Autoblog

BMW may be planning AMG Black Series competitors

Zach Bowman — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

Word has it BMW has its heart set on giving the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series a run for its money in the US. According to BimmerBoost.com, the German automaker has been making more and more noise about offering a number of specialty models aimed specifically at enthusiasts. While at the Detroit Auto Show this year, the BMW PR machine revealed 2013 will be "an interesting year" and that buyers can expect one or two products aimed specifically at swiping buyers from the clutches of the C63 AMG Black Series. The news came courtesy of Automobile writer Marc Noordeloos' Twitter machine.

Noordeloos reportedly interviewed several executives familiar with the M models while in Detroit, and says the M division would like to offer hardware like the M3 CSL, GTS or CRT to buyers here in the States. That sounds great to us, but saying something doesn't make it true, and manufacturers rarely find it in their hearts to bring money-losing machines to our green shores. Still, that won't stop us from crossing our fingers.

BMW may be planning AMG Black Series competitors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fifth Gear pits BMW M3 GTS against Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Zach Bowman — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Porsche, UK

We continue to live in what is arguably the best time for the automobile in history. If you need proof, look no further than German bruisers like the BMW M3 GTS and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The high-horsepower, high-performance coupes are equally wicked, and the crew from Fifth Gear decided to sort out which of those racers is the best bang for the buck. In a recent episode, Tiff Needell championed the Porsche and Vicky Butler-Henderson carried the BMW banner.

The two cars were thrown into a series of tests, including a drift-off and a lap battle. Which came out on top? We won't spoil the result for you. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourselves.

Continue reading Fifth Gear pits BMW M3 GTS against Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Fifth Gear pits BMW M3 GTS against Porsche 911 GT3 RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW won't market an M3 GTS sedan... at least, not in the U.S.

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:21:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW

BMW M3 Sedan lightweight concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

You may recall that earlier this month, BMW revealed a unique M3 Sedan that had been stripped of weight and toughened up, packing the same sort of approach applied to the hard-core M3 GTS coupe, albeit with a couple of extra doors. The one-off was made for the M Festival set to take place during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this coming June, but naturally, speculation on its production potential has ensued.

The good folks over at M3Post pinned down Matt Russell, the guy who handles the M range (along with Alpina) for BMW North America, and asked him about the lightweight M3 sedan's future, and according to him, there are no plans to market such a vehicle in the United States. Naturally, Russell didn't comment on markets outside his purview, neatly avoiding comment on whether the hardcore sedan will be available somewhere. But given the short time remaining in the current M3's lifespan and the stringencies of U.S. regulations, any such vehicle apparently isn't fated for these shores.

Elsewhere in the interview, Russell professed his admiration for the all-wheel drive system developed by Ferrari for the new FF. Could BMW incorporate AWD into future M products? Potentially, but as with the lightweight M3 sedan, the extra heft would be an issue.

Gallery: Lightweight BMW M3 Sedan

[Source: M3Post via Motor Authority]

BMW won't market an M3 GTS sedan... at least, not in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Vicki from Fifth Gear takes BMW's M3 GTS out for some fun in the rain

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Racing

2011 BMW M3 GTS - Click above to view video after the jump

Vicki Butler-Henderson has driven her fair share of amazing cars. She started racing karts when she was a kid, has been an instructor at Silverstone and has been a TV host and automotive journalist since the mid-1990s. Suffice it to say, it takes a lot to impress Ms. Butler-Henderson.

As the following video shows, the 2011 BMW M3 GTS managed to do just that. She describes exactly what she loves about the GTS while hooning its wheels off around a very wet, very slippery test track, and between guttural sounds and breathless description, Butler-Henderson points out that the M3 GTS's prodigious power, phenomenal brakes and telepathic steering make it "an amazing, amazing car." Click past the jump to check out the footage for yourself.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: Fifth Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Vicki from Fifth Gear takes BMW's M3 GTS out for some fun in the rain

Video: Vicki from Fifth Gear takes BMW's M3 GTS out for some fun in the rain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW M3 GTS posts somewhat lackluster 'Ring time

Chris Shunk — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you want a BMW M3 GTS, you'd better be ready to part with about $170,000 of your hard-earned greenbacks. That's nearly three times the cost of the base M3, but the extra $100,000 will net you a 4.4-liter V8 capable of 450 horsepower, tons of racing add-ons and, perhaps most importantly, 419 fewer pounds to lug around. And the M3 GTS manages to improve its stats while at the same time looking mighty fine, if you ask us.

