When BMW unveiled the 2011 BMW M3 GTS in November 2009, it made it clear that the special-edition model will not make it to the United States. Wondering why? Well, the folks at BimmerFile sat down with M Brand Manager Larry Koch to ask him why. His response:It’s sad. We know.

Source: eGMCarTech

This is it; the BMW M3 that we've all been waiting for after the demise of the previous, E90 M3 CSL. The hardest ever production M3 that gets the GTS moniker is a track-focused yet completely road-legal, limited edition model and it comes with many weight saving measures, more power from a larger capacity V8 engine and lots of juicy upgrades that you normally find on aftermarket tuned cars.

It doesn't take long to see that this isn't your 'every-day' M3. The car is distinguished by several unique features ranging from the Porsche 911 GT3-like orange finish and the numerous matte-black applications, to the adjustable front splitter and rear wing that can provide a higher level of downforce and the unique 19-inch wheels with ample 225/35 tires at the front and 285/30 at the rear.

A closer look at the car also reveals the beefy fixed caliper brake system with six pistons at the front and four at the back as well as the new yellow springs with a small M logo. BMW says that the M3 GTS features a special threaded suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound. More in the jump!

But there's more than meets the eye to this M3. Since the serial-production model is already weight-optimized with a bevy of measures such as the carbon lightweight roof that was previously reserved for the GTS's predecessor, the E90 M3 CSL, BMW's M division had to come up with new solutions to lower the car's weight.

The weight-saving measures adopted on the new 2011 M3 GT3 include a new set of light body-contoured front seats, optimization of the insulation, the use of lightweight parts in the interior, the use of Macrolon for the car's windows in the back, the removal of the air conditioning, navigation and radio systems and the rear seats that have been ditched altogether - who needs them anyway on a car like this.

Furthermore, the GTS features a new titanium rear silencer that not only promises to produce a more race car-like symphony but it is also much lighter than its serial production counterpart.

According to BMW's M division, the M3 GTS tips the scales at around 1,490 kilograms (3,285 pounds). That's more than impressive given that the standard M3 (U.S.-spec model) weighs in at 1,680kg (3,704 lbs).

As a track focused model, the M3 GTS has been prepared for installation of 6-point seatbelts for use on the race track while there are also mounts for the roll-over protective structure bolted on from the B column plus a fire extinguisher and a battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation.

Which brings us to the heart of the M3 GTS; the engine bay. The serial production M3 gets a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 engine pumping out 420HP. For the M3 GTS, BMW's M department enlarged the displacement of the V8 to 4.4-liters thus promising an output of around 450 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics.

BMW says that it intends to shatter the lap time of the iconic M3 CSL on the Nürburgring Nordschleife with the M3 GTS. "The test runs certainly give grounds for optimism," the firm said in a statement.

We're still waiting for BMW to release performance figures and more technical details on the new M3 GTS, but we can tell you that the price of the custom ordered model is expected to be €115,000 (US $170,000) for delivery in Germany, including 19% VAT.

BMW said that the first examples are due to be supplied in Germany in May 2010 while according to current planning, registrations in other countries will be possible from Summer 2010.

Source: CarScoop

Like they say, there's nothing like the original. However, if you want our opinion, in the case of the Holden Commodore we prefer the twin nostril fascia of its Americanized sibling, the Pontiac G8. The HSV GTS is another story as Holden's officially designated performance division has done wonders on the Commodore's appearance. Either way, if you happen to own a Pontiac G8 and dig the original look of its 'down-under' comrade or the kick-ass sporty looks of the HSV model, an Australian company called JHP Vehicle Enhancements will ship you a complete kit to perform the conversion. Prices start off from $1,990 US for the Commodore package and from $3,880 for the HSV GTS kit.

Source: CarScoop

Holden Special Vehicles today unveiled a seven litre program at the Melbourne Motor Show, the last instalment of the company s 20th anniversary celebrations.

The car to be known in its final development stages as the W427 is finished in the same Panorama Silver paint scheme as the original Group A SS VL Commodore, released at the Melbourne Motor Show of 1988, exactly 20 years ago.

HSV Managing Director, Scott Grant, said the W427 was a tribute to how far the company has come in just twenty years.

"To be able to produce a vehicle of these proportions is truly remarkable," Scott Grant said.

"The W427 will be quite possibly the fastest road registrable Supercar ever produced in Australia and among the quickest anywhere around the world," he said.


While power output figures are still to be confirmed, the W427 is likely to produce in excess of 370kW of power and 640NM of
torque.

"It will also be one of the safest cars HSV has ever put on the road," Scott Grant said.

"A new six piston front braking system will provide a 50% increase in pad area, while the W427 also receives a revised ESP calibration, six air bags, improved handling and new Magnetic Ride Control settings."

The W427 receives a bimodal active exhaust system to improve noise quality and back pressure management.

