Germany’s Manhart Racing presents a particular tuning program for Bmw M3 that makes extensive use of components lifted from Bmw X6 M. The most notable feature (flashy black and orange livery aside) is that the whole 4.4-litre V8 unit equipping the latter that has been fitted into the body of the former with the addition of two supercharger, a move that boosted the output of the car to an impressive 750 hp with 910 Nm of peak torque. Manhart Racing also installed a bigger air cooler, the X6 M cooler package and an oil cooler, while pistons and rods have been reinforced. Besides, the car also uses a titanium exhaust system with double tail pipe.

Weighing in at 1,590 kg, the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport (this is the name that Manhart Racing gave to this tuning) boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.12 kg/hp, which contributes and good part to make the car going from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, with a top speed rated at more than 350 km/h (317 mph). The model also borrows the 6-speed automatic gearbox of the X6 M and the locking differential of Bmw M5, while the braking system uses 396 mm discs with 6-pistons calipers on the front and 380 mm disc with 4-pistons calipers at the rear, courtesy of Mov’It.

The carbon fibre bodykit of the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport includes the following parts: adjustable front spoiler, bonnet air slots, trunk lid, fenders, side skirts, rear diffuser and wing mirror shells. As for the rims, the car is equipped with custom 20″ monoblock forged wheels “Black Edition”, fitted with Continental performance tyres. The cabin make use of in-house built carbon fibre package that include its racing seats, an instrument panel specifically designed for this model, fine alcantara finishing and a roll cage, obviously painted in color-matching orange.

View the full Bmw M3 MH3 V8 RS Clubsport by Manhart Racing photo gallery

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Here’s another set of spy-shots of the next BMW M3, based on the recently unveiled 3-Series F30. This time a mule of the new M3 has been spotted testing in regular traffic, but we don’t see any significant difference in comparison to the prototype saw lapping at the Nurburgring a few weeks ago. It might even be the same one, actually.

The new M3 should be powered by a 3.3-litres twin turbo V6 engine delivering 450 hp, mated to BMW’s own Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with electronic limited slip differential. Suspension and steering will be electronically controlled by the ECU. The new BMW M3 F30 should appear in its definitive form in 2014.

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German tuner A-Workx presents the Bmw M3 460cs. This particular rendition of Bmw M3 uses a re-mapped ECU, modified camshafts, a sports air filter and a titanium exhaust system courtesy of Akrapovic Evolution, whose combined action provides the standard 4.0 litre V8 unit of the M3 with an extra 34 hp, boosting the output from 420 to 454 hp, with 460 Nm (339 lb/ft) of maximum torque. With this enhancement, the Bmw M3 460cs can go from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds (whereas the standard M3 does that in 4.8 sec) while 200 km/h is reached in 13.2 seconds, down 2.5 seconds from the standard car. However, if that is not enough, A-Workx also offers an additional performance kit with a supercharger which will boost the output up to 592 hp.

A-Workx’s Bmw M3 460cs also uses a limited-slip differential from Drexler, KW suspension and 19″ ATS Super Light alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup performance tyres. Upon request the tuner also offers a Mov’It Cer carboceramic braking system with 6-piston calipers and 380 mm x 40 mm discs on the front and 4-piston calipers with 380 mm x 38 mm discs on the rear. This modification alone would cost about 20,000 €, but a cheaper steel brake alternative will also be made available.

View the full BMW M3 460cs by A-Workx photo gallery

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Bmw presents the M3 Competition Edition, a special version of the M3 for the US market. The car comes with an unusual Frozen Silver livery and is meant to be a tribute to BMW Motorsport division’s 40th anniversary. This is also the reason why only 40 units of this special edition series will be produced. Apart from its exclusive paint-job, the car also uses a black carbon fibre roof, black hood intakes, 19″ dark rims, dark chrome grills and exterior trim. Moreover, the Competition Edition M3 will feature the same 414 hp V8 engine as other M3s, but the 0-60km/h sprint time drops from 4.7 seconds to 4.5 thanks to the 10 mm lower ride height, wider-offset wheels and a new programming for the M mode.

