M3 GTS Tech revealed.

[News_Stig]

BMW has revealed the full technical specification for its new M3 GTS, which will reach UK showrooms early next year.

Powering the hardcore club racer is a heavily revised version of the M3’s 4.0-litre V8. It’s been increased in capacity to 4.4-litres. Power has been increased to 450bhp and torque is up to 324lb ft.

The car can crack 0-62mph in 4.4sec and reach a top speed of 190mph. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a beefed up version of BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The GTS now weighs 1530kg, more than 100kg less than the standard M3, thanks to extensive use carbonfibre and weight saving throughout, especially in the interior.

Underneath, the M3’s aluminum intensive MacPherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension has been heavily revised with altered geometry and a rear sub-frame that bolts directly to the body.

Unsprung masses have also been reduced through the adoption of new 19-inch cast aluminium competition wheels shod with 255/35 ZR 19 (front) and 285/30 ZR 19 (rear) Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres.

Changes to the brakes see the single piston floating caliper units used on the standard M3 replaced by new fixed calipers with six pistons up front and four pistons at the rear.

The fixed rear wing is taken from BMW’s 320si WTCC racer and it, along with a new front splitter, improved the GTS’s aerodynamic performance.

It will only be available in the orange pictured here. Pricing has yet to be announced, but it is expected to cost in excess in £100,000 when it reaches UK showrooms from January 2011.