Styling and design highlights include an all new front fascia, a three piece carbon fibre rear spoiler, 20 inch machined faced alloy wheel, unique exhaust tips and red leather interior.

Scott Grant said HSV would be introducing a unique customer relations program to accompany the launch of the new vehicle.

"The W427 will only be produced in limited numbers and we want to reflect that exclusivity in how we connect with our Supercar customers," Scott Grant said.

"This program will see the LS7 engine being fitted at Clayton, along with the dry sump system and a range of other engineering features. We are looking at opportunities to allow owners to visit HSV and view the unique manufacturing process that goes into building this car."

The W427 will go into production in the middle of the year and will be available for sale in dealerships in the third quarter of 2008.

"Make no mistake, while the specifications of the car unveiled on the stand today at the Motorshow may change slightly between now and when production begins, this car is destined to make as big an impact as the original Walkinshaw twenty years ago."

W427 key highlights*

Exterior
-All new Front Fascia exclusive to W427
-All new three piece rear spoiler in carbon fibre
-All new 20 inch wheel

Interior
-HSV performance seats in full red hot trim with W427 logo, steering wheel, gear shifter and console lid in full red hot leather

Powertrain
-7.0 Litre, LS7 Engine with HSV specific calibration
o 370kW @ 6500 rpm
o 640Nm @ 5000 rpm
-Over radiator style cold air induction system with high flow air filter
-Dry sump lubrication system with 2 stage pump
-Hand fabricated aluminium oil reservoir, with internal baffles for high G loading
-Front mount, 13 row engine oil cooler
-Ceramic coated, high flow four into one extractors
-High flow catalytic converters and exhaust system (3 into 2 ¾ )
-Active bi-modal rear mufflers for exhaust back pressure management to improve noise quality
-High strength limited slip differential
New high strength six speed manual gear box (TR6060)
-GMPT LS7 Clutch with new actuator and pedal assembly for high clamp loads

Suspension
-New springs, 30% stiffer than GTS
-Revised ride height 20mm lower than GTS
-New stiffer rear suspension bushing
-All new MRC calibration

Brakes
-New 6 piston front braking system (50% increase in pad area)
-Strap drive, 2 piece floating front rotors (380 x 35mm compared to 365 x
-32mm one piece on GTS)
-High friction pad material

* Specifications of W427 as at Melbourne Motor Show

HOLDEN'S performance-car division is due to unveil at the Melbourne motor show this morning the fastest, most powerful - and most expensive - Australian-made road car of all time.

It is based on the humble Holden Commodore sedan but thanks to a heart transplant is powered by a massive 7.0-litre V8 from a race-bred version of the Chevrolet Corvette in the United States.

The Holden Special Vehicles super-sedan is likely to cost in excess of $150,000, more than twice the price of the most expensive model currently. It will have the biggest brakes ever fitted to a Holden, will meet the latest vehicle emissions requirements and won't use much more fuel than current Holden V8s.

"Holden and HSV have had record sales of V8s over the past 12 months and we believe there is definitely a market for this car," HSV boss Scott Grant told the Herald.

"Despite the hype around petrol prices, the passion for performance-based cars in Australia is stronger than it's ever been. Buyers have clearly demonstrated this by voting with their wallets and continuing to buy V8s."

The car should be in showrooms in July. HSV will build each car by hand alongside its Holden Racing Team headquarters, but the car will still be covered by the regular Commodore's three-year, 100,000-kilometre warranty.

"This is everything we've learned about V8 Supercar racing and building special road cars, but in one vehicle," said Grant.

HSV claims the car will sprint from rest to 100kmh in a Porsche-quick 4.7 seconds but its top speed will be limited to 250kmh, the same as its German rivals.

To ensure it has sufficient grip to handle the extra power (said to be 370kW, 20 per cent more than the most powerful V8 available in a Holden) HSV is due to fly a test car to a specially made automotive ice rink in Sweden to calibrate the car's stability control system. The idea is that if it can grip well on ice, it will grip even better on tarmac.

Source: Joshua Dowling

Porsche just pulled a slick move and surprised everyone with a new SUV - the Cayenne GTS. It will be appearing at the Frankfurt show next week and is sure to catch the crowd's attention.

It is the first Cayenne to be equipped with the active suspension (PASM) combined with steel springs -- a configuration that, until now, was reserved for the automaker's sports cars. Its sits 24 mm lower than the S and its V8 gets a 20 hp bump to 405 horsepower. Visually, the GTS wears the same front and rear fascias as the Cayenne Turbo. It's also outfitted with 21-inch wheels and there are two new colors exclusive to it: GTS Red and Nordic Gold Metallic. A six-speed manual is standard equipment, with Tiptronic S optionally available.

Look for the Cayenne GTS in showrooms in February 2008. US buyers should set aside $69,300 if they'd like to park one in their driveways.