The interior features Black Novillo leather upholstery with Palladium Silver stitching, multifunctional Alcantara M steering wheel, a dashboard with carbon fibre accents and ‘M’ logos all around. The M3 Competition Edition will be on sale in the US for 81.060 Dollars and will be given to the first 40 dealers to receive the M Certified Center status. Bmw’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DTC) will also be available as an optional extra.

View the full Bmw M3 Competition Edition USA photo gallery

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A few days ago BMW unveiled a showcar based on the M3 that will race in the DTM next year. The car uses an official livery built by M Performance Accessories that sports a color scheme similar to the one used by Roberto Ravaglia in 1989, when he won the DTM title with an M3 E30 after a series of spectacular battles against Mercedes 190.

The BMW M3 DTM was introduced in Heidelberg during an exclusive event gathering a highly selected clientele, and then it showed up as a guest in Hockenheim last Sunday, for the last round of the 2011 DTM championship. For the joy of the most sporty customers, some aesthetic detail of the M3 DTM will be made available as extras by BMW for the street legal version.

via | WorldCarFans

View the full BMW M3 DTM M Performance Accessories photo gallery

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Just a few days ahead of BMW 3-Series F30’s official debut, we’ve received these spy shots of its future sporty version: the M3. These shots were taken once again at the Nurburgring, where this heavily disguised M3 mule was spotted during some testing. Now that official pictures and videos of the saloon version have surfaced, it is easier to figure out what kind of differences there will be between the M3 and its sedan counterpart. Looking at the pictures, we can notice wider wheel arches and a more aggressive-looking front-end, while the mechanics will reflect the already known anticipations.

The 420 hp naturally aspirated V8 of the former version will be replaced with a 450 hp 3.3-litres V6, coupled to twin turbochargers to maximize power output and also to an electric turbocharger, which would guarantee consistent delivery at low revs. Obviously, the new M3 will come with BMW’s own Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and electronic limited slip differential, while suspension and steering will be controlled by the ECU. The new M3 is supposed to debut in 2014, although some concept version will probably be presented earlier.

View the full Bmw M3 F30: new spy shots gallery.

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BMW M published a few pictures on its own Facebook page that will surely not go unnoticed. The subject of these new images is BMW M3 Coupe Chrome Bullet, currently on display at the BMW Welt in Munich. As you can see, the car’s bodywork is entirely made out of chrome and sports the racing stripes of the Motorsport decal kit.

No further details have been revealed about this remarkable showcar that at this moment can only be admired live at BMW Welt showroom or in a photo gallery, but the possibility of actually seeing it on the road has not been ruled out yet. Since the M3 model is approaching the end of its glorious history, the Chrome Bullet version could be a mere exercise in style from the M-division or possibly a special edition series meant to celebrate the legacy of this memorable car.

View the full BMW M3 Coupe Chrome Bullet photo gallery

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BMW M3 5th generation will use a tri-turbo in-line 6 engine again. This is one of the few sure things about the development of this mysterious car, which will be launched at first as a saloon car and will be joined at a later time by a coupe/convertible version called M4. The latest spy shots reveal new air intakes on the front, a newly designed front bumper, bigger brakes and alloy wheels as well as modified quad exhaust pipes.

The six cylinder engine will have 3.3 liters capacity and about 450hp output, and will make use of two classic turbos and a third one that will be powered by electricity. Rumor has it that the bodywork will feature a mix of ultra high-strength steel and carbon fiber, a solution that will allow the new M3 F80 to keep down both weight and fuel consumption.

