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.

I’m surprised how pokey it feels today. The immediacy of the throttle adds to the impression of speed, but it has heaps of torque (215lb ft) and four gear ratios that might have been designed for cross-county adventures in 2011. Within a few miles, I’m smitten. Like anything old and unassisted, the car is only as good as your inputs, and you quickly focus your attentions on the areas where you can make the most difference – matching revs on each downshift and, moving up through the gearbox, hanging just a few extra mm of throttle to make the clutch re-engage smoothly. The shift exposes all that is wrong about modern, short-throw manual changes: there’s no obstruction, just a lever that requires shoulder movement and whose lengthy action reminds us that the longer the shift, the longer you have to enjoy the sensation.

A lot it mirrors our own review of the CSL from earlier this year. In fact it’s a review that I called my favorite moment of 2011 in our most recent BimmerCast.

You can read the entire EVO review here.

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

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.

Currently M is looking at two proposals for future sports cars with one being (according to sources) very limited. Our guess is that limited model would be a Z4M based on the GT3 race car. The other (and perhaps even more appealing) would be a car based on 1 and 3 Series architecture that would have a front mid-mounted or even pure mid-engined set-up that would be completely unique to M. As you might expect the car would slot agains the Porsche Boxster and Cayman in terms of size and performance. But even more interesting is that M is toying with the idea of an AWD system that our sources believe is similar to what is found on the Ferrari FF. What ever wheels are driven this would be the first M car without a standard ‘series’ equivalent since the original M1. Bold move for M but one that clearly signals that M is serious about building sports cars.

But what about the core products; the M3 and M5. The M5 is still a bit of a mystery to us as far as weight savings technologies but we do know the twin turbo V8 will have around 560 hp. However in our mind, it’s the M3 that stands the best chance at being in sync with the less is more philosophy. Going from a V8 to an twin turbo inline six and making liberal use of weight savings techniques, we expect the next generation M3 to deliver more power but weigh in no heavier than the current car. More specifically we expect a greater emphasis on weight savings techniques than any other mass produced M car to this point. How is M going to accomplish this?

Enter BMW i. BMW M won’t have blind eye to the other BMW sub-brand in the coming years. As with other parts of the BMW Group, M will slowly start sharing technology from Project i. In fact this has already taken place as the air curtains on the 1M show us. We expect BMWi’s expertise in Carbon Fiber design and construction to ultimately make their way to the next generation of M cars. Look for a Carbon Fiber concept M3 later this fall to signal some of this thinking.

With all this long-range planning going on behind the scenes the next six months will still be a busy for M. This June they’ll be officially showing off the BMW M3 GTS Sedan (name is TBA & no it’s not coming to the US) and following it up with the production version of the M5 at the IAA in Frankfurt. From there we’ll see the M6 and perhaps one more very special M3 next year.

Our man on the inside Herr26 helped with this report.

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.

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

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.

(The car) is an Engineering Concept that will show the possibilities of how BMW M can progress in relation to a full lightweight concept in bodyshell and chassis in the future. Normally it’s key principle is of course Motorsport, but it is about giving you an insight into future application within a road car.

The concept is to showcase BMW Innovation but as well as materials used in today’s M cars such as Aluminium , Magnesium , Thermo-Plastic and Carbon Fibre in key areas. It will also show these ideas in greater capacity and the technology from the BMWi programme which is why BMW has invested in it’s future. Mass volume production of CFRP will be able to filter through to BMW’s core product strategy.

It is more of an “Engineering , Material Technology and Performance showcase” than a visual one. It wont make production though as it is purely an idea lab.

We read this as an E92 M3 re-imagined with carbon fiber and a host of other technologies to create a lighter faster car without adding power. All are the principles M Boss Dr. Kay Segler told us were coming when we interviewed him earlier this year and last. It’s clearly different than Mercedes current AMG strategy and a tricky one to communicate to the general public. But that aside it’s still music to our ears.

What if anything does this tell us about the much rumors limited edition M3 that’s coming later this spring? The quick answer is nothing. But it’s another take on the much maligned high performance M3. As BMW insider Scott27 mentioned in a recent comment on BF (Herr26 here on BF) BMW M has had trouble understanding the market for a higher performance M3. We know that the CSL was a failure as far as initial sales. Yes it’s now revered but with cars sitting on dealers lots for months back in 2004 the CSL isn’t the template BMW followed for it’s next uber M3 the GTS. With the GTS BMW took a higher cost lower quantity approach that quickly sold-out (even while not offered in the US). So what’s next? While the concept described above won’t make production there will be a new limited edition M3 that will. Our guess it that we’ll see something that takes the best parts of the GTS while giving customers a package that doesn’t take away the luxuries they’ve come accustom to.

