Bmw m3 gts

[Kitdy]

It's the reborn CSL - why they didn't use that name who knows.

It weighs 3285 lbs or 1490 kg - 419 lbs or 190 kg less than the stock M3 coupe. Unknown hp coming form an enlarged 4.4 L V8 and a 7 speed dual clutch transmission.

Priced at €115k.

Small pics coming from Autoblog, but that's all I've seen yet.

BMW M3 GTS #1

[Kitdy]

Bmw m3 gts #2

[f6fhellcat13]

Jalop says approximately 470hp.

[clutch-monkey]

omfg do want

[P4g4nite]

It's the reborn CSL - why they didn't use that name who knows.
InB4 someone says CSL....oh too late.

It isn't really a CSL, it's more of a BMW GT3. The CSL was a road car you could race, this looks like a race car that might be allowed on the roads.

Anyway, it's an inspiring piece of work, I was hoping to see some comically pumped guards but oh well, still impressed.

[Ferrer]

I don't understand why does it have a price tag almost twice as big as that of the standard car. And it has the stupid gearbox.

But it'll most probably be superb to drive.

EDIT And it's far too ghastly to be driven on public roads. Especially in that shade of orange.

[Roentgen]

Car suitable for racing games, not for real life.

[clutch-monkey]

EDIT And it's far too ghastly to be driven on public roads. Especially in that shade of orange.

no way. that's WHY i'd drive it on the road. stick it to the usual executive business fag in their standard M3's.

[Ferrer]

no way. that's WHY i'd drive it on the road. stick it to the usual executive business fag in their standard M3's.
In a standard M3 you are an asshole true. This screams small penis and rice rocket at the same time unfortunately.

[clutch-monkey]

that's what makes it awesome. proves you don't care about taste, you've got nothing to prove.

[NicFromLA]

I don't mind the colour, the wing though has gotta go.

[MRR]

I don't mind the colour, the wing though has gotta go.

Black minus the wing would be awesome looking. They could have put a smaller lip spoiler but this looks too ricey

Great car but the price difference doesn't justify it over the standard M3. Plus why not the 6 speed? Its probably lighter than the 7-speed double-clutch box anyway.

[LTSmash]

It's a failed attempt of creating a wannabe GT3. Why the paddle-box and why no huge-ass wing like their GT2 car...

It could have had potential, but no.

EDIT:

If they are going to make a GT3 RS-esque track car they should go all out and not settle for this pretentious bullshit.

[johnnynumfiv]

Needs some
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=316510&stc=1&d=1257390816

[clutch-monkey]

needs a lip spoiler or a giant purposeful GT wing instead of the current in-between compromise :p

[W.R.]

Now that's pretty good looking, save for the colour. Lets just hope it sounds like the GT2 racer.

[Ferrer]

needs a lip spoiler or a giant purposeful GT wing instead of the current in-between compromise :p
And moar stickers... :p

[clutch-monkey]

maybe 'CSL' in giant letters down the side too :D

[IBrake4Rainbows]

The only question I suppose is do you want to spend craploads of money on a car that screams "i don't care what you think, little man" when you can get the same effect much cheaper by buying a Crapbox?

Other than the otherworldly performance this achieves.....oh, wait.

[P4g4nite]

I really don't think we'll be seeing many of these on the streets...and if you do you'll be too busy murmering .."whaaaaa........is there some race series happening..?" to make fun of the paint scheme.

[RacingManiac]

Need to be lighter still....still almost 3300lb....

And BMW is still dead set on providing crappy brake configuration on their M car.....floating caliper has no place on a performance car, especially one thats supposed to be super-uber-sporty edition of their sporty car....

edit: took a 2nd look and read the press release, it looks like they did upgrade the brake....

[clutch-monkey]

1490kg is not bad for a saloon, that's a useful weight saving over the standard car.
consider the weight of the current evo, for example..

[70cuda88]

I really hate those small, but obviously over-sized spoilers. Especially in black or silver. A lip spoiler would be much more appropriate and would reach a larger market. They could even make it an option if they wanted. It screams rice, rice, baby.

[RacingManiac]

1490kg is not bad for a saloon, that's a useful weight saving over the standard car.
consider the weight of the current evo, for example..

While that's true, more measure could be taken to make it lighter, especially when you are trying to market it as a lightweight track car...

The problem is common to most nowadays though...

[culver]

This car falls deep into the what's the point range for me.

