X1 is still up in the air. There’s even talk of a X1 iS has to help bridge the gap. But the future story of M is also about getting back to its basics and not forgetting about the enthusiasts that they’ve traditionally relied on.

Fifth Gear Tests the M3 GTS

Sections: //M3 GTS, Video Apr 10th, 2011 1 Comment

That other British automotive show is back this week with a quick run in the GTS. But it’s not Plato or Tiff behind the wheel but our favorite female British automotive TV presenter (and the only one?) Vicki. Click play and get ready for some opposite lock.

M3 GTS + the Nurburgring = Bliss

Sections: //M3 GTS, Video Mar 30th, 2011 4 Comments

Three GTS’ caught doing their thing at the ‘Ring. This is what Youtube was made for.

BMW M to Reveal New Concept in Tokyo

Sections: //M3 GTS, //M3\\ Mar 23rd, 2011 5 Comments

This spring BMW M will be doing more than unveiling M5 ‘Concept’ in Shanghai this April. Based on multiple sources BMW M will be showing something of an engineering concept. Based on Scott27′s own comment on BF, it would seem this car won’t see production. But his description of it is nothing less than mouth watering to aBMW enthusiast:

To support it’s return to the Tokyo autoshow later this year after BMW’s 2009 Hiatus. BMW M will showcase something outgoing. (Specifically M) will show the possibilities of how BMW M can progress in relation to full lightweight bodyshell and chassis using the ideas from the BMWi programme which will filter through to BMW’s core production models.

It is more of an “engineering and performance showcase” than a visual one. Similiar to the Concept 1er Tii @ Tokyo 2007.

Where is the Next CSL?

Sections: //1M\\, //M3 GTS, //M3\\, //M\\, Opinion Mar 21st, 2011 8 Comments

Some of us here have been pondering, where is the next CSL? Previous generations of ///M cars have had lightweight editions towards the end of the production run, and we have been waiting some time since the E46 CSL left, or in our case stateside never came.

Coupe Special Light was a way for the engineers to build something faster without really adding much to the car. The goal was to take things away, especially weight. This was accomplished through using lighter weight materials such as carbon fiber or removing unnecessary luxuries.

BMW Individual Fire Orange M3 in USA

Sections: //M3 GTS, //M3\\, Sales/Marketing Mar 9th, 2011 3 Comments

We all know that some of us are against metallic paint, especially metallic orange so what is one to do if you want a Fire Orange M3 Coupe’? For the first time in the US, there is just such a car. Will Shaw, the number one ///M salesman in the Western Region has obtained an Individual car in Fire Orange for his current dealership Nick Alexander in California. In the past Will has sold Laguna Seca Blue cars but this go around he wanted to build a GTS look alike from parts that are available to us stateside.

Starting with a nicely equipped Individually painted car, Nick had added M Performance parts to give the car a more sporty and menacing look. The Carbon Fiber deck spoiler and interior along with the black kidneys do just the trick. The car is now sporting the Black M Performance wheels (like on the GTS) and comes in at a total price of $82,387. While it is not cheap, it sure is a nice build and you definitely won’t be seeing another one during your daily commute.

Thanks Will for the tip!