Those are some impressive stats, but how do they translate into track time? If the September issue of Sport Auto (via the M3 Post forums) is to believed, the GTS 'Ring laptimes are less than earth shattering. The German rag reportedly claims that the GTS achieved a less than headline-grabbing 7:48 lap time on the Nürburgring. Okay, that's a pretty impressive time considering the Lamborgini Gallardo Superleggera was reported to hit 7:46 for twice the cost, but at the same time we're talking about an uber-upgraded M3 with a very fat price tag. Consider the fact that the Nissan GT-R can hit 7:29 for half the cost and the GTS appears to be a bit behind the (track) times.

The M3 GTS performed a bit better at Hockenheim, as its reported lap time of 1:12.5 was faster than an Audi R8 V10 Spyder by .2 seconds. The base E92 M3 finished a lap in 1:14.3. So is the M3 ready to take on all comers at The Green Hell? Apparently not, but still, at seven minutes and 48 seconds, we're pretty sure the M3 GTS isn't exactly ready for the slow lane, either.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: M3 Post]

Report: BMW M3 GTS posts somewhat lackluster 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Droolworthy: BMW releases M3 GTS specifications

Zach Bowman — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW, Racing

BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh yes, kids and kiddies. BMW has just dropped the juicy details on the spanking new M3 GTS. Here's the skinny: under the hood is a 4.4-liter V8 with 450 horsepower and 324 pound-deet of twist. All that muscle kicks at the rear tires via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and helps the car get to 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 189 mph. BMW's army of Bavarian engineers managed to slim the car's weight down to around 3,373 pounds, which should make the already wicked M3 even more devilish on track.

Speaking of tossing the M3 GTS around on track, BMW has fitted the car with a bolted-in roll bar as well as factory mounting points for an additional cage. While the standard three-point belts are par for the course, the race-bred German comes with six-point belts for both front occupants as well. Stopping duties fall on hefty six-piston calipers squeezing on 14.9-inch rotors up front and four-piston blocks out back.

If you want it - and lets face it, we all want it - get ready to shell out a lofty $170,000.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: BMW]

Droolworthy: BMW releases M3 GTS specifications originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW preparing even hotter M3 GTS-R

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 May 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hot on the trails of BMW's victorious return to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year, rumors have surfaced that an even hotter version of the M3 GTS is on the way. The orange wündermobile was unveiled barely six months ago, complete with 450-horsepower V8, upgraded brakes, rolling stock, suspension and aero package and a stripped interior. But if that's not enough to tickle your fancy, a few supposedly informed fanboys say that Munich is preparing to celebrate - and bid farewell to - the E92 M3 with an even fiercer derivative.

Tentatively dubbed the M3 GTS-R, the ultimate 3 Series is expected to benefit from yet another power upgrade, plus more carbon fiber body panels - all decked in matte black - to further reduce weight and pack even wider wheel arches packing Y-shaped five-spoke rims and blending into fat side sills. There's even word of a streetable implementation of the company's F1-derived KERS regenerative braking system for push-to-pass boost. Sounds tasty; stay tuned for more. Thanks for the tip, Barry!

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: M3Post]

Rumormill: BMW preparing even hotter M3 GTS-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW M3 GTS gets wrung out on the 'Ring

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 May 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, BMW

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The BMW M3 GTS is expected to carry some serious track cred. The extremely limited edition Bimmer packs 450 horsepower from a 4.4-liter V8 engine, while weight is cut by 419 lbs compared to a typical M3. Sounds like a dream come true. But if you planned on picking up one of the 90 M3 GTS models costing 115,000 Euro ($145,000 in U.S. funds), you're too late. The most capable E92 M3 is already sold out, but you can at least hit the jump to see video of a bright orange GTS as its takes on the famed Nürburgring.

