Coinciding with the BMW M award prize giving to this year’s Best Qualifier, Rossi was also treated with a few laps around the Ricardo Tormo circuit in the new M3 GTS.

In an interview for MotoGP, Ross says “It was amazing in the GTS, just amazing. It was great, especially under braking with the light weight that it has”.

M3 GTS is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 based on the 4.0-liter engine found in the standard M3. Maximum power is 450 horsepower, 36 ponies more than than the regular model, and the transmission is the 7-speed M dual clutch transmission (M-DCT) with adapted shift characteristics. M3 GTS weights 1490 kg (3285 lbs), 419 lbs less than the stock M3 coupe’s 3704-lb curb weight.

Impressed with the potential of the M3 GTS, Rossi insisted on swapping his BMW M Award prize for the new M3 super sporty car. BMW agreed to have Rossi as one of the first customers of this new model.

Lucky guy…..

[Source: MotoGP ]

The GTR was made in such limited numbers that only five are believed to be in existence. The GTR was also the first factory V8 powered M3. It had a a 4.0L V8 producing roughly 380hp DIN and 288lb-ft of torque (DIN is the modern German standard for horsepower ratings. It can be seen as DIN or PS. It also is measured in Metric Horsepower, instead of the American way of Mechanical Horsepower. DIN hp is measured at the output shaft.), or roughly 374hp in our standard. All this was to power an amazingly light car of only 2,976lbs.

The only reason that the GTR was made was to go along with the Le Mans rules stating that any vehicle raced must be produced in certain numbers for a certain length of time before the racing car starts its season. Since the Le Mans M3 GTR was a V8, the road car had to be, as well.

There was one big problem, though…

Porsche complained once BMW started beating them in their second season. In 2002 BMW won 6 of 8 races in the GT class along with taking a driver’s title and the manufacturer’s title. But since BMW’s M3 street car wasn’t a V8, the governing body of the American Le Mans Series was going to force them to add 220 pounds and a new restrictor plate. BMW opted to just hang it up and continue their efforts in Formula 1.

The CSL was a much different story for BMW, on the other hand. It was built as a more tuned and special version of the E46 M3. It wasn’t a racing car, but it was meant for the track and less so for the street. It was quite a bit more than the standard M3, but then again, it was quite a bit more of a car. Gone were the fog lamps, gone were the seats, air-con, stereo,  rear glass, and so many other things. One big thing that went that should have been kept was the manual transmission. It was replaced with BMW’s SMG II transmission… Ugh.

But, it was still a monster of a car. It had the same 3.2L inline-6 as the regular M3, but it now put out 360hp instead of 333. The CSL also came with slick racing tires, which weren’t meant for anything less than perfect street conditions to drive in. The M3 CSL set the Nürburgring afire with a 7 minute 50 second lap time, which was, at the time, 3-seconds slower than Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS (the sportiest of all 911s), it is also the same lap time that Porsche set with its 2009 911 Carrera S with PDK, and 9-seconds faster than Cadillac’s current hot shoe, the CTS-V. Just watch the Top Gear episode above and see what Jeremy Clarkson has to say about the M3 CSL and watch how fast it is around the Top Gear test track.

The M3 GTS and the M3 CSL have a lot of similarities. They both come standard with lightweight CSL wheels, of which the CSL was the first BMW to get. Both cars also come with a carbon fiber roof, racing seats with racing harnesses, stripped out interiors (no radio, air-con, etc.), revised suspension, brakes, aerodynamics and engines and paddle shift gearboxes. The CSL could, however, be outfitted with stereo and air-conditioning… The GTS also comes without a back seat, whereas the CSL came with two racing style bucket seats in the rear.

The M3 GTS and the M3 GTR also have some similarities. They both have adjustable suspension and rear wings, along with racing seats and the same types of trim that the GTS shares with the CSL. Although the CSL came with special wheels, the GTR rode on the same 19″ factory performance wheels. The GTR still had upgraded cross-drilled brakes, like the CSL did, and much like the GTS does today. The only difference is that the E46 M3 had standard non-cross-drilled or slotted brakes, unless it was a CSL, GTR or ZCP model. The E90 series M3s all come standard with cross-drilled brake rotors.

Both cars also did without a rear seat and had roll cages for racing purposes, along with racing harnesses for seatbelts. The only differences are that the GTR was made to be a special street version of the M3 GTR racing car. The M3 GTS is made to be either a weekend track racer, similar to that of the 911 GT3, or it can be turned into a fully functional race car.