As a road car it's extremely compromised. One of the things that has made the BMW 3 series great is the combination of rewarding handling and driving yet civil ride and comfort. This car seems to have dumped the civility. I guess that's fine but as a track day toy what's the point? I'm sure for the cost of this car I could get any number of other road cars to turn equal laps (Porsches, Corvettes, 370Zs etc). I would probably find something like a Lotus 7 or such to be a better track car anyway while still being "road legal".

As a race car it's nothing when compared to a proper race car. I doubt it would be able to keep up with a Formula Ford 2000 much less something like a Formula Atlantic. So it isn't really a great race car when compared to real race cars.

I guess it will sell well to football players on both sides of the Atlantic.

[LeonOfTheDead]

I suppose it's cheaper to buy the GT4 version and try to register it.
Also surely cooler, more sleeper (no huge wing), faster and more focused on being just a track car rather than an...orange disease.

Oh, did I say no dsg gearbox in the GT4? A good old H6 unit, scrap the ballast and the detuning ecu, you'll be a happy man (I'd still go for the even faster and sexier Maserati MC GT4 though...).

[G35COUPE]

This is a beautiful car by any standards. I love the compromises that BMW made in this car. Those who cannot afford a beauty like this, may tend to dog it out for no earthly reason. Please, be nice to this car.

I love the fact that this car is not a 100% race car and yet it is not 100% comfortable either. This is the sort of car i have been waiting for---graceful, beautiful, and handles like a champ.

BMW, well done. :)

[LeonOfTheDead]

This is a beautiful car by any standards. I love the compromises that BMW made in this car. Those who cannot afford a beauty like this, may tend to dog it out for no earthly reason. Please, be nice to this car.

I love the fact that this car is not a 100% race car and yet it is not 100% comfortable either. This is the sort of car i have been waiting for---graceful, beautiful, and handles like a champ.

BMW, well done. :)

There are many other cars for that purpose. Even an Exige would do the job, and if you want the boot as well, I don't think the previous gen M3 with the CS pack weren't that bad either.

Just because I can't now afford it, it doesn't mean I have to like it, and indeed I don't.

[Ferrer]

There are many other cars for that purpose. Even an Exige would do the job, and if you want the boot as well, I don't think the previous gen M3 with the CS pack weren't that bad either.

Just because I can't now afford it, it doesn't mean I have to like it, and indeed I don't.
Not to mention the Exige S costs half as much as this. In fact 115 grand is almost 911 GT3 territory. And if you want a sports saloons a standard M3 would surely do a better job.

In many ways it reminds me of that Mugen-tuned Civic Type R.

[f6fhellcat13]

Good analogy, I think I agree.

[culver]

Not to mention the Exige S costs half as much as this. In fact 115 grand is almost 911 GT3 territory. And if you want a sports saloons a standard M3 would surely do a better job.

In many ways it reminds me of that Mugen-tuned Civic Type R.

What's the term for German Rice?

[cmcpokey]

spaetzle?

[LeonOfTheDead]

spaetzle?

yes, thanks you, om nom nomnom

[G35COUPE]

If we had Exige S in the USA, maybe i might take a look at it. For now, I have not seen one with my own two eyes on the streets. Until then, this M3 GT and its variants, is still mighty nice looking for me.

[Ferrer]

If we had Exige S in the USA, maybe i might take a look at it. For now, I have not seen one with my own two eyes on the streets. Until then, this M3 GT and its variants, is still mighty nice looking for me.
You have other Lotuses though, look at them. I don't think you'll be able to buy this either anyway.

[LeonOfTheDead]

If we had Exige S in the USA, maybe i might take a look at it. For now, I have not seen one with my own two eyes on the streets. Until then, this M3 GT and its variants, is still mighty nice looking for me.

You can has it, for real:

Lotus Cars USA: 2008 Exige S 240 (http://www.lotuscars.com/exige_s240.html)

65.690 $

kthnxbai ;)

[G35COUPE]

You can has it, for real:

Lotus Cars USA: 2008 Exige S 240 (http://www.lotuscars.com/exige_s240.html)

65.690 $

kthnxbai ;)


Thanks for the info. I did see one around my area only once last year. It looked like an alien spaceship on 4 wheels---something from the movie, "Transformers". It looked flighty and scared. The Lotus Exige S still does not have the cool and sexy sleek look of the M3.

Mind you, part of the M3's costs is its looks, its design, its heritage.

And as for the Lotus Exige S, its characteristics is very impresive. It seems like one step removed from a pure go-cart.