Look for news on both of these cars in the next few weeks.

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.

With carbon fiber being more mainstream than it was nearly a decade ago prices have come down a bit. If ///M was to create a CSL it would be more affordable than when the E46 came to market, which creates more of a business case for the US to actually see it on its roads.

Unlike the ///M3 GTS, a CSL would not be about added power/displacement or for competition. The CSL would be about being light on its feet, nimble, and creating more power by losing weight.

Have we already seen the next CSL in the 1M Moto GP Safety Cars? If you take off the light bars and remove the cage, it sounds strangely familiar to a CSL in design. The changes these 1Ms see sound all too familiar. These sound like changes to LOSE weight:

• Carbon fiber hood with extra ventilation
• Polycarbonate side and rear windows
• Lightweight titanium exhaust
• Rear wing similar to the M3 GTS
• Front Splitter
• Six piston racing brakes

You are probably wondering why ///M would even consider making a more limited version of an already limited car. To put it simply- Why not leverage what you have and use every last unit to A) Make a profit and B) cater to a different client base.

There is a market for limited run ///M3s (matte black is coming) so why not for the 1///M? Dr. Kay appears to have his fingers on the pulse of enthusiasts and the performance car market so while we won’t know for a while what the next CSL will be, we have a feeling we may already be looking at it.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

12►

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!

The sound. It’s worth a click.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

123►

Can’t get enough. Head over to our M3 GTS section.

We’re fresh off of an incredible weekend with BMW at Road America where we saw the RLR team take a decisive first place. But we’re also gearing up for BMWCCA’s Ofest this week and can’t help but think about the 1M and how it relates to it’s closest M rival – the E46 M3. Then our attention turns to the CSL vs the GTS ‘Ring times and which car is really better. As you can imagine Michael has an opinion and I try to talk him off the ledge. All this and more. Enjoy.

Subscribe | Download (21 MB MP3)

This month’s German publication Sport Auto has the time we’ve been waiting for. Yes the GTS has finally been timed on the ring by the magazine that is famous for measuring all cars on the famed 14 mile track. The time is the lowest ever recorded by a factory BMW: 7:48. However it’s only a scant 2 seconds faster than the 7 year old M3 CSL. And keep in mind the CSL cost substantially less than the $170k GTS.

But as our friend Axle points out, this time is a full 17 seconds faster than the standard E92 M3 on tires that aren’t as aggressive as the cup tires on the CSL.

Related:

BMW Times on the ‘Ring / BimmerFile

(Source M3post)

With the press introduction of the M3 GTS the fine folks at M have released a series of clips demonstrating the car’s abilities, a few sound bites from the GTS project manager and a look back at the last 25 years of the M3. However instead of making you wade through them all we’ve edited each together to create something of a cohesive video. Enjoy.

It may be vomit inducing, but the sound is worth the pain. Unfortunately the youtube user who uploaded these videos didn’t find it in their heart to allow the second video (the one featuring the 1M) to be embedded. So you’ll have to click here for all the turbo-charged fun.

BMW has released all the tasty specs on the fastest M3 of the all time. The GTS will with in at 3,366 lbs unladen. 0-100 kph comes up in 4.4 seconds. Top speed? That’s a cool 305 kph (190 mph).

+ M3 GTS Specifications / BMW AG PDF

You can watch the official videos of the GTS after the break…

One of our favorite public sources Scott26 has dropped the bomb that BMW may be considering a lighter and faster E92 M3 to coincide with the M3 GT2 race car. As you read on BF the car and the team has found some recent success and it would seem BMW is ready to capitalize on it. The info (posted on M3post.com) looks relatively sound based on our sources and would make sense. Now the question, will they bring it to the US? Here’s an excerpt:

Plans are in the running for another ltd edition to eclipse the current and sold out GTS , success in this race is one factor , but also continuing success in the ALMS and the Jeff Koons liviered M3 that will race this years 24hr Le Mans.

