BMW has released new footage of the M3 GTS, driven around the Ascari Race Resort at the recent M3 25th anniversary celebration. The BMW M3 GTS is a one-off special from BMW M GmbH which marks the swansong of the E92 M3 and BMW Motorsport’s move earlier this year into endurance racing with the V8 engined M3 GT.

The road-going M3 GTS features a bespoke 4.4-litre V8 engine producing 444-bhp, lightweight sports exhaust with titanium silencers and a reprogrammed 7-speed M dual-clutch Drivelogic transmission. It weighs some 70 kg less than the standard M3, thanks to plexi-glass polycarbonate rear windows and an the use of lightweight materials throughout.

The BMW M3 GTS equipment includes purebred racing bucket seats, carbon fibre interior trim, and an Alcantara M steering wheel. Also the door and side panelling in the rear are trimmed in Alcantara. The GTS is also fitted ex-works with a rollover bar bolted behind the B pillar, facilities for six point seatbelts, and an extension option for the rollover cage. Three point automatic seatbelts are installed for use in road traffic, whilst separate six-point seatbelts are in place for driver and front passenger together with a fire extinguisher.

SkiddPlayer

BMW M3 GTS. THE ESSENCE OF M.

+ Click to watch the video

Designed as a ‘club sport’ version of the M3, the GTS is an M3 race car for people who enjoy track driving and hobby racing. Fewer than 150 cars will be built in a single production run starting soon and at a price of more than £110,000 it will be a rare collector’s piece.

With a further 2 years yet to run of the current model M3, BMW are hinting that a special-edition version of the GTS may yet be forthcoming, this time produced in greater numbers, with a lower price tag and a few more creature comforts added back in. Of course it would use the GTS’ new 4.4-litre V8 engine since it would be a shame to limit such an awesome powerplant to a mere handful of cars.