Club sport events are enjoying increasing popularity across the world. These
events have traditionally been dominated by Porsche vehicles. Then, in 2009, BMW
decided to stop ignoring widespread customer demands for a base vehicle for use
in club sport events and unveiled the Project M3 GTS. Delivery of the limited
run of 150 units was scheduled for early 2010. However, it took until the end of
2010 for the first vehicles to reach customer hands, of which 3 found their way
immediately into the G-Power workshops.
Although the BMW M3 GTS differed
from the base M3 in virtually all parameters relevant to motorsport - adjustable
aerodynamic body components front and rear, 220 lbs (100 kg) less weight, a
modified suspension and brake setup - the power increase of 30 hp to 450 hp
turned out to be somewhat reserved. This is particularly so, when you consider
that the Porsche 911 GT3 RS with the same output has to move only 3020 lbs
(1,370 kg). Against this, the 3373 lbs (1,530 kg) of the BMW M3 GTS seems almost
flabby.
Luckily for all ambitious club sport drivers, G-Power is able to
resolve this shortcoming. With their more than 25-year experience in the BMW
sector, they are still the world's number one address when it comes to
supercharger systems for BMW vehicles in general and M models in particular.
A version of the renowned and globally proven G-Power M3 "Sporty Drive"
supercharger system, adapted specifically for the BMW M3 GTS raises the standard
output from 450 hp to 635 hp and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque. The high-revving
V8 power unit from M GmbH, with a 10% greater displacement of 4.4 l, has proven
itself as the ideal starting point for the forced induction technology practiced
by G-Power with ASA superchargers. These are used not only in the ALPINA B5S,
B6S and B7S models, but also in the ALPINA B6 GT3.
On the exhaust side, a
lightweight, all-titanium exhaust system made by G-Power delivers the necessary
reduction in exhaust back pressure. The exhaust, developed specifically to suit
the requirements of the SK II supercharger system, is equipped with 100 cpsi
metal catalytic converters. The engine control unit software, which controls the
setup for the V8, was also developed by G-Power for the BMW M3 GTS.
In
combination with the G-Power SK II "Sporty Drive" supercharger system, this kind
of high-revving V8 is nothing short of stunning. The "Sporty Drive" technology,
developed by G-Power for the G-Power supercharger systems retains the unique
performance characteristics of the M power unit. Compared with the
series-production version, the addition of a G-Power supercharger system
delivers further improved response to even the tiniest movement of the gas
pedal, plus absolutely no restrictions in its aggressive high revving under full
load and progressive power delivery right up to the rev limiter.
The
performance figures, too, are designed to drive fear into the hearts of the
competition. The G-Power M3 GTS with 635 hp completes the standard sprints from
0-60 mph and 0-124 mph in 4.1 seconds and 11.9 seconds. Top speed is 201 mph
(323 km/h). These figures have been clocked by the German car journal "sport
auto" during their latest test of the G-Power M3 GTS that will be published on
Friday May 20th.
Further modifications to the series-production
suspension and wheels of the BMW M3 GTS were not undertaken, as the standard
M-GmbH setup already guarantees perfect balance and race-ready handling. It was
only the shortage of power that was preventing faster lap times. With 635 hp,
the hunt for lap time records is now on, like the "sport auto" has proven with a
new fastest lap for BMW M3s on the Hockenheim circuit. It took the G-Power M3
GTS, equipped with MICHELIN standard street tires, just 1.11,8 min to complete
the lap.
The price for the 635 hp G-Power SK II supercharger system for
the BMW M3 GTS is 23,500 EUR / $33,400 (excl. tax) plus installation.