However, If I added another $10,000 - $15,000 of aftermarket performance parts to a Mitsubishi Evo IX (FQ-300), which costs about $36,000 (stock), i could potentially have the same performance or better as with the $65,000 Exige S. I may come out on top, cost wise.

[LeonOfTheDead]

As you can see, the M3 GTS makes little sense in the end.
Even an M3 tuned in your garage would cost less, or with 45.000 € of tuning (that's the price gap over here) it would be faster I'm sure.

[Ferrer]

First this M3 doesn't look sleek, sexy or cool or any combination of the three.

Second, the Exige of any cars, certainly isn't about straight line speed.

[G35COUPE]

I see your logic. However, the M3, in my opinion, is for a different breed of humans. These are humans who can wipe their behind with $100 dollar bills all day long.

BMW manufactures and sells cars based on product differentiation, which is one of three business strategies out there. The other two is "cost leadership" and "focus". BMW does not want everyone to own their cars. The pricing is designed to make the rest of us aspire to own one one day. It has nothing to do with the reality of your desires or the contingencies of today.

For BMW to ever consider dropping the price of its products, will simply become a strategic death blow to its existence. So, forever and ever, BMWs will remain insanely and inexplicably expensive.

This is a fact of life.

[G35COUPE]

First this M3 doesn't look sleek, sexy or cool or any combination of the three.

Second, the Exige of any cars, certainly isn't about straight line speed.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. :)

BMW rarely makes cars for drag strips, do they?

[Ferrer]

I see your logic. However, the M3, in my opinion, is for a different breed of humans. These are humans who can wipe their behind with $100 dollar bills all day long.

BMW manufactures and sells cars based on product differentiation, which is one of three business strategies out there. The other two is "cost leadership" and "focus". BMW does not want everyone to own their cars. The pricing is designed to make the rest of us aspire to own one one day. It has nothing to do with the reality of your desires or the contingencies of today.

For BMW to ever consider dropping the price of its products, will simply become a strategic death blow to its existence. So, forever and ever, BMWs will remain insanely and inexplicably expensive.

This is a fact of life.
It's what's called premium. And of course it will have its market. But at the end of the day it's just a tweaked M3, and I don't want to pay twice as what the standard car costs for what's basically a hotted up two door saloon.

They are pricing it in specialist sportscar territory, and while it will proable be brilliant, it's just too much. It wasn't designed as a track car or a sportscar. It's the same that happens with the Mugen Type-R. It's a hotted up econobox that costs the same as a superb sports saloon.

And even with all the exclusivity in the world you should be able to jusitfy the price for me to consider it. And these are japanese and germans that are trying to pull it out... if they were the italians or the british maybe it'd be another story...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. :)

BMW rarely makes cars for drag strips, do they?
No, they do some of the best handling mainstream cars out there.

[G35COUPE]

It's what's called premium. And of course it will have its market. But at the end of the day it's just a tweaked M3, and I don't want to pay twice as what the standard car costs for what's basically a hotted up two door saloon.

They are pricing it in specialist sportscar territory, and while it will proable be brilliant, it's just too much. It wasn't designed as a track car or a sportscar. It's the same that happens with the Mugen Type-R. It's a hotted up econobox that costs the same as a superb sports saloon.

And even with all the exclusivity in the world you should be able to jusitfy the price for me to consider it. And these are japanese and germans that are trying to pull it out... if they were the italians or the british maybe it'd be another story...

No, they do some of the best handling mainstream cars out there.



After a few years of a lowly me mingling with the rich, I came to the conclusion that price justification is one of the most embarrassing and annoying thing to present/demonstrate to the rich, especially when it came to purchasing an item that 99.9% of those on this planet will never own (luxury).

Exclusivity is the aphrodisiac that gets the rich to unlock their cofffers and vaults. BMW understands this and is thus keen to feed the rich the exclusivity they so desire. And they will love BMW for it.

[Ferrer]

After a few years of a lowly me mingling with the rich, I came to the conclusion that price justification is one of the most embarrassing and annoying thing to present/demonstrate to the rich, especially when it came to purchasing an item that 99.9% of those on this planet will never own (luxury).

Exclusivity is the aphrodisiac that gets the rich to unlock their cofffers and vaults. BMW understands this and is thus keen to feed the rich the exclusivity they so desire. And they will love BMW for it.
Possibly, and I don't necessarily disagree with you, but to me those are more the Maserati/Aston Martin end of scale rather than BMW which is rather mainstream these days.

However to me, which I'm no rich or interested in showing off, I'm much more interested in what a car can offer in relation to its price. And to me this offers nothing that can't be had for a much lower price, or others offer more for the same price.

