RASTATT, Germany — The tuning specialist Autotechnik + Tuning (ATT) has unveiled an aesthetic and performance package for the BMW M3 Convertible, dubbed the Thunderstorm M3.
The car comes standard with a 4.0-liter V8 that makes 414 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, and ATT increases power by 86 horses to an even 500 hp thanks to the addition of a supercharger and a reconfigured ECU and exhaust system. The engine retrofit is priced at $17,700, while the exhaust with an adjustable flap and quad tips costs just over $2,000.
Autotechnik + Tuning has upgraded the vehicle's stance with a KW coil-over suspension ($3,000) and ATT Le Mans 20-inch dubs shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 rubber, sized 245/30 in the front and 285/25 in the back. The wheels cost $5,200; adding on a set of 20mm distance washers will tack on another $600.
ATT doesn't get too specific in describing interior options, but it did say buyers can order carbon fiber or Swarovski crystal trim packages.
Inside Line says: The tuner keeps it pretty modest with the exterior design, but on the other hand allows owners to add some serious bling to the inside with the crystal trim. —Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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adandos says:
05:12 AM, 12/04/2009
I just completed an article on a similar (yet more capable) build up with over 500 WHEEL horsepower
http://www.superchargerperformance.com/aftermarket-supercharger-performance/special-feature-gintani-supercharged-e92-m3
The choice of larger rims (besides the show aspect) is sometimes done to add a wider rear tire for traction ... adding 50% of the OEM power to the car, and then trying to deliver that through the same 200 or so section rear tire is difficult... especially with these new age 'brake' managed traction control systems which aren't as effective performance wise as a true limited slip differential ...
Don't get me wrong , they are great for safety... ESP, TC, ASP ....etc but as per the owner of the car in my article... with TC off the car lights up the 285 tires all the way through third gear... so yes you do need a limited slip diff at these power levels... but you also need enough rubber to actually put that power down.
thaitanium15 says:
09:00 PM, 12/03/2009
Boo convertible! Boooooooo.. This car.. sucks.
gmhl10 says:
03:46 PM, 12/03/2009
It's a shame that they upped the performance by 86 hp and suspension, but they took a step back in performance by replacing the wheels with 20 inchers. Don't really see the point about upgrading the performance aspect of the car then. It's like people who put turbochargers in to up the hp by 2x, but then they run the car with the stock brakes and weigh the car down by 400 lbs with stereo equipment. The tuner scene has become too much about power and bling rather than true performance.
double_duece says:
12:43 PM, 12/03/2009
I'll take a regular M3, kthanks. Even a last gen M3. This is disgusting to me.
charlesb says:
09:48 AM, 12/03/2009
Consider the lily thoroughly gilded with this release. Swarovski crystal trim is the perfect accessory for the BMW driver who thought he (or she) had everything.