In the BMW-produced video, M3 test engineer Günter Sillinger takes the GTS for a spin around the 'Ring, then tells us just how great the high-strung coupe handles. Sillinger may be biased, but since we may never get behind the wheel of one of the select GTS coupes, we'll have to take his word for it when he says, "It's the most uncompromising, fastest and thrilling M3 ever." Follow the jump to watch the 2:19 video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW M3 GTS gets wrung out on the 'Ring

Video: BMW M3 GTS gets wrung out on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2011 BMW M3 coming with Competition Package

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, BMW, Rumormill

BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

As far as we can tell, there's little if anything wrong the E92 M3. However, according to a post on Bimmerfile, that small point will not be stopping BMW from offering a Competition Package on 2011 models. What goes into a Competition Pack? We're not certain, and Bimmerfile can only speculate (bigger wheels, brakes, maybe). Knowing that much, we'll join 'em. But first, a little history.

Way back in 2005, BMW began a Competition Package for the E46 M3. Included were upgraded wheels, larger brakes, stickier tires,a firmer suspension and a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system identical to the one on the hardcore M3 CSL. In addition, the E46 M3 Comp Pack also came with a quicker steering ratio. Inside, a bit of fussing took place in the form of Alcantara steering wheel and hand brake coverings and the steering wheel saw a few buttons (multi-function controls and cruise) deleted in favor of a DSC M button.

Will the E92 Competition Package feature similar upgrades? Hard to say, but we'll guess yes. For their part, Bimmerfile is speculating that larger wheels and brakes will be part of the package (at least), along with an upgraded interior. The E46 Comp Pack added about $4,000 to the price of the M3. You can be certain that this number will increase when the new package drops. Is there any chance that the Competition Pack will offer a few of the goodies found on the hardcore M3 GTS (pictured above)? Once again, maybe. Improved wheels, brakes and tires being the safest bet.

One curious note: there's a 7MA option pack attached to the Competition Package code (ZCP) that might simply mean a manual transmission option, or (according to Bimmerfile) could be an upgraded exhaust system good for a few ponies more. We'll keep you posted, though we should get some clarification right around Geneva.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: Bimmerfile]

Rumormill: 2011 BMW M3 coming with Competition Package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: BMW M3 GTS takes to the track

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

Click above to watch the videos after the jump

For a company that earned its reputation years ago as "the Ultimate Driving Machine," BMW's more recent efforts seem to have been based around inherently less sporty vehicle formats - SUVs and wonky looking crossovers, namely. Further, like most everyone else, the automaker's roadsters and sports coupes have been getting bigger and heavier with each passing generation. But now, fans of lighter weight and higher performance have something to look forward to once again.

Last week, the Bavarian automaker released details and photos (and even a short teaser video) of the new M3 GTS. The track-bred, street-legal super-coupe packs an engorged 4.4-liter V8 in a lightweight frame with all the trimmings for serious tail-sliding and hardcore curb-pouncing. And now they've released a pair of videos showing the asphalt-munching street monster doing its thing. Follow the jump to check 'em out.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW M3 GTS takes to the track

VIDEO: BMW M3 GTS takes to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M3 GTS unveiled!

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well that was fast. As well it should be. Because what you're looking at is the most hardcore roadgoing M3 to date. It's called the GTS - not, as had been previously speculated, the CSL, GT or GT4 Street - and after seeing a few spy shots and some speculated details, BMW has just released its first official information on the most extreme machine in its stable.

The eye-catching orange paintjob is a throwback to extreme Bimmers of yore. But after you look past the timely Halloween color scheme, you'll notice a set of exclusive 19-inch competition alloys - coated with 225/35 rubber up front and 285/30 in the rear - protruding out of the bulging bodywork, housing six-piston calipers up front and four in the rear and mounted to yellow springs and an adjustable suspension. You can hardly miss the giant front splitter and rear wing protruding from either end, and the interior's been stripped down with contoured racing buckets, an emergency cut-off switch and a fire extinguisher taking the place of the air-con, nav and radio, along with mounting points for a roll cage and six-point harnesses and a Macrolon rear windscreen to replace the stock glass, helping the M3 GTS tip the scales at just 1490 kg (3285 lbs), some 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) before taxes. Official engine specs haven't been released, but we're still looking at somewhere in the neighborhood of 450 horsepower from an enlarged 4.4-liter V8, driving through the Bavarian automaker's 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. That's about all Munich has given us so far, but we've got a gallery of photos and a video after the jump for your viewing pleasure.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: BMW M division]

Continue reading BMW M3 GTS unveiled!

BMW M3 GTS unveiled! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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