View the full BMW M3 F80 spy shots gallery

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BMW has officially revealed its new M3 DTM race-going car in these pics and videos. The vehicle will compete in the DTM racing category from 2012 and this concept should prove to be quite close to the definitive version next year. The BMW M3 DTM has an air restricted 4.0-litre V8 engine with 480 hp, a top speed of about 300 km/hr and an acceleration to 100 km/hr time of three seconds. It gets a six-speed sequential gearbox.

The new BMW DTM racer will be driven by Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus in BMW’s return to DTM racing and competition with Mercedes and Audi. Not to be outdone, Audi has also released its first pic of the new Audi A5 DTM model, codenamed the R17. It replaces the old Audi A4 DTM racer and should have about 460 hp when it hits the track.

BMW M3 and Audi A5 DTM racers

Continue reading: BMW M3 DTM racer and Audi A5 DTM rendering

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The BMW M3 CRT or Carbon Racing Technology model is being released. It’s based on the M3 sedan and is a four-door variant of the M3 GTS Coupé. The driving force behind the model is BMW’s increasingly extensive use of lightweight materials, and the M3 CRT comes in at 45 kg less than the standard sedan, for a total of 1,580 kg.

The bonnet, roof and seats all use CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic), which will also appear on BMW’s future ‘i’ electric models to counteract the weight of the battery packs to be used. The M3 CRT also gets a new titanium exhaust. The model is available only in Frozen Polar Silver tint, and has a black grille and exterior trim around the air intakes, and some red highlights around the aerodynamic features.

On the inside the black and red combination continues with red leather seats and rear separated sports seats which replace the classic bench seat. That makes the M3 CRT a four-seater car. The engine is a 4.4-litre V8 with 450 hp, M-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a sprint time to 100 of 4.4 seconds. Top speed is 290 km/hr. A new coilover suspension has been fitted and we also get stability control and DSC traction control. Only 67 M3 CRT cars will be made at a price of about 130,000 euros.

Continue reading: BMW M3 CRT pics and details

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In the pics we see the BMW M3 Carbon Edition specific for the Chinese car market. It’s the third in a series of M3 special editions for China and indicates just how well BMW has courted that market. The model is as its name suggests, and uses carbonfibre for the roof, front splitter and air vents and the rear wing. The interior is also decked out in the minimalist material.

We love the M3 Carbon Edition’s bright white exterior and black stripes up the bonnet. It’s a pricey model though, with a starting price of about €130,000. See more pics and details from M3Post and autohome.com.cn.

In the meantime, Autocar is reporting that a hardcore BMW M3 sedan is on its way as a final version before the new 2012 M3 arrives next year. The last special edition will use the same 4.4-litre V8 engine as the coupé, but will be lighter than the sedan on which it’s based. Power will be between the 414 hp of the standard model, and the GTS 444 hp. That doesn’t give it much of a window but the British mag says it could reach the latter figure.

Apparently “several other surprises” are planned for the model to give it a fitting swansong before the new version arrives. It could be an opportunity to experiment with some styling upgrades before moving on to the new model, including new front and rear bumpers, lightweight body panels and a new front splitter and rear diffuser. While a sedan model, this new M3 is designed to take the place of the M3 CSL model, which sits between the standard and GTS versions. No news is available as to when we might actually see this.

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The Porsche 911 GT3 is a kind of sacred monster, and definitely the more classic of the two cars in this Autocar face-off. Still, the BMW M3 GTS is currently a very trendy performance car of the moment, and although very different from the Porsche, it shares a similar philosophy. But can the brawny BMW keep the pace with the 911?

The video starts with some technical stuff because the benchmark this time has been nominated as speed. But really, the comparisons were never going to stop there. Apart from the differences in weight, and the entirely different gearboxes used, traction control and the like, there is history, image and purist philosophy to be taken into account here.

If you’re already divided into the BMW or Porsche performance camp, this video is unlikely to change your mind. For the rest of us it’s interesting and certainly exhilarating to watch the two models fly around the track. See the conclusions at the end.

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