With all that said, is the new M3 GTS more like the GTR or the CSL? Well, really, it’s a variation of both. Where the GTR had to be made by the rules of Le Mans racing, the CSL didn’t have to be made, and neither does the GTS. So, in that way it’s more like the CSL. But, the CSL has no adjustable rear wing like the GTR. I could go on and on for days about what each one has and doesn’t have in comparison to the other. But what’s most important is that the GTS is a successor to both the CSL and the GTR. All three come with carbon fiber bits and body panels all over to make them lighter and faster. It’s like both of them in numerous ways, and unlike both of them in other ways.

Story by Josh at RawAutos

For those of you that missed our previous coverage on the BMW M3 GTS, here is the summary. M3 GTS is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 based on the 4.0-liter engine found in the standard M3. Maximum power is 450 horsepower, 36 ponies more than than the regular model, and the transmission is the 7-speed M dual clutch transmission (M-DCT) with adapted shift characteristics.

Suspension upgrades include the utilisation of yellow springs for a threaded suspension while the rear axle support is said to be bolted in place. The big rear wing and front splitter are both adjustable for increased cornering precision, handling and performance. BMW M3 GTS is all about weight reduction and features several design elements made out of carbon fiber, starting with the roof. M3 GTS weights 1490 kg (3285 lbs), 419 lbs less than the stock M3 coupe’s 3704-lb curb weight.

The GTS sits on exclusive 19-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by 255/35 front and 285/30 rear tires. First deliveries are scheduled to begin in Germany next May, carrying a sticker price of 115,000 euros (about $170k).

Pretty impressive, isn’t it?

[Source: m-power ]

A few weeks later, a BMW fans posted the first photos of an M3 featuring the same paint. The Frozen Grey paint is an Individual Color based on Space Grey Metallic. A special matte clear coat (FF95-0550) makes for the matte finish.

Earlier this week, two members of m3post published photos of their M3 Coupe models at the BMW Welt. Nothing special so far, some of you might say, but when we add the Frozen Grey mate finish to them, they suddenly becomes somewhat special.

According to them, BMW Individual produced only 30 M3’s in Frozen Grey for the world market in October. Along with this Individual finish, both of them decided to add the “Edition” black wheels as well, giving the M3 one of the best looks we’ve seen.

Offering this truly exclusive model for the genuine motorsport enthusiast, BMW M GmbH is continuing a great tradition introduced on former generations of the BMW M3. Once again, the outstanding sports potential of the BMW M3 is being consistently enhanced and upgraded to an even higher level, the customer benefiting from the Company’s wide range of know-how in the development and production of racing cars. Through its race-oriented modifications enhancing both performance and safety, the BMW M3 GTS is ready to go in Clubsport events on the track and comes with the option for homologation on the road. So that the driver is able to make his way to the race track in the very same car he will use for racing.

Consistent lightweight technology.

Consistent lightweight construction, adjustable aerodynamic units, an increase in engine size and output on the V8 high-speed power unit and suspension technology meeting all the requirements of motorsport – all this gives the BMW M3 GTS a top position among high-performance cars built for Clubsport racing. Unladen weight according to the DIN standard is less than 1,500 kg (3,300 lb), the lightweight body comes with special mounts for six-point seat belts and a rollcage fitted behind the B-pillar.

Through its design and construction, the materials used and its special equipment, the BMW M3 GTS is a lightweight performer all the way, offering a genuine motorsport driving experience in every respect. In addition to the carbon fibre roof already featured as standard on the BMW M3, weight is consistently optimised by features such as silencers made of titanium, the extra-light centre console and door linings, the omission of rear seats, automatic air conditioning and an audio system, as well as sound insulation tailored specifically to this very special model.

V8 high-speed power unit: derived from motorsport, optimised for motorsport.

The eight-cylinder power unit of the BMW M3 GTS enlarged in size to 4.4 litres and boosted in output to some 450 hp boasts construction principles and technical details carried over directly from motorsport. A supreme surge of ongoing power throughout a wide range of engine speed characterises the outstanding performance of the V8 with its high-speed concept. The features typical of a motorsport engine include the crankcase made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy and constructed in bedplate design, individual throttle butterflies, anti-knock sensors with ion flow technology, and, wet sump oil supply optimised for supreme driving dynamics.

Seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic with race-bred gearshift.

Power is transmitted in the BMW M3 GTS by the M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic also available as an option on the regular production model. This seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic gearbox follows a principle also developed for motorsport, shifting gears without the slightest interruption of engine power. The transmission was developed specifically for a particularly powerful high-speed engine and offers ideal qualities for truly dynamic acceleration at all times. The gearshift characteristics on the seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic have been tailored specifically to the modified power unit of the BMW M3 GTS and the driver is able to shift gears both through the selector lever on the centre console and through special M shift paddles on the steering wheel.

High-performance suspension with purpose-built brakes.

