BMW M3 GTS

When BMW confirmed it would not build an M3 CSL -- the lightweight, hardcore track version of the German marque's famous sports car -- enthusiasts cried out in dispair.

But all is not lost, for BMW has taken the wraps off the BMW M3 GTS Coupe, which looks set to be one of the most intense M3's ever built by BMW. Yep, even better than the previous M3 CSL.

Lighter, stiffer, more powerful and rather orange, the M3 GTS was revealed at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, showing off a number of new design tweaks including a fully adjustable rear wing and front splitter.

The engine's capacity has been enlarged from 4.0- to 4.4-litres with increases to bore and stroke, and while BMW is keeping the lid on official performance figures, 450 ponies are expected to hit the crankshaft, which is about 330kW -- a more than 20kW increase.

Power is fed through a seven-speed M dual clutch transmission, with "adapted shift characteristics" for more aggressive acceleration.

The recently appointed head of BMW's M division, Dr. Kay Segler, said the new M3 GTS "is a response to frequently expressed customer wishes" and features "lots of technical details which were only previously available on the tuning market, if at all."

Compared to the factory standard BMW M3, the GTS's weight drops almost 200kg from a fit and healthy 1680kg to a primed-for-action 1490kg, which will help improve acceleration and driving dynamics.

The M division engineers achieved weight reductions via a stripped back interior that uses lighter weight components, such as new racing bucket seats in lieu of the more luxurious leather pews, low mass Macrolon rear windows and the removal of non-essential parts: the rear seats, air-conditioning, sat nav, and even the stereo have been ditched.

The only music you'll hear will be the V8 thrum emanating from the quartet of end pipes that form part of an upgraded titanium rear silencer, which also saves weight compared to the standard kit.

Segler added that customisations will not be a problem for the M workshop either.

"If there is a detail here or there which is not to somebody's liking, that's not the end of the world. What we are presenting is a standard configuration. If necessary, we are flexible enough to respond to specific requests, too. After all, these vehicles are built in the BMW M production workshops -- where we built the M3 GT4, too," explained Segler.

"They want to drive the car to the race track, take part in a race and then drive home again -- theoretically that is possible with the BMW M3 GTS. That's the classic club sports idea, if you like. But collectors will also be interested in this fascinating automobile," added Segler.

While the BMW M3 GTS is all about reducing weight, it does have a couple of features that add weight: a bolted roll protection structure, a fire extinguisher and an emergency shut-off switch.

Quite clearly, this high performance creation is catering for the race enthusiasts, and with larger wheels and tyres -- 19-inch rims shod with 225/35 front and 285/30 rear tyres -- it should be able to turn in some decent lap times.

Other chassis modifications include larger brakes ("generously sized" six potters at the front and four piston calipers at the rear) and a thoroughly revised suspension rig. "Yellow springs with a small M logo provide the crucial clue," says BMW, which has also graced the M3 GTS with rebound and compression adjustable threaded suspension, while bolting the rear axle in place.

BMW states the M3 GTS was designed to "clearly beat the lap time of the legendary M3 CSL on the Nürburgring Nordschleife" and that "test runs certainly give grounds for optimism".

The new model will be built to order and will command a significant premium over the standard M3 coupe, which starts at about $163,000 (not including government and delivery charges).

Interestingly, the BMW M division's chief hinted at a more affordable model in the works, perhaps an M1?

"But what I would most like to see is for BMW M to stay a young brand within people's reach," stated Segler. "This is why a product below the BMW M3 more important to me than a super sports car which is only accessible to a few. As I have already mentioned in other interviews, we are currently looking closely at the options in this area," he concluded.

First deliveries of the BMW M3 GTS are expected to begin in Germany by May 2010.

BMW Australia's PR and corporate communications manager, Toni Andreevski, told the Carsales Network that it was too early to talk about Australian release dates. "If there is customer interest, we could [import it]," he said.

Andreevski added: "We sold 26 BMW M3 CSL's in six months," when the last hardcore track-based M3 model was offered in this country.