Expectations will be even higher at this year’s Nürburgring 24H, which marks the 40th anniversary of BMW Motorsport. Two teams will receive works assistance at the “Green Hell” endurance battle: BMW Team Schubert and BMW Team Vita4One, both of whom will run two BMW Z4 GT3 racing cars.

Team Principal Michael Bartels will lead the Vita4One team, which features Pedro Lamy, Frank Kechele, Mathias Lauda and Ricardo van der Ende at the wheel of the number 17 BMW Z4 GT3. The number 18 car will be driven by BMW Motorsport test and development driver Marco Wittmann, Pedro Lamy, Jens Klingmann and Richard Göransson.

They will be joined by the Schubert BMW team, who have set themselves the target of overall victory with the BMW Z4 GT3. Wearing the classic BMW Motorsport colours, two BMW Z4 GT3′s have been entered and will be driven by BMW Driving Experience Chief Instructor Claudia Hürtgen, Dirk Adorf, Uwe Alzen, Dirk Müller, Jörg Müller, Nico Bastian, and Dominik Schwager.

The Z4 GT3 has become a popular car with BMW Motorsport customers, after winning in FIA GT1 and the Nürburgring VLN series during 2012, so it seems somewhat dissapointing that BMW’s road car customers cannot buy anything remotely similar to the race car.

But what, I hear you ask, is so different about the Z4 GT3 from BMW’s top production model, the £45,350 335bhp Z4 sDrive35is?

* * *

The Z4 GT3 in focus

While the production version of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is driven by a six-cylinder turbocharged engine (as used in the 1 Series M Coupe), the GT3 car is powered by a 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine based on the unit from the M3 GTS.

Engine output is substantially increased from the M3 GTS’ 444bhp, now delivering a buxom 515 bhp at 8,200 rpm, and the wick has been turned up to maximum peaking at 9,000 rpm thanks to a clever new exhaust system. According to BMW, the torquey power delivery of the production M3 GTS has been retained, so the Z4 GT3′s engine is as much a slugger as well as a screamer with approximately 515 Nm of torque available at 5,500 rpm.

That’s approximately 15bhp and 15Nm more than the 4.0-litre V8 engine used in the Z4 GT3′s predecessor, the M3 GT, and the 4.4-litre engine delivers this more than 500 rpm lower in the rev range.

Engine power is transferred via a sequential six speed gearbox initiated using two “Quick Shift” paddles, whilst a modern ECU408 takes over the engine management and Power400 electronic control unit controls all the actuators.

Other improvements for the 2012 season include a rear wing made from carbon fibre instead of aluminium, which produces greater downforce with less drag. A more optimised front brake cooling system and new rear axle differential. The front axle of the Z4 GT3 is an all new design based on the latest production model, whilst rims are now secured with a central locking fitment and safety clip.

The steel body of the car comes from the BMW Plant in Regensburg, whilst the safety cell made of precision steel tubing is welded into the body frame. The engine block of the V8 engine is produced in the BMW foundry in Landshut, whilst the BMW Plant in Dingolfing provides the rear axle differential. Front and rear wings, bonnet, roof, fenders and many other components are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) produced in Landshut.

The end result is a vehicle with a kerb weight of 1,190 kg with a price tag of 315,000 Euros plus VAT (circa £250,000).

With an intended lifespan until at least 2015, what chance is there for a production GTS version to appear sometime in the future? Here’s hoping.

Technical specifications

It’s no M3 CSL, but it shares the same spirit. Back in 2003 when BMW launched the CSL it represented a test bed for new intelligent lightweight technologies, most notable of which was its carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof.

The new M3 CRT is likewise the first model to use a material that originated in an innovative BMW production process for lightweight components. The cuttings left behind from the body construction of the new BMW i models BMW i3 and BMW i8 are woven into CFRP mats of various sizes, impregnated with synthetic resin and hardened.

The results are evident in a bonnet which weighs only a quarter as much as a steel equivalent, but has the same strength and rigidity. The material produced through this innovative manufacturing technology is also used for the car’s bucket seats. Here, the CFRP layers are wrapped around a recycled-paper honeycomb, with a carbon layer made using conventional production technology added to visible areas. CFRP is also used to make both the rear spoiler of the BMW M3 CRT and an air-channelling element integrated into its front apron.

Engine

Whilst the high-performance BMW M3 CRT is based on the BMW M3 sedan, its engine, gearbox and chassis comes from the M3 GTS coupe. With its 444 bhp high-performance M engine, the BMW M3 CRT achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 3.5kg/HP and weighs 70 kg less than a BMW M3 sedan.

The weight advantage is the result of the CFRP components already mentioned plus an extremely lightweight titanium sports muffler and sound-proofing configured especially for the BMW M3 CRT.

Power is transferred to the tarmac by mixed tyres in dimensions of 245/35 R 19 at the front and 265/35 R 19 at the rear, on 19-inch CSL-style alloy wheel rims. BMW claim a top speed of 181 mph for the M3 CRT, which can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Design

Unlike the standard M3 Saloon, the M3 CRT makes do with just four seats – which is still two more than the M3 GTS offered. Complementing the matt-effect Frozen Polar Silver metallic paint finish are applications of Melbourne red metallic in areas such as the front spoiler and bonnet air intakes.

