a-­workx the tuner from Upper Bavaria is well known for its decade long motorsport experience. Whether in the FIA GT World Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup, Mini Challenge or currently in the ADAC GT Masters, the team from Wessling (near Munich) which surrounds Niko Wieth has consistently built up valuable experience, which makes the difference when building a customer vehicle. To be more precise it is this well founded knowledge with respect to chassis engineering and all round set up which only a handful specialists can demonstrate here in Europe. a-workx concentrates mainly on Porsche and vehicles from the BMW M range, shortly following the introduction of the BMW M3 E92 a lightly modified version was presented which quickly became the benchmark to be beaten. Not even the € 130 000 BMW M3 GTS was able to beat the lap time of the a-workx M3.

Now Niko Wieth has once again concerned himself with the M3 Coupé and this time even more intensively. The intention was to develop a vehicle for connoisseurs who wish to have an M3 with the performance of a GTS, maybe even a little better! The concept is based on three building blocks: Intelligent weight reduction, especially the unsprung and rotating masses, a moderate, appropriate to the complete vehicle concept and not excessive increase in power, together with a perfectly balanced and set up chassis.

For these reasons only the most exclusive components are used for the „M3 GTX“, which have been tested and proven on varying race tracks as well as on public roads in everyday traffic.

To the vehicle details:
In order to improve the performance of the brakes to match the overall increased performance of the vehicle, a-workx chose a MOV`IT-­CER ceramic brake system. This choice also leads to a simultaneous reduction in the rotating mass of the brake discs. The ultra-light two piece discs are manufactured from a high tech carbon and ceramic material and lead to a 12 kg (26½ lbs) reduction in the rotating and unsprung mass. And this although they are noticeably larger (front: Ø380x40 mm / 15x19/16”, rear Ø380x32 mm / 15x1¼“). With the combination of monoblock fixed calipers (6 pot on the front and 4 pot on the rear), together with steel braided brake lines and special competition brake fluid with a higher boiling point, this brake system is able to cope even under race conditions.

In order to compensate for the concept related unfavourable front heavy weight distribution of the M3 which can result, together with the rear wheel drive, in traction problems, a-workx developed together with the suspension specialists KW a suspension for the M3 which is specially set up for the requirements and characteristics of this vehicle. This required weeks of test work together with professional race drivers and chassis specialists until Niko Wieth was finally satisfied with the results. The interaction between ride height, the weight distribution over all four wheels (wheel load), track and camber settings, the correct spring and damper settings, as well as the exact setting of the compression and rebound rates, is what is finally responsible for the maximum contact between the tyres and the road or track surface and so for the optimum traction and best possible grip.

One can imagine that such exact and fine set up of the suspension can be quickly negated when heavy wheels are then mounted. For this reason the M3 460cs is fitted with the possibly record breaking 19“ ATS Superlight wheels weighing only 7.9 kg / 17½ lbs (standard 10.2 kg / 22½ lbs) each.

Of course the power output also did not remain as standard. The core of the performance enhancement is the Akrapovic Evolution exhaust system with special catalysts. The exhaust system is manufactured from high strength and super light titanium. The 25 kg (55 lbs) reduction in weight also results in an extremely positive effect on the overall vehicle weight.

In addition special camshafts have been installed, the air intake improved with a carbon fibre air box and a sport air filter and the motor electronics recalibrated to suit the modified parameters.

The result is simply sensational: The M3 460cs now has an additional 40 HP (DIN) at its disposal together with 460 Nm / 339 lbs/ft of torque (standard 400 Nm / 295 lbs/ft) and responds so instantaneously to the movement of the accelerator pedal it is as if the drivers central nervous system is directly connected to the throttle valve. The engine revs easily up to 8 500 rpm before gear change lamp urges the next flick of the gear change paddles. The weight reduction of over 70 kg (154 lbs) together with the increased power allow the M3 460cs to sprint from 0-­100 km/h (0-­62 mph) in 4.1 secs and from 0-­200 km/h (0-­125 mph) in 13.2 secs (standard 15.7 secs).

The best is still to come: Only once you are on a curvy stretch of pavement do you really notice the true qualities of the enhanced 3series. It turns precisely, cries for the next bend and circles enthusiastically and completely neutral every variation of curve. You experience how the perfect chassis set up harmonizes with the excellent Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires to create the highest possible mechanical grip. The reduction in rotating and unsprung mass plays a positive role and even allows that the component comfort remains. The ceramic brake system then provides icing on the cake. It provides for a deceleration as if there is no tomorrow. It is a good thing that the pilot is securely strapped in to the 7.4 kg (16½ lbs) light Recaro Pole Position bucket seats. This vehicle is pure emotion and driving pleasure. Alone the gratification of allowing the eyes to wander over the noble components manufactured from high quality titanium, aluminum, ceramic and carbon and to assured in the knowledge to have only the very best in front of you is worth the investment. The crown to the a-workx M3 is however the sound which the excellent titanium Akrapovic Evolution exhaust system releases from the high revving V8. This causes the hairs on the back of your neck to stand on end whilst a wide grin spreads across ones face. As has been said, pure driving pleasure!

The prices:
– AKRAPOVIC titanium Evolution exhaust system: € 4.160,00
– a-­workx clubsport suspension by KW (incl. top mounts): € 1.999,00
– MOV’IT CER ceramic brake system front & rear: € 19.235,00 (alternative MOV’IT steel brake system from € 3.945,00)
– Wheel set ATS Superlight: € 4.202,00
– DREXLER mechanical differential lock incl. shorter final drive (i=3.62): € 4.000,00
– Performance kit (software incl. removal of Vmax limiter, sport camshafts, carbon airbox, sport air filter, fitting, dyno test): € 8.710,00
– RECARO Pole Position seats (driver & co driver incl. console, longitudinal adjustment, airbag immobilisation, sensor mat): € 1.584,00

All prices are excluding VAT, customs and delivery cost.