To convey the supreme power of the engine to the road in equally supreme style even under the most extreme conditions, the BMW M3 GTS comes with suspension technology likewise derived from the highest realms of motorsport. While the suspension is based on the front and rear axle of the BMW M3 Coupé, the rear axle subframe is bolted firmly in position and the suspension features adjustment threads on the dampers for individual variation of the inbound and rebound strokes.

The high-performance brake system of the BMW M3 GTS features fixed callipers with six pistons up front and four pistons on the rear wheels. The race-oriented set-up of DSC Dynamic Stability Control naturally considers the supreme dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Different-sized tyres front and rear running on 19-inch M light-alloy Competition rims in double-spoke design ensure optimum transmission of acceleration and brake forces to the road.

Aerodynamics: optimised components with variable geometry.

To optimise the flow of air and adjust the car’s downforce as required, the BMW M3 GTS comes with a race-oriented front air dam and rear wing. This allows appropriate adjustment of the car’s aerodynamic qualities in motorsport and for other purposes, tailored to the specific profile of the respective track. The air guidance units on the front air dam, for example, may be varied in their geometry, just like the position of the rear wing based on the wing already featured on the BMW 320si raced in the WTCC World Touring Car Championship.

Exterior features such as the BMW kidney grille and the gills at the side finished in chrome on the regular BMW M3 come in special dark eloxy-plated chrome on the BMW M3 GTS.

Special interior for supreme performance and safety.

The interior of the BMW M3 GTS clearly reflects the focus on supreme performance and safety on the race track. The interior features include classic bucket seats, interior trim in carbon and an M steering wheel finished in alcantara. The door and side panels at the rear also come in alcantara, while six-point seat belts delivered with the car for subsequent use, a fire extinguisher and preparation for an emergency-off switch in motorsport round off the wide range of special features inside the car.

The fellows over at M-Power sat down with Dr. Segler for an interview on the new BMW M3 GTS and the future of his division.

Just half a year has passed since he took up his position as CEO in May 2009, and the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M have been launched as new models during this period. So it’s time to ask Dr. Kay Segler where BMW M is heading.

MPW: Dr. Segler, BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M deviate from a number of dogmas. Turbo, all-wheel drive, automatic transmission – is this the new M?

Segler: We have to be free of dogmas, I ask this of every staff member. It has always been a strength of M to question everything in a positive way.

MPW: What other features does the BMW M3 GTS offer?

Segler: We have a chassis which can be adjusted in compression and rebound, the car is fitted with a fixed caliper brake with six pistons at the front and four at the rear, and the rear silencer is made of titanium. The aerodynamics can be adjusted at the front and rear. We provide 6-point seatbelts for the racing bucket seats, a bolted roll-over protection structure is installed as is a fire extinguisher.

Full article continued

Without any further ado, let’s have a look at the interview with Markus Schadow, the man responsible for the BMW M aerodynamics development, courtesy of M-Power:

MPW: Mr. Schadow, the BMW M3 GTS has clearly visible dynamic measures with its front splitter and rear wing.  The aerodynamics of the BMW M3 GTS is clear for all to see. Optimised for downforce. Why?

Schadow: The power which can be transferred from the contact area of the tyres to the road depends on tyre properties, the position of the tyre on the road  – i.e. axle kinematics – and the wheel vertical force. Our measures are all about increasing the wheel vertical force. The higher the wheel vertical force, the higher the level of longitudinal and transverse acceleration which can be achieved.

MPW: At the front axle, the downforce is generated by means of a longitudinally adjustable front splitter …

Schadow: Yes, we chose this solution so as to limit the everyday suitability of the vehicle as little as possible and have sufficient ground clearance in racing set-up on the Nordschleife.

Full interview continued

Exclusive 19-inch wheels with ample 225/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 at the rear catch your eye.

All this is certainly nice looking and sensible, but what you glimpse through the spokes of the aluminium wheel rims is even more exciting: a generously sized fixed caliper brake system with six pistons at the front and four at the rear.

The wheels almost fill out the wheel arches, but if you look closely you discover the next highlight. Yellow springs with a small M logo provide the crucial clue: a threaded suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound. “The rear axle support is bolted in place,” adds the responsible engineer.

The expert will also spot the adjustable front splitter and rear wing. One thing is clear: this car is serious stuff. Not only can a high level of downforce be generated but it also precisely adjustable at front and rear. Fast bends can look forward to welcoming the BMW M3 GTS – but they won’t get to see it for long.

“The serial production BMW M3 is already weight-optimised with a whole range of measures reserved for the BMW M3 CSL in the last model – the striking carbon lightweight roof, for example.”

So the engineers had to get back to work again to come up with more. Light body-contoured seats are a must.

