Exclusive 19-inch wheels with ample 225/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 at the rear catch your eye.

All this is certainly nice looking and sensible, but what you glimpse through the spokes of the aluminium wheel rims is even more exciting: a generously sized fixed caliper brake system with six pistons at the front and four at the rear.

The wheels almost fill out the wheel arches, but if you look closely you discover the next highlight. Yellow springs with a small M logo provide the crucial clue: a threaded suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound. "The rear axle support is bolted in place," adds the responsible engineer.

The expert will also spot the adjustable front splitter and rear wing. One thing is clear: this car is serious stuff. Not only can a high level of downforce be generated but it also precisely adjustable at front and rear. Fast bends can look forward to welcoming the BMW M3 GTS - but they won't get to see it for long.

Which brings us to the next question: what does it weigh?

"The serial production BMW M3 is already weight-optimised with a whole range of measures reserved for the BMW M3 CSL in the last model - the striking carbon lightweight roof, for example."

So the engineers had to get back to work again to come up with more. Light body-contoured seats are a must.

A cluster of lightweight construction measures such as optimisation of the insulation, the use of lightweight parts in the interior, the use of Macrolon for the car's windows in the back, the lack of air conditioning, navigation and radio and the entire rear seat also gets the scales the down.

And the new titanium rear silencer not only looks great and contributes to the thrilling sound of the BMW M3 GTS, it is also much lighter than its serial production counterpart.

Indispensable for safety reasons: the lightweight construction body has been prepared for installation of the 6-point seatbelt included for use on the race track. There are also mounts for the roll-over protective structure bolted on from the B column. A fire extinguisher and a battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation do not make the car lighter either - but safer.

So the BMW M3 GTS concept vehicle puts the scales up to around 1490 kilograms - causing the engineer to give an appreciative nod.

And the drivetrain? The heart of the BMW M3 GTS?

The car is fitted with a 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics. But an absolute highlight is to be found under the bonnet. Exclusively for the BMW M3 GTS, the engine builders of BMW M - recent winners of the Engine of the Year Award once again - have developed a power unit based on the M high-performance engine of the current BMW M3: with a capacity of 4.4 litres and an output of some 450 bhp, it will catapult the light BMW M3 GTS into a whole new sphere.

After all, the aim is to clearly beat the lap time of the legendary M3 CSL on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And test runs certainly give grounds for optimism.

The BMW M3 GTS is manufactured to order on an individual basis at the BMW M production workshops.

The price of the BMW M3 GTS with the features shown is expected to be EUR 115,000.- for delivery in Germany, including 19% VAT.

The first vehicles are due to be supplied in May 2010. For technical reasons relating to registration, the first vehicles to be produced will be those for individual registration in Germany. According to current planning, registrations in other countries will be possible from summer 2010.

If you are interested in the BMW M3 GTS, we recommend registering for our competition, in which you can win a place to attend the exclusive vehicle presentation.

The aerodynamic kit includes revised front wings, new side skirts and new rear fender flares. A hand-made PD silencer accompanies four stainless steel pipes said to please the ear even from miles away. The body was widened by some 80mm to improve handling and offer sportier dynamics.

A choice of two wheel/ tyre combinations are possible; FA 9.0 J x 20 / RA 10.5 J x 20 with 255/35 ZR 20 / 285/30 ZR 20 tyres or FA 9.0 J x 21 / RA 10.5 J x 21 with 255/30 ZR 21 / 295/25 ZR 21. The suspension can be lowered by up to 30mm up front and 25mm at the rear which gives the PD550 a real squatting position.

The tuners at Geilenkirchen-based Manhart Racing probably thought the same thing when they built the car that BMW didn't want to build; an M3 touring. To produce it, the team centred around legendary mechanic Günther Manhart, furnished the E91 bodywork with the front apron, front side panels, side skirts and of course, the characteristic powerdome bonnet from the M3 saloon, designed their own M3-style rear apron and widened the rear wheel-arches to give them that M3 look. The aerodynamic rear-view mirrors really topped it all off. However, Günther Manhart knows that you obviously can't just make a car look good; it has to have something under the bonnet too. The axles, the tank, the complete steering system and a range of other hidden but otherwise essential parts have all come from the M3.

V10 power in the E91

So it only remains to talk about what really makes the M3: The 4.2-litre V8 engine. But wait! At this point it should be mentioned that Manhart Racing specialises in fitting various BMW models with the formidable 5.0-litre engine from the M5 E60. And so the V10 engine found itself used in another BMW model, the E91. After optimising the electronics and incorporating HJS's stainless-steel four-pipe exhaust system with two 200-cell racing catalytic convertors, the heavy-duty unit manages an extremely impressive 550 PS, which is kept on a tight leash by the 7-speed SMG gearbox, also taken from the M5 and by the corresponding 100% limited slip differential With the vehicle possessing such an armoury, it can catapult itself from 0 to 100km/h in only 4.3 seconds and on the motorway it easily cruises past most other performance saloons and estates (including the ‘true' M3 and M5 models) with its top speed of 324km/h.

