In 2009 BMW debuted the M3 GTS, a high-powered, lightweight, performance version of the M3 that was designed specifically for the racetrack. The GTS version features lightweight interior materials, carbon fiber racing seats, a standard roll cage, adjustable aerodynamics, a 450-horsepower V-8 engine, lighter BMW wheels, and high-performance brakes. The entire car weighs 100 kg less than the standard BMW M3, making it a very capable driver-oriented car.
Even though the BMW M3 GTS is limited to a production run of just 150 units, G-Power GmbH in Germany decided to develop a special supercharger system for the GTS. Named the G-POWER SK II "Sporty Drive" supercharger system, the kit consists of a number of modifications that give the M3 GTS more power without sacrificing drivability.
In the stock BMW M3 GTS, the 4.4-liter V-8 is naturally aspirated and puts out 450 horsepower. After the G-Power supercharger kit, the engine sends 635 horsepower (467 kW) at 7,800 RPM and 464.6 lb-ft. (630 Nm) of torque at 3,900 RPM to each of the rear BMW wheels. The basis for the kit is an ASA SK II supercharger system. ASA was chosen because of their proven reliability and power output in racing cars and the engineering behind their products. The new supercharger system provides even better mid-range torque and improved throttle response than the stock engine. In order to reduce backpressure, G-Power can install a lightweight titanium exhaust developed specifically for the SK II supercharger system. The exhaust also features 100-cell catalytic converters to improve exhaust gas flow. If customers want to shed even more weight, G-Power offers a carbon fiber airbox upgrade. The entire system is controlled by a retuned ECU developed specifically for the GTS.
Packed with the G-POWER SK II "Sporty Drive" supercharger system, the BMW M3 GTS can accelerate to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, hit 124 mph in 11.9 seconds, and reach a top speed of over 200 mph (323 km/h). European magazine, Sport Auto, tested the BMW M3 GTS with the G-Power supercharger system around Hockenheim Circuit and achieved a 1:11.8 lap time.
The body, suspension, and interior of the BMW M3 GTS were left untouched by G-Power. One of the ways that customers can achieve even better performance with the supercharger system is to install new concave wheels and an upgraded suspension. By upgrading the stock BMW wheels with forged concave wheels, the handling, acceleration, and stopping power of the GTS will improve. Forged concave wheels also offer the improved strength that is necessary to handle the 635 horsepower engine. Upgrading the suspension will make the M3 GTS even more proficient on the track and lead to quicker lap times.
Braxton Herring is a contributing writer at COR Wheels. COR Wheels specializes in concave wheels and BMW wheels in a variety of both traditional step lip, reverse, and concave designs.
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