[LeonOfTheDead]

BMW appeals a very rich people less than a free lunch at McDonald's.
Even when they cost the same as a Maserati, for instance, there is no technical superiority or efficiency to keep the heart of the enthusiast cool.
The big old Italian lady is the way he will go.

That said, the M3 costs 10.000 $ less than the Exige S 240, and assuming you can own an M3, I bet you can own the Exige too together with a 2nd hand Volvo/Saab as a daily commuter.

Honestly, right now BMWs are more appealing to posers than rich people.
Which is why they made the X6 and why I don't care how well they handle, they just don't speak to me anymore.
See you, E31, E36, E38 and E39.

[clutch-monkey]

I see your logic. However, the M3, in my opinion, is for a different breed of humans.
ones with no taste, or sense. like me. i think it's awesome, and would happily drive one, most likely regretting it within a week.

[Ferrer]

BMW appeals a very rich people less than a free lunch at McDonald's.
Even when they cost the same as a Maserati, for instance, there is no technical superiority or efficiency to keep the heart of the enthusiast cool.
The big old Italian lady is the way he will go.

That said, the M3 costs 10.000 $ less than the Exige S 240, and assuming you can own an M3, I bet you can own the Exige too together with a 2nd hand Volvo/Saab as a daily commuter.

Honestly, right now BMWs are more appealing to posers than rich people.
Which is why they made the X6 and why I don't care how well they handle, they just don't speak to me anymore.
See you, E31, E36, E38 and E39.
I can see why you don't want one, but if your budget is a bit tight they are still the ultimate drive.

[LeonOfTheDead]

I can see why you don't want one, but if your budget is a bit tight they are still the ultimate drive.

That's the case, true.
It's like having 60.000 €, and the desire for a sportscar. Tight and 2 seater Cayman, or M3?
Easy call, if you have this much need for space.

Or you can buy a 370Z and a minivan.:D:eek:

[Ferrer]

That's the case, true.
It's like having 60.000 €, and the desire for a sportscar. Tight and 2 seater Cayman, or M3?
Easy call, if you have this much need for space.

Or you can buy a 370Z and a minivan.:D:eek:
Yes, this is pointless we managed to establish that. ;)

But if you have 20 to 40 grand to spent on a car and can only have one car and you need four seats I can't blame anyone for choosing a BMW. They are truly superb, questionably styling aside.

Another question is if you want one. That could be argued, and I can't certainly blame anyone for not wanting one since unfortunately we all know the image they are associated with. Also they don't possess the charm of other cars and the bang for buck is lacking too.

Over 40 grand though the BMW supremacy isn't so clear altough they remain extremely compelling machines.

[Kitdy]

So Ferrer, you don't like this M3.

Do you like the GT3/GT3 RS?

[Ferrer]

So Ferrer, you don't like this M3.

Do you like the GT3/GT3 RS?
It's not my sort of car, but given the choice clealry GT3 over GTS.

[Kitdy]

It's not my sort of car, but given the choice clealry GT3 over GTS.

What's wrong with the GT3? Can you appreciate track/trackish specials?

[Ferrer]

What's wrong with the GT3? Can you appreciate track/trackish specials?
I understand their purpose, but I personally prefer a better balance between comfort and handling. Furthermore trackdays aren't very popular here and on the open road I prefer to have confidence even if the car is ultimately less efective and therefore slower rather than the ultimate in performance but with an edgy and unforgiving character.

[2ndclasscitizen]

I understand their purpose, but I personally prefer a better balance between comfort and handling. Furthermore trackdays aren't very popular here and on the open road I prefer to have confidence even if the car is ultimately less efective and therefore slower rather than the ultimate in performance but with an edgy and unforgiving character.

That is unfortunate.

[NSXType-R]

I understand their purpose, but I personally prefer a better balance between comfort and handling. Furthermore trackdays aren't very popular here and on the open road I prefer to have confidence even if the car is ultimately less efective and therefore slower rather than the ultimate in performance but with an edgy and unforgiving character.

Here as in UCP or as in Spain?

[LeonOfTheDead]

As in "Europe minus UK".

[Ferrer]

That is unfortunate.
It is. :(

As in "Europe minus UK".
This.

[Kitdy]

It's not my sort of car, but given the choice clealry GT3 over GTS.

If this had a manual transmission, would that change things?