A cluster of lightweight construction measures such as optimisation of the insulation, the use of lightweight parts in the interior, the use of Macrolon for the car’s windows in the back, the lack of air conditioning, navigation and radio and the entire rear seat also gets the scales the down.

And the new titanium rear silencer not only looks great and contributes to the thrilling sound of the BMW M3 GTS, it is also much lighter than its serial production counterpart.

Indispensable for safety reasons: the lightweight construction body has been prepared for installation of the 6-point seatbelt included for use on the race track. There are also mounts for the roll-over protective structure bolted on from the B column. A fire extinguisher and a battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation do not make the car lighter either – but safer.

So the BMW M3 GTS concept vehicle puts the scales up to around 1490 kilograms – causing the engineer to give an appreciative nod.

And the drivetrain? The heart of the BMW M3 GTS?

The car is fitted with a 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics. But an absolute highlight is to be found under the bonnet. Exclusively for the BMW M3 GTS, the engine builders of BMW M – recent winners of the Engine of the Year Award once again – have developed a power unit based on the M high-performance engine of the current BMW M3: with a capacity of 4.4 litres and an output of some 450 bhp, it will catapult the light BMW M3 GTS into a whole new sphere.

After all, the aim is to clearly beat the lap time of the legendary M3 CSL on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And test runs certainly give grounds for optimism.

M3 GTS weights 1490 kg (3285 lbs), 419 lbs less than the stock M3 coupe’s 3704-lb curb weight. First deliveries are scheduled to begin in Germany next May, carrying a sticker price of 115,000 euros (about $170k). According to current planning, registrations in other countries will be possible from summer 2010.

[Source: m-power ]

Thousands of BMW M fans worldwide have been waiting for the BMW M3 GTS. It’s a pure high performance car. Optimized for race tracks, but street-legal.

The video is courtesy of BMW Youtube Channel.

Stay tuned for more exclusive information in the next hours…it will be worth it.

First BMW M3 GTS photos

Journalists and “regular” car owners brought out a variety of cars to challenge the Cadillac CTS-V, from BMW M3 and M5, to Mitsubishi Evo, Jaguar XF and even Audi RS4.

Prior to the race, Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief Csaba Csere was on track to verify that all sedans are at stock options.

While the M5 came a bit short of Lutz’s CTS-V, 3:05:398 vs. 2:56:321, Michael Cooper, a 21 year old driver, and his BMW M3 sedan defeated the CTS-V driven by Lutz, with an impressive 2:50:424 lap time.

Jack Baruth of The Truth About Cars followed with 2:51:153 in a CTS-V. Lawrence Ulrich, a freelance journalist, took the third place, aboard a CTS-V,  2:53:157.

Bob Lutz came in fourth at 2:56:321. Michael Mainwald, the BMW M5 owner, came in fifth with a 3:05:398. The Mitsubishi Evo driven by Jalopnik’s Wes Siler, was next with 3:08:126.

You can see the results on the photo below.

Later on, some GM’s drivers jumped on and posted some impressive quick times, in a way, expected. Even a mystery driver was present who was the fastest on track. Identity? Undisclosed. I guess watching Top Gear and the Stig, gave GM some ideas.

We cannot wonder what a professional driver could have done with the M3, but this doesn’t take away from Michael’s impressive driving skills.

Well done and you have just helped me make up my mind: M3 Sedan is my next car!

Update: A little birdie told us that BMW North America would like to reward Michael Cooper for his performance. Our sources say a FREE Advanced School at the BMW Performance Center and a meet-up with the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing team. Once again, congratulations Michael and good to see BMW stepping up.

ADV.1 wheels are built for high performance applications, with a 3 piece and 1 piece forged lineup, each with several new styles. Each wheel is meticulously built to order with specific wheel offsets, hubcentric centerbore, and custom finishes. These wheels all focus around a new concave forging profile developed by ADV.1. They feature a deep concave center disc or face which gives an aggressive look an still maintains a strong and lightweight wheel for both street and race applications.

Along with the performance wheels upgrade, Active Autowerke M3 gets a series of other upgrades, from exterior carbon fiber parts, to exhaust system and power upgrades.

The original 414 horsepower coming from the naturally aspirated, high revving 4-liter V8 engine, has been upped by 45 extra ponies. The torque numbers have also increasd by 30 ft-lbs to a total of 330 lb-ft.

