Power is up by 30 bhp compared to the standard car, thanks to an increase in engine capacity from 4 litres to 4.4 litres. Coupled to a specially calibrated seven-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission gearbox, and with a bespoke exhaust system, the improved V8 gets the GTS from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds.
That sounds impressive, but it’s not much quicker than a normal M3 Coupe. That car will do the same sprint in 4.8 seconds, or 4.6 seconds when fitted with DCT. Any increase in top speed is harder to quantify because the M3 Coupe is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), whereas the unrestricted GTS is allowed to go on to 189 mph (305 km/h).
As always though, those raw performance figures don’t tell the whole story. The point of the GTS is to be quick on both the road and circuit, and that means it needs to handle supremely well. To help achieve that goal the suspension has been tweaked and the dampers, wheel camber angles and ride height are now all adjustable to enable an optimum set-up.
Lightness also helps handling, as well as braking and acceleration. Consequently the GTS has shed 70 kg, with weight-saving measures such as a modified centre console and side panels, polycarbonate rear side windows and rear screen, less sound proofing and no rear seats. Climate control and an audio system have been relegated to the options list.
The braking system has also been beefed up, with the discs 18 mm and 30 mm larger at the front and rear respectively. Braided steel hoses are used on the GTS.
Other preparations for the track include an adjustable rear wing and a prominent roll bar fitted behind the seats. Full six-point racing harnesses, a fire extinguisher and a roll cage extension can also be specified.
Available only in orange and costing €136,850 in Germany, the GTS will have its home market launch in July 2010. Right-hand drive production is expected to follow from January 2011.
The UK price has yet to be confirmed but, despite German VAT rates at 19% being higher than here (for now at least), it will almost certainly exceed six figures.
And that’s where the attraction of the M3 GTS rapidly starts to wane. Not only will it be around twice the price of a standard £53,275 M3 Coupe, it will also be competing directly against other track-orientated cars like the marginally faster Porsche 911 GT3 RS which costs £104,841, does 0-62 mph in 4.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 193 mph.
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