If you were one of the many enthusiasts that were disappointed when BMW said it won’t be doing an CSL version of the new BMW M3 – you’re in for a treat. Meet the new 2011 BMW M3 GTS, a track-focused hardcore BMW M3 that is also road legal. The limited edition M3 GTS comes with a bunch of weight-saving applications and a beefier V8 engine.

To save some weight BMW dropped the air-conditioning, navigation, rear seats and radio system. With the use of some other lightweight parts total weight of the 2011 BMW M3 GTS comes in at 3,285 pounds – compared to the standard 3,704 pound BMW M3.

Power comes from a 4.4L V8 engine making around 450-hp. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Stopping power comes from an upgraded braking system with 6-pistons at the front and 4-pistons at the back. We’re still waiting on official performance figures from BMW.

BMW says that it is planning to top the lap time of the previous BMW M3 CSL at the Nurburgring with the new M3 GTS. Pricing is expected to start around €115,000 ($170,000 USD). First units will be delivered in May 2010.

2011 BMW M3 GTS:

Source: BMW - By: Kap Shah