BMW does the tango with its M3 GTS

BMW's limited edition M3 GTS is at home on the racetrack

BMW only made 150 of their new M3 GTS and they sold out in hours. SHANE O'DONOGHUE gets behind the wheel to see what all the fuss is about

While M3s could hardly be described as commonplace, BMW reckons there is room for a more extreme version in the line-up, even if it is limited to 150 examples around the world. On this the occasion of the 25th anniversary, BMW let loose the M3 GTS.

It won’t take a car geek to spot the new model. Every one will be painted in tango orange.

Further menace is added to its ground-hugging stance by a matte black finish to the 19-inch wheels, window surrounds, kidney grille and a none-too-subtle rear spoiler.

M3 spotters may notice that the GTS also features a new chin spoiler. Like the rear one it’s adjustable so owners can tweak the level of downforce.

That’s the first hint that this version of the M3 is designed for more than looking good in a reserved parking space in the IFSC.

Any further doubts are assuaged when you pop the door open and notice that there’s a bright orange roll bar in the space usually occupied by the rear seats. Front seats are also replaced with deep Recaro racing buckets with full six-point harnesses.

Strap yourself in and, though the cabin is recognisable as the M3’s, the dashboard and centre console are much simpler. Gone is the iDrive controller, satnav and the stereo, along with the air conditioning. In their place is a lightweight carbon fibre and Alcantara trim.

Along the same theme, much of the rear glass has been replaced by lighter polycarbonate.

Along with a 70kg weight reduction, the regular car’s V8 has had its capacity upped to 4.4-litres (from 4.0-litres) and power has jumped to 450bhp.

Crucially, its maximum torque of 440Nm is produced lower down the rev range, which has the effect of making the GTS feel much quicker than its marginally faster 0-100km/h time suggests. No matter which of the seven gears you’re in (the dual-clutch gearbox is the only transmission option) there is intense acceleration available.

This sensation could be partly due to the louder exhaust that sounds even better at full speed on track. And that’s where the GTS natural habitat is. It’s a road legal car, but BMW’s engineers assured us it wouldn’t be very comfortable on the public road.

The Electronic Damping Control system is usurped by a full adjustable racing-like suspension set-up, while the rear sub-frame has been solidly mounted to the car for more direct responses.

A list of the changes that make up the GTS cannot convey the profound change in personality of this car.

From the very first corner it engages the driver in the experience, allowing smooth, fast lapping or, at the press of a button to turn off the traction control, lurid, easy to control drifting.

It all happens at very high speeds, yet this M3 communicates clearly with its driver, giving them the confidence to drive hard from the off.

It’s an exhilarating display of what’s possible with the M3 and a fitting gift for the brand’s birthday.

Unfortunately, even if the €220,000 or so price tag doesn’t put you off, you’re probably too late to get your hands on one. The order book was filled in a matter of hours.

FACTFILE 

Engine: 4,361cc 8-cylinder putting out 450hp @ 8,300rpm and 440Nm of torque @ 3,750rpm, rear-wheel drive

Performance: 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds

Maximum Speed: 305km/h

Fuel Economy: Figures not released

Motor Tax Band: G

Annual Road Tax: €2,100

Price: Sub €220,000 (approx but they’re all sold out)

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