Already in planning in the design stages the conventional M3 body style remains although the rear arches are more massaged and wider leading into the side sills , The wheels use a Y-shape design in 5 spokes said to be much lighter than the competition spec wheels. At the front the usual M3 aerodynamics stay but a double lip spoiler protrudes from the front a few inches. The rear retains the carbon fibre adjustible spoiler from the GTS. This is where it gets interesting in eclipsing the GTS in weight reduction. The roof remains carbon Fibre , but the bonnet and rear deck lid now join them , The lightweight glass as found on the GTS remains. Power details are not known but the engineers have been working on getting more power from the V8 which will be matched to a DCT transmission. The car could also use the incoming M5′s KERS regenerative braking and boost function.

>As for the M3 GTS very bright Inka Orange , the design concept for this M3 is finished in Stealth Frozen matte black with matching wheels. And like the GTS expect another ltd edition and another premium.

+ Tribute To Success…. BMW M3 GTS-R

Let’s forget for a second that most of us can’t get to the ‘Ring. Then let’s pretend that the M3 GTS is not sold out and that we can all in fact just walk down the street and buy one with our imaginary bag of cash just sitting around the house. Now, lets imagine ourselves at the ‘Ring with said Inka Orange M3 and not another car in sight. That’s basically the scenario that Günter Schilling (M Division test driver) found himself in recently when he had a chance to take the fastest M3 ever out for a few shakedown laps on the Nürburgring.

No it’s not coming to the US but that doesn’t take anything away from today being a huge day for M. The GTS is being delivered to the soon to be lucky 500 owners starting this week and the M Division is doing a little bit of celebrating. Here’s the official release.

Official release: The history of BMW M3 motor sport has been enriched by a further fascinating chapter as the BMW M3 GTS celebrates its debut on the racetrack and on the road. In terms of performance and safety, the most powerful version of the high-performance BMW M3 Coupe featuring a 331 kW/450 bhp engine offers the ideal preconditions for use at club sport events, whilst at the same time being officially road-legal. The BMW M3 GTS is produced at the BMW M GmbH manufacturing facility. In addition to a larger and more powerful V8 engine, exclusive tuning of the 7-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic and modified suspension technology, the car, which is designed for club sport use, has also been specifically optimised with regard to aerodynamics and lightweight construction.

The supreme sporting potential of the BMW M3 GTS is underlined, inter alia, by a power-to-weight ratio that has been lowered to 3.4 kg per hp. Featuring a transmission and suspension configuration which has been optimised for the racetrack, the BMW M3 GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds. The car reaches the 1000 metre mark from a standstill in just 22.5 seconds. Top speed is 305 km/h.

“The BMW M3 is an icon and internationally synonymous with the highest level of dynamics,” explains Dr. Kay Segler, CEO of the BMW M GmbH. “Our aim was to develop a model variant that would prove its outstanding potential both on the road and at club sport racing events. The BMW M3 GTS is pure M feeling, embodying the brand values in a highly concentrated form.”  

Tradition and future: The BMW M3 in motor sports.

 For as long as two decades and four model generations, the BMW M3 has been the embodiment of spectacular motor sports successes. The number of victories and titles achieved in touring car sports has never been matched by any other model. With its precisely balanced overall concept, the latest BMW M3 also provides the ideal basis for outstanding performance on the racetrack. The BMW M3 GT2 is currently causing quite a stir at long-distance motor sports events. The BMW M3 is also playing a predominant role in preparing the brand’s comeback at the “German Touring Car Masters”. Parallel to this, BMW is currently setting new standards in the support of club motor sports. The many decades of experience in the development of racing cars and high-performance, road-going automobiles are reflected in the high performance potential of the BMW M3 GTS. High-revving V8 engine technology at its best: Larger displacement, higher performance and higher torque.

The power required for high performance in motor sports is delivered by an 8-cylinder engine featuring a high-revving concept. With its unparalleled enormous pulling force, which is constantly available over a very wide engine speed range, the V8 engine developed exclusively for the BMW M3 by the BMW M GmbH features refined performance characteristics that are closely oriented towards the requirements of motor sports. A version of this power unit with further increased displacement, power output and maximum torque was exclusively conceived for the BMW M3 GTS.

The increase in displacement from 3,999 to 4,361 cc is achieved by a cylinder stroke that has been extended from 75,2 to 82 mm. In the enlarged combustion chamber, a maximum power output of 331 kW/450 bhp (BMW M3: 309 kW/420 bhp) is delivered at 8,300 rpm. Maximum torque has been increased by 40 Nm to 440 Nm and is available at an engine speed of 3,750 rpm.