Other modifications include:

• Active Autowerke E92 M3 Signature Exhaust System
• Active Autowerke E92 M3 Signature X Pipe & Connecting Pipes
• Active Autowerke Pulley Kit
• Active Autowerke Short Shifter Kit
• Active Autowerke Performance Software
• KW Variant 3 Coilovers
• ADV1 5.1 20 Inch Wheel (4.5” Concave)
• Nitto Invo Tires: 255/30/20 & 295/25/20
• Vorsteiner Carbon Fiber Front Lip
• Vorsteiner Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser Type II
• Vorsteiner Carbon Fiber Trunk

No pricing has been announced at this time, but hopefully it won’t break the bank.

[Source: Active Autowerke ]

“One of a kind”

Very rarely in life, one will have the opportunity to create something truly unique. Whether it be a work of art, a work of engineering, a work of literature, or anything else, the opportunity to build something that you know has never been done before, and will not be achieved since is an opportunity every person should have the privilege of seizing. For the staff at IND, and for the car’s owner, IND’s Atlantis portfolio car was just this opportunity to make a unique mark on the world.

From the first time I spoke with our client Myke, I knew that his BMW Individual Atlantis E90 M3 was not a car that could be allowed to be in his ownership in factory form. BMW’s Individual program allows the most committed BMW enthusiasts to create their own unique car, with a choice of one-off exterior and interior colors and other options. Myke has a passion for personalized BMW’s that is difficult to match by anybody’s standards, and I knew immediately that we could create an amazing car together.

Through hundreds of phone calls, emails, and private messages, one thing became very clear to me- Myke is not afraid to take risks in creating his own interpretation of the already classic E90 M3. Several moments of constructing the car were downright nerve racking- will the wheels fit the overall theme of the car? Was it a mistake to apply gloss black powdercoat to the already beautiful Akrapovic exhaust tips? Will our hand built Carbon Fiber roof panel fit? Commitments like these required absolutely no fear.

When talking about IND’s Atlantis, the first thing that needs to be mentioned is the color. Available only through BMW’s Individual program, and only with the express approval of the BMW Individual program’s director, BMW Atlantis Metallic is a slap in the face to the average gray, silver, and white cars in your office parking garage. Vibrant does not begin to describe it. Atlantis Metallic shifts from Estoril blue to Avus blue to shades of green and teal, and simply can’t be captured by a single description. All of the staff at IND knew that the wrong modifications would ruin a car of this caliber, and so had to tread carefully.

From the start of the project, the centerpiece of the car would be the completely one-off carbon fiber roof panel. Because E90 M3s never came with a Carbon roof from the factory, we knew that this one item alone would set the car apart from any other like it. Myke even changed the build specifications of his car from a sunroof equipped car to a non sunroof equipped car, just to acquire the non sunroof headliner panel required to install our Carbon Fiber roof! Constructing a Carbon Fiber roof panel is no easy task, but fortunately for IND, Atlantis was in it’s planning stages well before the car even existed on BMW’s assembly line!

We began work on selecting the parts and preparing the various components of the car about 8 months prior to delivery, which gave IND and our partners enough time to ensure absolute perfection. IND partnered with a local composites shop that constructs body work for winning ALMS, Grand Am, and Formula cars in order to create the carbon roof panel. Although IND had completed over ten carbon roof projects on E46 M3 cars, no amount of experience will steel you from the uneasy feeling of cutting the roof panel from a BMW Individual M3 with only 1,000 miles on the clock! All of the employees at IND breathed a sigh of relief when, after weeks of preparation, the Carbon Roof panel safely fell into place as if it had been there all along.

IND’s Atlantis Portfolio Project is the only E90 M3 in this color in the world, and the only E90 M3 in the world with a full replacement Carbon Fiber roof, so naturally the wheels could not be something that had been seen before either. I still clearly remember the phone call when Myke called me and said “This car can only have the Neez Model 15 wheels”. Through the three months that Atlantis has been at IND’s facility, many local clients have seen the wheels in person and expressed doubt about the choice. Seeing these wheels on the car, I would install nothing else. The beautiful and complex appearance of the wheels is augmented again by their rarity- this set of Model 15 wheels is the only set in the United States!

Small details throughout the car, like IND’s Gloss Black sidemarkers, Gloss Black kidney grilles and of course the beautiful Gloss Black powdercoated tips of the full Akrapovic Titanium exhaust system accent both the wheels and carbon roof perfectly. Nitto Tires and KW coilovers complete the footwork of the car.

With the Carbon Fiber roof being the centerpiece of the car, a critical point to consider was how to not take the eye away from the hand built masterpiece on top of the car. Brembo 380mm brakes were a must have for the car, and were color matched in beautiful Atlantis Metallic at Brembo’s facility to provide a cohesive look. RD Sport’s front bumper and Challenge’s rear diffuser were both installed as smoothly as possible, with no exposed Carbon Fiber to be seen. This ensured a smooth, together look for the whole car. IND’s custom paint work in the engine compartment carried the Atlantis Metallic and Gloss Black theme throughout the car, and worked to ensure that all modifications look as at home as possible. Dinan’s Carbon Fiber air intake, Rogue Engineering Power Pulleys, and an Active Autowerke software flash round out the power modifications.