It's a good thing then, that Manhart Racing has equipped the car with tunable Bilstein PSS10 coilover suspension and an extremely stable Stoptech Sport Trophy Kit braking system with a six-piston calliper with grooved 380mm brake discs at the front and a four-piston calliper with 355mm brake discs on the drive shaft.
The RÄD Monza three-part forged wheels with black rims fit perfectly with the character of this vehicle, and they are available in 9.5" and 10.5" x 20" sizes. Flat, size 255/30ZR20 and 295/25ZR20 Hankook S1 Evo tyres aim to provide higher levels of longitudinal and lateral acceleration.

Performance interior

A detailed look at the interior is also very much worth your. Driver and passenger both sit in outstanding BMW sports seats, and the back seats can be upholstered with leather or Alcantara to match those in the front. Likewise, the leather interior with Alcantara roof and door linings as well as the carbon fittings and the BMW performance steering wheel with illuminating indicator switches really give the car that racing look.

Manhart Racing has set the purchase price for the complete car package at around €120,000. If desired, your current basis car can be upgraded.

Technical facts

Vehicle: BMW M3 E91 5.0 V10 SMG

Bodywork: M3 E90 front apron, M3 E90 front fenders, M3 E90 bonnet, M3 E90 side skirts, M3 E90 wing mirrors, Manhart Racing-designed, M3-style, rear apron, widened rear wheel arches in the style of the M3.

Engine: 5.0-litre V10 from the M5 E60, modified engine electronics, lifting of the Vmax limiter, complete stainless steel exhaust system with 2 x 200-cell HJS catalytic converters and 4 x 86mm exhaust pipes, tank from the M3 E90, 550 PS.

Transmission: 7-speed SMG from the M5 E60, 100% limited slip differential from the M5 E60, front and rear axel from the M3 E90.

Chassis: Bilstein PSS10 coilover suspension, steering system from the M3 E90.

Brakes: Stoptech Sport Trophy Kit front and back, 6-piston callipers and 380mm slats in the front, and 4-piston callipers and 355mm slats at the rear.

Wheel/Tyres: three-part RÄD Monza aluminium rims in 9.5" x 20" ET20 and 10.5" x 20" ET20, Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Tyres in sizes 255/30ZR20 and 295/25ZR20

Interior: heated BMW performance sports seats, leather-covered back seats in the style of the front seats, full leather interior with Alcantara roof and door lining, BMW performance steering wheel with illuminating indicator switches, acceleration and ¼ mile time displays.

The result is a unique vehicle category. And naturally we are also devoting all our know-how to the development of a complete AC Schnitzer range for the new BMW 5-series GT which will cover all vehicle sectors. The range will include performance upgrades, sports rear silencers and tailpipes, suspension optimisation, aerodynamic components and accessories for the interior.

A brief overview of the wheel and tyre combinations already available is given below.

Type IV wheels, BiColor
front 8.5J x 19" 245/45 R 19
rear 9.5J x 19" 275/40 R 19

front 9.0J x 20" 245/40 R 20
rear 10.0J x 20" 275/35 R 20

Type IV Wheels, silver
front 8.5J x 19" 245/45 R 19
rear 9.5J x 19" 275/40 R 19

Type V Lightweight Forged Wheels
front 9.0J x 20" 245/40 R 20
rear 10.0J x 20" 275/35 R 20

front 9.5J x 22" 265/30 R 22
rear 10.0J x 22" 295/25 R 22

Do-it-yourself supercharger system G-POWER SK Plus NG for BMW 330i E46 and Z4 E85

* 306 hp/360 Nm for BMW 330i E46 and Z4 3.0i
* Significant output increase of 75 hp and 60 Nm torque
* Supercharger coming from the well-known German brand ASA in OEM quality
* Installation without irremovable modifications to your car
* Easy DIY installation thanks to detailed step-by-step installation manual

The "NG" in the name of the G-POWER SK Plus NG supercharger system is standing for "next generation" and it indicates that the G-POWER SK Plus supercharger system features a complete reworked ASA T3-12 supercharger from the year 2009 on. Thanks to a redesigned supercharger transmission with improved tooth flanks and a modified shaft sealing, the originally for 0,3 bar rel. boost designed ASA T3-12 supercharger is now capable of 0,4 bar rel.

With the G-POWER supercharger system the 231 hp strong "old" 3.0l 6-cylinder M54 engine achieves the same output figures as the current bi-turbo engine, exactly 306 hp. Accordingly the performance figures improve likewise, so that the older version of the BMW 3 series and Z4 for are actually quicker than the current models due to there better power-to-weight ratio.

The G-POWER SK Plus supercharger system for BMW 330i E46 and Z4 3.0i is delivered with TÜV certification (which makes it street legal in Germany). G-POWER supercharged engines feature the unrestricted everyday practicability of the factory engine, combined with an improved specific consumption and the BMW-typical reliability.

The company G-POWER:

G-POWER was established in 1983 and has ever since exclusively focused on tuning BMW automobiles. In 2008, the brand celebrated its 25-year anniversary and today, it is one of the most renowned providers on the global market. By developing the world-wide strongest versions of the most important BMW engines in-house, G-POWER significantly stands out from its competitors. G-POWER holds various world records and its 750 hp strong BMW M5 Hurricane RS is the fastest limousine in the world.