Characteristic constructional features derived from motor sports, which include, inter alia, the crankcase designed as a bedplate construction and made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy, individual throttles, knock sensors featuring ionic-current technology and a dynamically optimised wet-sump oil supply have been adopted from the original power unit. The lightweight sports exhaust system developed for the BMW M3 GTS with model-specific primary catalytic converters and titanium rear silencers ensure optimum exhaust flow. Transmission of power is effected by means of the M Dual Clutch Drivelogic gearbox developed for the BMW M3. This 7-speed transmission operates according to a principle also developed for motor sports and permits gear shifting without interruption of traction for extremely dynamic acceleration. Its gear shift characteristics have been exclusively tuned to the modified engine featured by the BMW M3 GTS.

High-performance suspension with adjustable racetrack set-up.

The car’s suspension technology also derived from motor racing is based on the front and rear axle construction featured by the BMW M3 Coupe. Contrary to that, the BMW M3 GTS features a rigid rear-axle support as well as a coilover suspension, the dampers of which are independently variable in the traction and compression travel. Moreover, camber on the front and rear axles and vehicle height are variable for motor racing purposes. The car is lowered by 16 mm at the front and 12 mm at the rear.

The high-performance brake system featured on the BMW M3 GTS has been designed as a fixed-calliper construction and comprises six pistons on each of the front wheels and four pistons on each rear wheel. Compared to the BMW M3, the brake discs are 18 mm larger in diameter at the front and 30 mm larger in diameter at the rear. Furthermore, steel-armoured hoses are used.

Specific tuning of the stability control function DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), including ABS and the M Dynamic Mode (MDM), make allowances for the increased dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Optimum transfer not only of acceleration torque but also of the brake torque is also guaranteed by mixed tyres on matt black, 19-inch M light alloy wheels featuring a Y-spoke design.

Aerodynamics: Optimised components with variable adjustment.

In order to optimise air stream and for on-demand adaptation of downforce characteristics, the BMW M3 GTS is fitted with motor racing-oriented front apron and rear wing elements. They offer the possibility to adapt the car’s aerodynamic characteristics according to the racetrack profile and other basic club motor sport requirements. The air duct elements in the front apron are also variable, as is the position of the rear wing. The tail assembly is based on the corresponding component featured by the BMW 320si in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

The BMW M3 GTS can be recognised from the outside by its bright orange single-coloured body. Additional model-specific features are the matt black exterior components such as the BMW kidney grille, roof trims and alloy wheels as well as the side gill elements made of dark anodised chrome. In addition to the standard CFRP roof on the BMW M3 and titanium rear silencers, an exceptionally light construction of the centre console and door panels, the use of polycarbonate side windows at the rear and a polycarbonate rear window, dispensing with seats in the rear compartment and acoustic insulation configured specifically for the vehicle all serve to guarantee weight optimisation. The unloaded weight of the BMW M3 GTS according to DIN is 1,530 kg including roll bar and M Dual Clutch Drivelogic transmission (BMW M3: 1,600 kg). Automatic climate control and audio system supplied as standard comfort features in the BMW M3 can be fitted if the customer desires.

The interior of the BMW M3 GTS reflects a predominant focus on optimum performance and the highest level of safety on the racetrack. The range of equipment includes thoroughbred racing bucket sets, carbon interior trims and an Alcantara® M steering wheel. Door and sidewall linings in the rear compartment are also made of Alcantara®. The BMW M3 GTS is equipped as standard with a roll bar fitted behind the B-pillars. Furthermore, the car body offers fastening points for six-point safety seat belts and an optional extension for the roll cage. The car is fitted with three-point automatic seatbelts for road use. Additionally supplied six-point safety seat belts for driver and front seat passenger and a fire extinguisher complete the range of equipment.

And now for no good reason (other than it’s awesome) we present you BMW’s latest range of upcoming cars at the Nurburgring. The photo above (courtesy of icedsoul photography) is our new favorite photo of the 1M in action. But there’s lots more:

• 2012 M5
• 2012 X3
• 2011 M3 GTS
• 2012 6 Series

And for more (including the new Bentley Muslane cornering like you wouldn’t believe) check out the full site.

Bonus points if you spot the next generation Porsche 911. It’s the best look we’ve seen of the car in fact. Oh and then there’s the new Boxster too.

(Thanks Dave)

via bimmertoday.de