Two moments in this car’s build will forever remain in my memory- Myke’s reaction to the car upon seeing it for the first time, and driving the car at the Midwest’s premier AutoBahn Country Club race course. Preparing for delivery of the car was an all week long marathon of cleaning, testing, and perfecting. Every component had to fit perfectly. Every inch of paint on the car had to gleam as if brand new. Each body piece was buffed and professionally detailed for the best possible result. After a full week of late nights, the big moment for Atlantis finally arrived- meeting its owner after a complete transformation.

Myke slowly walked into IND’s delivery room, and looked at each aspect of the car. I was finally able to show him all of the details we’d included into the car- the gloss black honeycomb side vent that most people leave matte, the gloss black OEM rear bumper mesh, along with the painted and finished matte RD Sport air ducts in their front bumper. The pinstriped details on the M car’s beautiful intake plenum, along with the molded Challenge diffuser. Small touches like this can only truly be appreciated in person. Myke smiled, looked at me, and said “It’s just perfect. It’s exactly right. I wouldn’t change a thing”.

Nothing in this business is more rewarding than hearing those exact words from a client. Once the car was thoroughly inspected and formally delivered, it was time to take some photos and video. Any location accessible to the regular public was simply not enough for a Portfolio Project of this caliber- only the best would do. The staff at IND could think of no better location than the AutoBahn Country Club. AutoBahn Country Club is located in Chicago’s southernmost suburbs, and is a secluded, wooded paradise for anyone who truly loves motorsport. As AutoBahn is a private country club, the chance to drive a car at their North Track in complete private, for the entire day, is not only basically impossible, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The exhaust note of the Akrapovic titanium system gave me chills as we loaded Atlantis on our enclosed trailer. The gleaming Neez wheels and jewel-like Brembo brakes made me absolutely beam. I had a very difficult time concentrating on the task at hand- making sure that the low RD Sport bumper cleared our trailer ramp- staring at the car was all I could do. My mind was occupied with only one thing- AutoBahn’s gorgeous race track.

Pulling into AutoBahn truly makes you feel like one of the privileged few. You park your trailer outside of the massive fenced facility, and have a quick chat with the friendly track marshal inside the small gate building. The look on my face must have given away that I had brought something truly special, and we were admitted with only a few simple questions about the gorgeous Atlantis M3. As the gates opened, we were able to see the private garages of the Midwest’s biggest shops- EuroSport, FallLine, and many others were all there permanently, year round to provide trackside support to their clients. The treelined behemoth that is AutoBahn’s North and South tracks loomed ahead of us. Together, the North and South tracks make a formidable course that is nearly four miles long, with many complex corners, elevation changes, and the years of study and improvement that a track like this
commands.

The North Track was our concern for the day. North Track was completely closed and available to us only for the entire day. This would allow ample time to shoot the car. I started Atlantis for the next time that morning, and we began the delicate procedure of unloading the car from the trailer. The beautiful note of the Akrapovic exhaust promised amazing sounds later that day, as the car went around AutoBahn’s North Track at full song. Of course, our goal here was not to set record laps, or to abuse the car, but simply to preview the car’s capabilities. Together, the amazing stopping power of the Brembo brakes, the beautiful sound of the Akrapovic exhaust, and the sharp response of the KW coilover suspension made the car a joy to drive on the track, even at our leisurely pace.

It is a rare opportunity indeed to create a truly unique work- something that has never happened before, and will not occur since. Working to create IND’s Atlantis Portfolio Project car has been an honor and a pleasure, and I know the car will put smiles on the owner’s face for years to come. I’ll take one last stare at our work before it rolls onto the enclosed trailer for it’s long ride home, to Texas.

This Individual Color is based on Space Grey Metallic. A special matte clear coat (FF95-0550) makes for the matte finish.

We’ve seen some live photos of this color at the Frankfurt Auto Show just two weeks ago, but today we return with a new set of photos, this time of a BMW M3 Coupe as seen at a BMW dealership in Germany.

The color looks great on the M6, but seeing on the M3 Coupe as well just makes it stand out even more. In the past several months we’ve seen plenty aftermarket solutions of the matte finish, but it’s great to have it available as an Individual Option. Price? Unknown yet, but we’re looking into it.

[Source: M-forum via M3post ]

“The current M3 generation is – as everyone knows – anything but underpowered. Nonetheless, there is a continuous desire for even greater performance. When you’re competing against the calibre of a Porsche 997 Turbo in particular, the 420-HP-V8 power of the M3 is no longer good enough.

