BMW BLOG

From the creators of Atlantis Blue BMW M3 and Dakar Yellow M3, here comes another interesting project: ESS supercharger kit on BMW M3 E92. IND-Distribution has already made a name for themselves in the BMW world of modding, but now they are taking the game a step further by installing one of the most powerful kits on the popular M3.

“E92 M3s have been done before. To present ESS’ supercharger kit on our client’s E92 M3, we knew we had to go different. This project car, in addition to seeing nearly as much time on the race track as on the street, will have an absolutely one-of-a-kind look that will surprise some, frustrate others, and reflect the sheer power the 600+ horsepower supercharged engine will provide.”

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And the answer is yes. The history of M cars is fascinating and sometimes older information are hard to come by, furthermore, some things are being lost in the past.

How many of you were aware of an E36 M3 Compact model? If you raised your hand, then this article might not relate to you, but we have to admit that this one has slipped through our knowledge of BMW history.

The 3.2-liter E36 M3 was first shown at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, but the North American-spec version did not appear until the 1996 New York International Auto Show. The E36 M3 3.2 was immediately produced in coupe and convertible forms, as well as a four-door sedan. Like the original 3.0-liter E36 M3, 3.2-liter models were equipped with two different powerplants, one for North America (S52) and a second for Europe and the rest of the world (S50 B32).

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Last summer, BMW unveiled an exclusive BMW M3 model, GTS, an uber sporty M that will launch this summer in Europe. Unfortunately for those of us in the United States, BMW confirmed several times that the M3 GTS will not be available, a statement that started a new flow of questions around the reasons behind this decision.

Today, BMW North America reached out to us and provided an interview with M Brand Manager, Larry Koch, who graciously took the time to explain the M3 GTS’ absence from U.S. market.

Today, BMW North America confirmed our suppositions: the 2011 M3 models will get an optional Competition Package, or short, ZCP. Here is the press release issued by BMW today:

The M3 Coupe, Sedan, and Convertible models become 2011 models this spring . BMW ups the ante on the M3 Coupe and Sedan by offering a new “Competition Package” for MY2011. The package (ZCP) further enhances the highly responsive chassis by installing a 10mm lower suspension and 19” wheels with greater offset for a wider track.

Combined with remapped Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems, the M3 with Competition Package is the best handling production M car ever built.

Not the actual package illustrated here

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According to the fellows at TopSpeed, BMW Motorsport division announced that every single BMW M3 GTS planned for this year has been already sold. First deliveries are scheduled to begin in Germany next May and the M3 GTS carries a sticker price of 115,000 euros (about $170k).

BMW has not revealed how many units are being produced this year, but we expect to be lower than any other M car, therefore, we’re not surprised at all by the “sold-out” news.

In a recent interview, Dr. Kay Segler, BMW M boss, said that he was surprised by the public’s positive reaction to the M3 GTS.

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For the past two days, several outlets posted some information regarding a potential Competition Package, ZCP, for the 2011 BMW M3. The rumors started a few weeks back when several European BMW dealerships reported seeing a new M3 package in their system, around the same time when the BMW X5 xDrive40d news broke as well.

We took a pass on the news looking for more solid information and earlier this week, we learned that the same mysterious ZCP code showed up in the order bank at U.S. based dealerships. We are probably days away from an official announcement on this, but in the mean time, Mark’s M, member of M3post reports that the first order of an M3 featuring the Competition Package.

BMW continues to keep a tight lid on these news, but here is what Mark had to share with the community:

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E9x BMW M3 – The Perfect Sports Car? Well, that’s what seems to be the general consensus amongst the Car and Driver’s editors, and certainly something we agree with now, as we have done in the past as well.

Before we will let you jump into their long-term drive report, allows us to start with their conclusion and work from there:

“Based on our experience, the current M3 is the world’s all-around best car for the money, although several staffers would have preferred to trade some of the coupe’s looks for the added practicality of the sedan.”

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There is no secret that the computer games industry is booming and it has been growing for years. From games like Grand Theft Auto to Gran Turismo, many automotive fans enjoy spending some time with a remote in their hands and in a front of a TV or monitor playing these games.

But where does BMW cars come in play? Well, Gran Turismo already has the M3, but what if you actually get to play those games from within a BMW vehicle?

Garage Studie put together one of the best Gran Turismo game rig we have ever seen. With The Ultimate Gaming Machine, Studie AG basically took the car and threw a large LCD right on the hood, so that every time you look out the windshield, you end up staring at a Gran Turismo 5: Prologue.

You play it right in the cabin using the car’s actual controls – steering wheel, clutch, pedals – to maneuver your vehicle in the game.
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