2010 BMW M3 GTS Road-Legal Track Car Launched In Europe

FOLLOWING ITS unveiling in November last year, BMW has today launched the 2010 BMW M3 GTS in Europe.

Developed as a track-focused road-legal version of the company's GT4 racer, the M3 GTS boosts power from 309kW to 331kW through its tuned 4.4 litre version of the M3's 4.0 litre V8. Thanks to that not insignificant bump in power, the M3 GTS covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Features unique to the M3 GTS include an adjustable rear wing and front splitter, along with 19-inch competition alloy wheels shod with 255/35 tyres up front and 285/30 tyres at the rear.

The 19-inch alloys surround carbon-ceramic brake discs, with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units handling the rear braking duties.

A carbon-fibre roof helps the M3 GTS maintain a low centre of gravity, slicing nearly 200kg from the total weight, which drops from 1678kg to 1490kg.

Despite its road-legal status, a roll cage, fire extinguisher, race seats and five-point harnesses add further credibility to the M3 GTS' track-monster status.

A polycarbonate Macrolon rear windscreen replaces the standard glass.

Full details for the M3 GTS have yet to be revealed, and BMW has not said whether it will be available outside of Europe or in right-hand-drive.

The M3 GTS will land in European dealers next May, priced at around 136,850 euros (AU$192,600). No right-hand-drive model has been confirmed, so Australian enthusiasts won't be taking theirs much further than the track.