At Manhart Racing, we noticed a gap in the market for precisely this performance problem and developed a M3-V10-Coupé with 550 HP – not only comfortably keeping in check the Porsche Turbo with its 480 HP but also its big brother the GT2 with 530 HP. What is particularly interesting here is the fact that Günther Manhart almost exclusively sourced original parts from the BMW corporate group.

The power of 550 HP originally came from the current new version of the M5 E60 built V10 motor which – with its 5.0 L cubic capacity – just barely fits into the engine compartment of the M3 Coupé.

Compulsory changes included removing the pointless Vmax bar of 250 km/h, up-dated DME-steerage and with a power of 550 HP, the catalytic convertor has a much more noticeable effect. With a differential gear boasting 100 percent bars, the 7 gear SMG gearbox was completely trounced by the M5. The species specific processing of exhaust fumes is carried out by a titanium complete system with four 84 mm thick exhaust tailpipes and two 200 Zeller-HJS running catalytic convertors. Thanks to a manageable basic weight of only 1.550 kg, the Mannhart M3 V10 accelerates to 100 km7h in only 3.9 seconds, while its highest speed is an impressive 334 km/h. This makes the M3 V10 the perfect choice for speed freaks on the Italian high speed racing track in Nardo!

For perfect contact with tarmac surfaces, Manhart Racing installed a state-of-the-art Bilstein PSS10- coilover in combination with classically attractive BBS challenge-R-wheel rims, at the front in 9Jx20 ET20 with 245/30ZR20 and behind with 10.5Jx20 ET20 with 295/25ZR20. The changes to the bodywork were somewhat limited but definitely what was needed. In this way, Manhart Racing’s engineers gave the coupé silhouette of the M3 a front and rear spoiler, a diffuser, a roof spoiler, front steel flooring and an air collector – all of course finished in exclusive carbon.

The exclusiveness continues inside the M3. Here you can also benefit from the classiest accessories straight from BMW. Performance seats provide the perfect support while also offering seat heating. An authentic motor sport feeling comes with the performance steering wheel equipped with illuminated rocker switches, ¼ mile and side acceleration display. The complete interior has a sophisticated finish thanks to a number of carbon fibre trimmings and the almost extravagant use of Alcantara and leather.

Conclusion: With a basic weight of 1.550 kg, 550 HP is a real announcement for the sports car armada from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. If you look more closely at the Manhart M3 V10, you have to – quite rightly – ask yourself why the engineers in Munich did not already come up with the idea themselves!

All further details including prices and delivery information can be obtained directly from:

Manhart Racing GmbH & Co .KG
Am Kreuz 18-20
52511 Geilenkirchen
Germany
Tel.: +49 24 51/ 79 15
Fax: +49 24 51/ 55 47
www.manhart-racing.de
info@manhart-racing.de

At a first glance, the modding job seems to be a regular day at the office, but the truth of the matter is that IND Distribution’s workflow is very detailed and precised. The project kicks off with the task of determining the perfect ride height, then the next step involves the color of the finishes pieces on the car and continues with all the parts that were going to be used.

The end result was one of the most exciting tuned up BMW the community has seen in a while and not necessarily because of the stunning Dakar Yellow paint. Beside the regular photoshoot, Nate and his team decided to take the car on track as well. Therefore, a new set of high quality photos are available for your viewing.

For more photos from the BMW Driving Day, feel free to visit Charles White Photography

IND Distribution has completed the first ever Carbon Fiber roof install on their client’s BMW individual Atlantis Blue E90 M3.

This roof will be one of hundreds of large and small modifications performed during this car’s stay at IND as one of the company’s Portfolio Projects.The project certainly looks promising and the Atlantis Blue color is just simply stunning.

Stay tuned for more details and new photos!

Then, Google Street view spots another orange M5 in the UK, an interesting paint nonetheless. Shortly after, the “black matte” mania started and more and more people across the globe began to “pimp out” their cars.

We’ve seen a couple of X6’s here and here, a 335i, M3 and M5 of course.

But what we haven’t seen so far was a BMW sporting a matte orange paint. Not only this is the first one we have ever seen, it is also the first one we’re seeing on U.S. roads.

The M3 E92 belongs to MyM3>UrCar, a member of m3post who was kind to share with us some of the mods used on the car:

MODS
-matte orange vinyl wrap (by sticker city)
-20″ 897R forged HREs-cf hamann front lip
-custom HRE centercaps
-aftermarket tow hook
-cf rear diffuser
-cf CSL trunk
-cf hood vents
-cf side vents
-cf hood/trunk emblems
-cf grill
-cf mirror caps
-custom sound system (2 extra mids, 2 extra tweeters, 2 subs)

Interesting? Without a question, but of course, not for everyone’s taste.