The rules are simple – the more missions you complete, the greater your chances are of winning the BMW M3 (up to five entries per person if you complete all five missions). To be eligible to win the Need for Speed M3 Missions Sweepstakes, you need to be 18 years or older and a resident of the United States. You also need to follow @NeedforSpeed on Twitter and complete at least one of the five missions. For a complete breakdown of the rules, visit www.needforspeed.com.

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Need for Speed SHIFT is now available on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PC, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and coming soon on the iPhone™. More information can be found at www.needforspeed.com or follow us on Twitter at NeedforSpeed.

The BMW Z4 as standard is far from under-powered. But as is well known, enthusiastic drivers can never have enough power. Sufficient reason then for AC Schnitzer to upgrade the Z4 3.5i Turbo to 286 km/h. With a power of 360 HP and an unladen weight of 1485 kg, the open-top roadster from BMW accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Even the most demanding driver will be delighted with this performance.

The driving experience is enhanced acoustically and visually by the stainless steel sports rear silencer and the chromed Racing tailpipe trims.

Equally sporting is the AC Schnitzer suspension variant in the Z4. Thanks to a new spring kit, the transverse acceleration appears to bypass the conventional laws of nature.

This impression is certainly partly supported by the aerodynamic components made of PU-Rim, a high quality flexible plastic. The aerodynamic pack for the new BMW Z4 consists of a chrome front grille and front spoiler, where both components combine to give a more muscular look to the long bonnet lines.

New sports fenders, consisting of wheel arches with integral air outlets for improved cooling of the front brakes and chromed deflectors, optimise the side lines of the roadster.

Finally, the two-piece rear spoiler gives the rear of the BMW Z4 by AC Schnitzer an impressive look; because of the performance of the car, this is probably the aspect which will be seen most by other drivers!

In the inside, both driver and passenger enjoy an impressive interior. The aluminium cover for the i-Drive System Controller, the aluminium foot rests and pedal set, are just a few of the ergonomically perfect controls which give the vehicle elegance and enhance the sporting ambience.

Standing on AC Schnitzer Type IV in 18” or Type VI wheels in 18, 19 or 20 inch, the BMW Z4 takes to the stage for its world premiere. A striking entrance from the Aachen specialist, which will certainly not be forgotten in a hurry.

At Manhart Racing, we noticed a gap in the market for precisely this performance problem and developed a M3-V10-Coupé with 550 HP - not only comfortably keeping in check the Porsche Turbo with its 480 HP but also its big brother the GT2 with 530 HP. What is particularly interesting here is the fact that Günther Manhart almost exclusively sourced original parts from the BMW corporate group.

The power of 550 HP originally came from the current new version of the M5 E60 built V10 motor which - with its 5.0 L cubic capacity - just barely fits into the engine compartment of the M3 Coupé. Compulsory changes included removing the pointless Vmax bar of 250 km/h, up-dated DME-steerage and with a power of 550 HP, the catalytic convertor has a much more noticeable effect. With a differential gear boasting 100 percent bars, the 7 gear SMG gearbox was completely trounced by the M5. The species specific processing of exhaust fumes is carried out by a titanium complete system with four 84 mm thick exhaust tailpipes and two 200 Zeller-HJS running catalytic convertors. Thanks to a manageable basic weight of only 1.550 kg, the Mannhart M3 V10 accelerates to 100 km7h in only 3.9 seconds, while its highest speed is an impressive 334 km/h. This makes the M3 V10 the perfect choice for speed freaks on the Italian high speed racing track in Nardo!

For perfect contact with tarmac surfaces, Manhart Racing installed a state-of-the-art Bilstein PSS10- coilover in combination with classically attractive BBS challenge-R-wheel rims, at the front in 9Jx20 ET20 with 245/30ZR20 and behind with 10.5Jx20 ET20 with 295/25ZR20. The changes to the bodywork were somewhat limited but definitely what was needed. In this way, Manhart Racing's engineers gave the coupé silhouette of the M3 a front and rear spoiler, a diffuser, a roof spoiler, front steel flooring and an air collector - all of course finished in exclusive carbon.

The exclusiveness continues inside the M3. Here you can also benefit from the classiest accessories straight from BMW. Performance seats provide the perfect support while also offering seat heating. An authentic motor sport feeling comes with the performance steering wheel equipped with illuminated rocker switches, ¼ mile and side acceleration display. The complete interior has a sophisticated finish thanks to a number of carbon fibre trimmings and the almost extravagant use of Alcantara and leather.

Conclusion: With a basic weight of 1.550 kg, 550 HP is a real announcement for the sports car armada from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. If you look more closely at the Manhart M3 V10, you have to - quite rightly - ask yourself why the engineers in Munich did not already come up with the idea themselves!

All further details including prices and delivery information can be obtained directly from:

Manhart Racing GmbH & Co .KG
Am Kreuz 18-20
52511 Geilenkirchen
Germany
Tel.: +49 24 51/ 79 15
Fax: +49 24 51/ 55 47
www.manhart-racing.de
info@manhart-racing.de