![]() ![]() BodyworkĬosmetically, the GTR Strassenversion was equipped with a dramatic body kit that was replicated on the competition car. Transmission was through a single-plate Sachs clutch and limited-slip differential. Instead of the usual close-ratio five-speed ZF gearbox, the GTR had a six-speed ‘box that was also sourced from ZF. Six individual throttle bodies were fitted along with heavy-duty valve springs, Bosch Motronic M3.3 engine management and a dual mass flywheel. The race version produced 325bhp (again developed at 7000rpm).Īll three of these straight six motors used a cast iron block, ported and polished DOHC 24 valve light alloy head and VANOS variable valve timing system. Stroke was kept at 85.8mm for an overall displacement of 3018cc (up from 2990cc).īMW claimed 300bhp at 7000rpm for the GTR Strassenversion compared to 286bhp at 7000rpm for the standard car. In the engine bay was an enlarged version of the Type S50 B30 engine which had been taken out to just over three-litres.Īn additional 28cc was realised by expanding each cylinder bore by 0.4mm (to 86.4mm). ![]() Split rim 18-inch diameter centre-lock BBS alloy wheels were much wider than before and shod with Yokohama Racing tyres. Because it was not permitted for track use, the anti-lock brake system was removed. The familiar MacPherson strut / multi-link ‘Z-axle’ suspension configuration was enhanced with stiffer, shorter springs, fully adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars.īrakes were imported from the standard M3: ventilated discs of 315mm at the front and 313mm at the rear. The GTR Strassenversion was based around a seam-welded E36 Coupe bodyshell that was left without any sound insulation or underseal. In order to homologate the GTR, a stunning Strassenversion was created.įortunately, BMW did not have to begin entirely from scratch and used the stillborn 1992 E36 325i Class 1 Touring Car prototype conceived for the DTM as a starting point.Īlthough few technical details of the GTR Strassenversion were ever published, here’s what we know. Homologation requirements were slashed to the point that just a single road-going example was now required which resulted in Porsche, Honda and Callaway all creating comparatively low cost cars for a combination of works and customer teams.īMW also got in on the action with the wide-arched and heavily spoilered E36 M3 GTR. The domestic German contest was dubbed the ADAC GT Cup and comprised eight rounds. The Italians had already kicked things off with an inaugural series of their own in 1992. New domestic contests were organised in Britain and Germany. In its place, GT racing rose from the ashes. The combination of costly new regulations, a severe recession and lack of manufacturer support led to the cancellation of the 1993 World Sportscar Championship before it even began. The emergence of GT racing from 1993 after a prolonged period in the doldrums was a direct response to the implosion of the World Sportscar Championship. Nonetheless, little more than six months after launch, BMW unexpectedly found themselves on track and the E36 M3 was about to take on the opposition in a totally new arena: GT racing. Importantly, the E36 M3 was never developed with motor sport in mind - by the early 1990s, the landscape for Touring Cars and Rallying had changed which freed BMW of the need to compromise this latest M3 in order to compete. Like its predecessor, the resultant E36 M3 was devastatingly fast and extremely handsome, but it was also a smoother, more polished machine that appealed to a far wider audience. However, while the E30 M3 ultimately sold in far greater numbers than the 5000 required for Group A homologation, it was a comparatively unrefined machine and only ever offered in left-hand drive.įor its replacement, BMW took a slightly different approach. Between 19, the M3 proved extremely effective and claimed a huge cache of victories in a variety of disciplines. BMW Motorsport created the original E30 M3 as a Group A homologation special for Touring Car racing and Rallying. ![]()
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