The German magazine AutoZeitung decided to bring up-front two interesting cars, but with different characteristics. BMW M3, in our opinion, is the leader in its sport luxury coupe market.

The M3’s V8 powerplant has two more cylinders than its predecessor, delivering 420 horsepower from 4.0 litters and maximum torque of 295 pound-feet at 3,900 rpm. In keeping with BMW’s high-revving “M” tradition, maximum engine speed is 8,300 rpm. The engine is the lightest V8 in the world, weighing less than the previous M3’s inline-six.

It is also a rear-wheel drive vehicle with a 7-Gear DSG transmission. The M3 reaches a top speed of 155 mph(250 km/h). The car tested by AutoZeitung ran from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds.

At the other end, we have the new Audi TT RS, also competes in a tough market amongst “players” like the new Lotus Evora, the Nissan 370Z and the revised Porsche Cayman. The 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder puts out 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft torque running through a six-speed manual transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

AutoZeitung managed to take the TT RS from still to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds.

While the BMW M3 is available in the U.S. as well, the new TT RS has been on the “Christmas wishlist” of the all the Audi addicts in the U.S.

The test performed was quite comprehensive, based on a points system that rated the car from bodywork and comfort, to engine, dynamics and emissions. Some of us might disagree with the final results, especially since some of the areas, like the engine and dynamics, have been known to be BMW’s turf.

But we cover all things BMW, so we thought we should share it with you.

[Google English Translation of this article ]

The BMW M3 aggressive look gets extended further by the GTS package with a new front bumper which includes redesigned side ducting eyebrows, revised center mouth opening and  lowered ground clearance.

Front bumper options include among others a full visible carbon fiber construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment and Dry Vacuumed Woven Plastic construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment.

No pricing was announced at this time.

Press Release

We are proud to release our all-new limited edition GTS3 line up for the BMW E92/90 M3 models
consisting of a full front bumper & hood replacement unit.

GTS3 Front Bumper features (Application: E90/E92 M3 Only):

• Vacuum Bagging Carbon Fiber Construction (Optional)
• Utilizes all factory mounting points, screws, grills & ducting
• Revised center mouth opening with 6.35mm extension
• Lowered ground clearance with downward extension of 25.4mm
• Redesigned side ducting eyebrows to enhance appearance
• Replaceable 1-Piece Design Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
• Improved overall aerodynamics & increased airflow to radiators & air box

[Available Front Bumper Options:]

• Full visible carbon fiber construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment
• Dry Vacuumed Woven Plastic construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment
• 1-Piece carbon fiber front splitter attachment (Shown Above)
• 2-Piece carbon fiber splitters (Available in September 2009)

As part of new the GTS3 front fascia we have also developed a new functional power dome vented
carbon fiber hood to replace the factory aluminum unit.

• GTS3 Vented Power Dome Hood features (Application: E92 M3 Only):
• Vacuum Bagging Carbon Fiber Construction (Optional)
• Utilizes all factory mounting points, screws & shocks
• Revised central power dome with sharper tension edges
• Integrated dual ventilation openings for engine heat extraction
• Rolled composite carbon fiber edges

[Available Vented Hood Options:]

• Double sided carbon fiber construction w/ carbon fiber underside paneling
• Single sided carbon fiber construction w/ black DVWP underside paneling

[Source: WCF ]

And today, we have something new, as much as spectacular as the previous one and maybe even more. On the German website mobile.de, an online vehicle marketplace, there is a listing of an E91 BMW 3 Series turned into an M3 version with ……are you ready for this? a 5.0 liter V10 engine from the M5 which produces 550 horsepower. The engine is matted to the M5 E60 7-Speed SMG transmission.

Some of you might recall that back in May, another German based company, Manhart-Racing, managed to squeeze into the M3 Touring a V10 engine from the E60 M5.

The listing price of this M3 Touring with the V10 engine is set by the owner at 117,810 euros. Not the most affordable M3 you can buy, but the car comes with many other mods as well. Inside, the regular seats have been replaced by the Alcantara bucket seats from the BMW Performance Catalog. The steering with LED style shift indicators built into it, shorter gear stick, carbon fiber trim and Performance brakes, are just some of the other BMW Performance perks that come with the car.

As any respectable sports car, the M3 Touring V10 comes with upgraded suspensions, 20 inch wheels and new exhaust system.

At this price, it will be interesting to see how fast and if they will find a buyer, but as we have always said: there is always a buyer for a car, especially when money is no issue and you can have the honor to own one of the few M3 Tourings…of course, unofficial ones.