G-Power unleashes a technical tour de force with its most recent creation -
the G-Power M3 Tornado RS with SK III "Sporty Drive" Supercharger System.
As demonstrated in G-Power's Supercharger Systems for the legendary BMW V10, the
full potential of high-revving BMW engines and G-Power superchargers can only be
achieved through significant modification of the base engine. Fortunately, the
V8 in the current BMW M3 (E9x) is essentially a "shortened" version of the BMW
V10 engine that G-Power modified to create its world-record setting, 800-hp
G-Power M5 Hurricane RR. Thus G-Power is able to leverage the proven forged
pistons from that engine and developed through G-Power's technology partner
MAHLE. These pistons are produced exclusively for G-Power using a strengthening
technology developed by MAHLE's Formula 1 division. The connecting rods also
received a birth-by-fire in the engine bays of the countless G-Power SK III
Supercharger Systems delivered worldwide in BMW M5s and M6s.
However, the SK III "Sporty Drive" Supercharger System for the M3 differs from
the M5/M6 Supercharger System with an additional highlight in the engine bay.
The follow-on system to that featured in the BMW M3 GTS includes a modified
crankshaft. This new crankshaft increases the displacement of SK III-equipped
M3s by 15%, from 4.0L to 4.6L.
The resulting modified V8 then meets the latest evolution of the world's
best-known components of G-Power M3 "Sporty Drive" Supercharger Systems. At its
heart is the flagship of the ASA Centrifugal Supercharger product line - the
powerful ASA T1-723. A maximum pressure of 0.5 bar can now be achieved and feeds
air to the BMW V8's individual throttle butterflies through the use of the
optional carbon fiber airbox. Weighing in at just 4 kg, the G-Power Carbon Fiber
Airbox is nearly 8 kg lighter than the standard cast-aluminum variant. A
tailor-made cooling system for the SK III Supercharger System increases the
capacity of the oil and water cooling circuits of the V8 engine to keep
temperatures in check.
When prepared with these options, the G-Power M3 Tornado RS produces a peak
output of 720 hp and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. That is enough to catapult
the G-Power M3 Tornado RS to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. From a standstill to
124 mph (200 km/h) it takes just 9.5 seconds. Power and drag reach equilibrium
at a maximum speed in excess of 205 mph (330 km/h).
RS Aerodynamics for the BMW M3
G-Power continues the trend toward lightweight construction initiated by the BMW
M3 GTS with its "RS"-labeled aerodynamics program. After all, weight reductions
improve performance and ensure greater driving pleasure. This G-Power "RS"
aerodynamic program, made completely of carbon fiber, not only reduces the
vehicle weight, but also increases the aerodynamic downforce. To be specific, it
offers a carbon front spoiler for more downforce with optional brake cooling
ducts for ventilation on the front axle, while a trunk lid, made entirely of
carbon fiber and including a 3-piece carbon rear spoiler, increases the
downforce on the rear axle.
The G-Power "RS" aerodynamic program is manufactured from an ultra-light and
extremely stable carbon fiber in a gas-tight autoclave. This production matches
the OEM standards of the automotive industry and guarantees a perfect fit and a
flawless surface structure.
The carbon fiber G-Power VENTURI hood also contributes to reduced weight. The
starting point for the development of the G-Power VENTURI was the technical
necessity to remove heat from the engine compartment of the uprated engines as
quickly as possible. Otherwise a loss of performance can happen, since the ECU
(electronic control unite) makes use of diagrams with reduced degrees of
ignition when a fixed temperature limit is reached, in order to safeguard the
engine.
The "DYNAMIC VENTING" Technology of the G-Power VENTURI hood vents the engine
compartment dynamically, allowing the otherwise untapped performance potential
to be achieved with no additional thermal stress. Performance enhancement can
not be supported more efficiently.
Suspension and Wheels
When it comes to suspension systems, the G-Power M3 Tornado RS is fitted with
the G-Power CLUBSPORT coil-over suspension and weight-optimized 20-inch G-Power
SILVERSTONE CLUBSPORT forged wheels. The tires are Michelin Super Sport tires in
the dimension 255/30 ZR20 on the front axle and 295/25 ZR20 for the rear axle to
keep the vehicle in contact with the road. Braking is done with the
G-Power-ceramic brakes on the front and rear axle, which provide low-weight and
reliable high-performance braking. "Fade" is therefore a foreign word for the
6-piston brake calipers in front which bite on 396 mm rotors and the 4-piston
calipers at the rear axle which clamp on 380 mm rotors.
Naturally, all of G-Power products showcased on the G-Power M3 Tornado RS are
also sold separately. The G-Power SK III supercharger system including engine
modification and displacement to 4.6L and complete exhaust system made of
titanium, is available for 42,000 EUR ($57,000) plus installation at G-Power in
Autenzell, Germany. The G-Power carbon front spoiler costs 2,160 EUR ($2,900)
and the carbon trunk lid with spoiler costs 3,960 EUR ($5,300). The G-Power
VENTURI bonnet for the BMW M3 costs 4,300 EUR ($5,800) plus installation. All
prices include value added tax (VAT).
