Forza Horizon 4: Hardcore Beamers

From the legendary M3-GTR to the questionable M4 GTS, BMW is known for making hardcore versions of its ever-popular models based on the 3-Series architecture and for wooing enthusiasts everywhere, these hardcore Bimmers are known for being track-focused, meaning they have stripped every concession of comfort in the pursuit of being driver-focused, go-to, track toys.



Although drivers can take them on the road, they feel like they're not judging the fact that these Bimmers stripped every necessity for weight-saving purposes, but when taken to the track, these Bimmers surely shine themselves like gymnasts. Let's get to know those hardcore Bimmers from the M3-GTR to the M4 GTS.



The BMW M3-GTR remains a legend in BMW M Power history and this road-going version is no exception. Made for homologation purposes, the E46 M3-GTR is the first ever BMW to be powered by a V8 engine, a 4.0L one derived from the racing version, producing 380HP of power and mated to a 6-speed manual. It is capable of getting 0-100kph in over four and a half seconds. BMW only made ten of these, making the M3-GTR road car an ultra-rare machine to hunt for even if it was labeled as the "Most Wanted." Pun intended.



Next up is the M3 GTS, a stripped-off version of the M3 Coupe with all of its comforts removed and increased the size V8 engine to 4.4L, resulting in 450hp of power output, while mated to a seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic with race-bred gearshift. Apart from that, the M3 GTS features high-performance suspension, high-performance brakes, and improved aerodynamics, giving it a more race car feel on the go.



Lastly, for now, is the BMW M4 GTS, the lightweight version of the BMW M4 Coupe capable of getting through the Nurburgring at 7 minutes and 28 seconds. It is the first to use water injection that pumps more power to its turbocharged six-cylinder in-line 3.0L engine, resulting in 500hp of power and 600Nm of torque. With the 7-speed DCT equipped, the M4 GTS can go 0-100kph in less than four seconds and onwards to 305kph. Apart from that, the M4 GTS weighs 1,510 kg thanks to its removal of interior comforts, extensive use of CFRP, and more. They've even reworked the chassis and driving dynamics to make it more track-focused while keeping its road-legal status at the same time.







So, now that I got the chance to know about these track-day BMWs, how about sending these three for a time attack...with a twist? Since we've used a Street Scene stage somewhere in Edinburgh, the objective the cars will do is to set a fast time while avoiding traffic. I know it sounds outrageous but hey, challenge accepted.

After surviving the night around Edinburgh, here are the lap times;

M3-GTR - 2:24.211
M3 GTS - 2:17.437
M4 GTS - 2:16.417





From M3-GTR to M4 GTS, it took almost eight seconds to evolve these hardcore Bimmers from the former to the latter and it seems that BMW had done a pretty good job shaving off some fat to make their fast cars even faster than they were in the last decade.

I just hope this go-faster recipe will never change even if it's in the hands of a much terrifying replacement coming soon.