Monster 3-series debuts at Essen Motor Show

German BMW-specialist Herbert Hartge unveiled this fire-breathing BMW at this week's Essen Motor Show. It would take a lot of performance to live up to the extravagant exterior and this car delivers, with an M5 V10 engine and 7-speed SMG gearbox stuffed under the 3-series bodywork.

The Hartge H50 V10 provides its lucky owners with 550 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque to play with, good for a top speed of just under 200 mph. Aside from a strengthened rear axle, the H50 V10 has the usual chassis enhancements, augmented with double-adjustable dampers and 20 inch wheels sporting ultra-low profile tires - 245/30 fronts and 285/25 rears.

[via Tuning News]