Inside, the M3 GTS features a unique combination of black/red leather and decorative strips in a new kind of aluminium fibre structure. The CFRP seat pans in front are reinterpreted for rear seat passengers with single seats, optimised for side support.

Buying one..

And now for the bad news. Firstly if you live in the UK, you can’t buy an M3 GTS, unless of course you manage to import one from Germany. So if that hurdle doesn’t stop you, then the next probably will. At EUR 130,000 incl. VAT in Germany, the 444 bhp M3 CRT costs a whopping EUR 30,000 more than the newly unveiled 552 bhp M5.

The BMW M3 CRT is to be produced in a limited edition run of 67 cars, so perhaps its best to look upon the CRT as a test-bed and wait until some of its intelligent technology appears on a future M car.

Gallery

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.

The performance figures, if not in the same league as the GT2 RS are still impressive making the GTS comfortably the quickest model in BMW’s current range. Accelerating in just 4.4 seconds from zero to 62.5 mph, reaching the 1000-meter mark from a standstill in 22.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed is 191 mph. No mention is made of the usual BMW speed limiter, so let’s also take the opportunity of recognising the M3 GTS as the fastest production car BMW have yet produced.

Okay, this is perhaps a slightly hollow victory given that the M6 can exceed this figure if derestricted, but nonetheless it’s worth noting.

“The BMW M3 is an icon and internationally synonymous with the highest level of dynamics,” explains Dr. Kay Segler, CEO of the BMW M GmbH. “Our aim was to develop a model variant that would prove its outstanding potential both on the road and at club sport racing events. The BMW M3 GTS is pure M feeling, embodying the brand values in a highly concentrated form.”

For two decades the BMW 3-series has represented the epitome of successes in motorsport. The number of touring car racing victories and titles is unsurpassed by any other rival, and now with the M3 GT2 causing something of a sensation in endurance racing, BMW believe it is time to reflect this success back in their road car range.

More displacement, more power, more torque

The power required for high performance in motor sports is delivered by an 8-cylinder engine featuring a high-revving concept. With its unparalleled pulling force, which is constantly available over a very wide engine speed range, the V8 engine developed exclusively for the BMW M3 by BMW M GmbH features refined performance characteristics that are closely oriented towards the requirements of motor sports. A version of this power unit with further increased displacement, power output and maximum torque was exclusively conceived for the BMW M3 GTS.

The increase in displacement from 3,999 to 4,361 cc is achieved by a cylinder stroke that has been extended from 75,2 to 82 mm. In the enlarged combustion chamber, a maximum power output of 331 kW/444 bhp (BMW M3: 309 kW/414 bhp) is delivered at 8,300 rpm. Maximum torque has been increased by 40 Nm to 440 Nm and is available at an engine speed of 3,750 rpm.

Characteristic constructional features derived from motor sports, which include the crankcase designed as a bedplate construction and made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy, individual throttles, knock sensors featuring ionic-current technology and a dynamically optimised wet-sump oil supply have been adopted from the original power unit. The lightweight sports exhaust system developed for the BMW M3 GTS with model-specific primary catalytic converters and titanium rear silencers ensure optimum exhaust flow.

Transmission of power is effected by means of the M Dual Clutch Drivelogic gearbox developed for the BMW M3. This 7-speed transmission operates according to a principle also developed for motor sports and permits gear shifting without interruption of traction for extremely dynamic acceleration. Its gear shift characteristics have been exclusively tuned to the modified engine featured by the BMW M3 GTS.

Watch the M3 GTS being put through its paces by a professional test driver. Click to view on SkiddPlayer.

High-performance suspension with adjustable racetrack set-up

The car’s suspension technology also derived from motor racing is based on the front and rear axle construction featured by the BMW M3 Coupe. Contrary to that, the BMW M3 GTS features a rigid rear-axle support as well as a coilover suspension, the dampers of which are independently variable in the traction and compression travel. Moreover, camber on the front and rear axles and vehicle height are variable for motor racing purposes. The car is lowered by 16 mm at the front and 12 mm at the rear.

The high-performance brake system featured on the BMW M3 GTS has been designed as a fixed-calliper construction and comprises six pistons on each of the front wheels and four pistons on each rear wheel. Compared to the BMW M3, the brake discs are 18 mm larger in diameter at the front and 30 mm larger in diameter at the rear. Furthermore, steel-armoured hoses are used.

Specific tuning of the stability control function DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), including ABS and the M Dynamic Mode (MDM), make allowances for the increased dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Optimum transfer not only of acceleration torque but also of the brake torque is also guaranteed by mixed tyres on matt black, 19-inch M light alloy wheels featuring a Y-spoke design.