[G35COUPE]

I understand their purpose, but I personally prefer a better balance between comfort and handling. Furthermore trackdays aren't very popular here and on the open road I prefer to have confidence even if the car is ultimately less efective and therefore slower rather than the ultimate in performance but with an edgy and unforgiving character.

:) Welcome to the world of the 350z and G-35 Coupe, manual transmission versions---"edgy and unforgiving character"---the very reason why I bought the car in the first place.

I just have a hard time driving a car that is well behaved. It drives me nuts. I have actually kicked a car for being too well composed---it was way too comfy and good in handling. I beleive the car was a Mercedes Benz C- Class. I had no idea i was even moving or turning on the road. Very good car but too rational and predictable for my person.

When a car causes me to sweat and my heart to palpitate, then i know i have a friend in 4 wheels, an engine, and a transmission, all cloaked in glass, metal, and rubber. :)

[clutch-monkey]

I understand their purpose, but I personally prefer a better balance between comfort and handling. Furthermore trackdays aren't very popular here and on the open road I prefer to have confidence even if the car is ultimately less efective and therefore slower rather than the ultimate in performance but with an edgy and unforgiving character.

i actually find the GT3 pretty forgiving/comfortable on the street lol

[Ferrer]

:) Welcome to the world of the 350z and G-35 Coupe, manual transmission versions---"edgy and unforgiving character"---the very reason why I bought the car in the first place.

I just have a hard time driving a car that is well behaved. It drives me nuts. I have actually kicked a car for being too well composed---it was way too comfy and good in handling. I beleive the car was a Mercedes Benz C- Class. I had no idea i was even moving or turning on the road. Very good car but too rational and predictable for my person.

When a car causes me to sweat and my heart to palpitate, then i know i have a friend in 4 wheels, an engine, and a transmission, all cloaked in glass, metal, and rubber. :)
350Z and G35 aren't exactly my idea of unforgiving and edgy. If they were the Mini would be suicidal. No my idea of edgy and unforgiving are track specials like these, the GT2 or Radicals and the stuff.

i actually find the GT3 pretty forgiving/comfortable on the street lol
That's because your car is a deathtrap... :p

If this had a manual transmission, would that change things?
I would like it a bit more, but I'd still go GT3 regardless.

[clutch-monkey]

That's because your car is a deathtrap... :p

that's the way to do it though! drive a deathtrap, everything else seems easy :D

[LeonOfTheDead]

Drink a bit of poison everyday.

[Kitdy]

I would like it a bit more, but I'd still go GT3 regardless.

Ok then why? Because it's a 911? Has the heritage?

[G35COUPE]

350Z and G35 aren't exactly my idea of unforgiving and edgy. If they were the Mini would be suicidal. No my idea of edgy and unforgiving are track specials like these, the GT2 or Radicals and the stuff.

That's because your car is a deathtrap... :p

I would like it a bit more, but I'd still go GT3 regardless.


GT2 and Radical are extreme unforgiving. I was talking about daily driver unforgiving. I certainly would not have the mental strenghten, on a daily basis, to drive a GT2 or Radical to and from work. These cars require much more intense concentration, which is usually absent in one after work hours.

The 350z is a death trap only to those who drive it carelessly and without some moderate level of attention. It only take a blink of an eye to end up in a ditch with a 350z.

[clutch-monkey]

GT2 and Radical are extreme unforgiving. I was talking about daily driver unforgiving. I certainly would not have the mental strenghten, on a daily basis, to drive a GT2 or Radical to and from work. These cars require much more intense concentration, which is usually absent in one after work hours.

The 350z is a death trap only to those who drive it carelessly and without some moderate level of attention. It only take a blink of an eye to end up in a ditch with a 350z.

the 350Z is a pussy cat...
only time it's edgy is if
A) you're going way too fast
B) you have shit tires/it's wet

[Ferrer]

Ok then why? Because it's a 911? Has the heritage?
No, because if I'm spending upward of 100.000€ on a track car I want a purpose built sportscar not a hotted up saloon.

the 350Z is a pussy cat...
only time it's edgy is if
A) you're going way too fast
B) you have shit tires/it's wet
Indeed. I can only presume it's a bit likie the Mini. It's a car that can get a bit tiresome and will try to kill you in the odd corner, but perfectly livable everyday.

[cmcpokey]

the 350Z is a pussy cat...
only time it's edgy is if
A) you're going way too fast
B) you have shit tires/it's wet
This.

Indeed. I can only presume it's a bit likie the Mini. It's a car that can get a bit tiresome and will try to kill you in the odd corner, but perfectly livable everyday.

exactly.