Aerodynamics: Optimised components with variable adjustment

In order to optimise air stream and for on-demand adaptation of downforce characteristics, the BMW M3 GTS is fitted with motor racing-oriented front apron and rear wing elements. They offer the possibility to adapt the car’s aerodynamic characteristics according to the racetrack profile and other basic club motor sport requirements. The air duct elements in the front apron are also variable, as is the position of the rear wing. The tail assembly is based on the corresponding component featured by the BMW 320si in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

Any colour so long as it’s orange

The BMW M3 GTS will only be available in a unique orange colour. Additional model-specific features are the matt black exterior components such as the BMW kidney grille, roof trims and alloy wheels as well as the side gill elements made of dark anodised chrome.

In addition to the standard CFRP roof on the BMW M3 and titanium rear silencers, an exceptionally light construction of the centre console and door panels, the use of polycarbonate side windows at the rear and a polycarbonate rear window, dispensing with seats in the rear compartment and acoustic insulation configured specifically for the vehicle all serve to guarantee weight optimisation. The unloaded weight of the BMW M3 GTS according to DIN is 1,530 kg including roll bar and M Dual Clutch Drivelogic transmission (BMW M3: 1,600 kg). Automatic climate control and audio system supplied as standard comfort features in the BMW M3 can be fitted if the customer desires.

The interior of the BMW M3 GTS reflects a predominant focus on optimum performance and the highest level of safety on the racetrack. The range of equipment includes thoroughbred racing bucket seats, carbon interior trims and an Alcantara® M steering wheel. Door and sidewall linings in the rear compartment are also made of Alcantara®.

The BMW M3 GTS is equipped as standard with a roll bar fitted behind the B-pillars. Furthermore, the car body offers fastening points for six-point safety seat belts and an optional extension for the roll cage. The car is fitted with three-point automatic seatbelts for road use. Additionally supplied six-point safety seat belts for driver and front seat passenger and a fire extinguisher complete the range of equipment.

The M3 GTS will be priced at €136.850 in Germany with deliveries beginning in July 2010. UK prices are likely to be considerbly ‘higher’ than any current model in the range (M6 included), but won’t be confirmed until the end of 2010 before right-hand drive cars go on sale in January 2011. The number of cars allocated for UK market will be very small, so it’s not surprising to hear that they have already all been sold.

Full technical specifications for the BMW M3 GTS

“I will be responsible for the motor sport activities of BMW in the future. Peter Sauber now takes control and will lead the (F1) team. For me it is an end and a new era (for Sauber) begins.” said Theissen.

The FIA has yet to confirm if the Hinwil-based team has an entry for the 2010 Formula One season, which was a condition laid down by BMW in order for the buyout to be completed. BMW initially agreed the sale of its Sauber F1 Team in the summer to Swiss foundation Qadbak, however allegations of fraudulent behaviour by a senior member of the foundation made the German marque reconsider its buyout plans for the future.

So what next for Theissen?

BMW announced on Friday that it would be dramatically scaling back it’s activities in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) for 2010, but we are hearing that a switch towards endurance racing might well be on the cards, especially with the latest M3 GTS road car arriving next spring.

If you remember, Valle was presented with an M3 Saloon at the final round in Valencia for being the most successful qualifier of the 2009 Moto GP season. BMW has been the exclusive provider of safety and shuttle vehicles for the Moto GP since 1999, so naturally they sent along their latest star, the M3 GTS for this end of season event.

After being given the opportunity to drive the M3 GTS around the circuit, Rossi made it very clear to Thomas Schmera, BMW M GmbH Head of Sales and Marketing, that he wanted one for himself.

I can’t exactly blame him, but somehow I suspect my request will be receiving slightly less attention from BMW than Valentino’s.

Rossi was invited to experience some fast laps in the new M3 GTS, but in the end he wanted to drive it. The nine times MotoGP champion took to the Valencia track in the lightweight M3 GTS together with MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta in the passenger seat. Rossi was supposed to stop at the end of his first lap, but he decided to do another lap even more quickly.

Rossi was eventually prised out of the M3 GTS so that he could be presented with his M3 Saloon, but said, “It was amazing in the GTS. Just amazing. It was great, especially under braking with the light weight that it has.” In fact Rossi was already enquiring about how he could get hold of one for himself, but apparently there have already been more than 300 serious enquiries about the car since it’s launch three days ago.

Thomas Schemera, the Director of Sales and Marketing for BMW M Power who handed over the keys of the M3 to Rossi said, “It was our intention for Valentino to have a seat in the M3 GTS, but in the end he wanted to drive it, so he did! I think he is very convinced about the features and the abilities of the car and we would be very happy to let him have one of the hand built cars that echoes the iconic 3.0 CSL racer from the mid 70s.”

BMW will continue to supply Safety Cars, Official Cars and VIP Shuttles to the Moto GP series until 2013, using vehicles from BMW’s M Power stable.

Rossi finished 2nd in today’s Moto GP round in Valencia, followed home by team mate Jorge Lorenzo. Spain’s Dani Pedrosa won this final race of the 2009 season.

Photos courtesy of BMW & Moto GP.

Valentino Rossi who won an M3 at today’s Moto GP in Valencia also had a run in this M3 GTS, he was only supposed to do a single lap, but he escaped BMW’s PR people by driving through the pits and went on to circulate Valencia’s twisty circuit again. I guess that means he likes it..

We’ve also added an extended version of the original video revealed last week.