What's the news?

German tuning company G-Power is living up to its name with the release of its latest M3 creation. Dubbed the G-Power M3 GT2 R, the liveried vehicle pictured above is in fact road-legal; and packs a serious 720hp punch from its tuned engine.

Exterior

First, the bodywork. While the GT2 R is based on a standard BMW M3, almost every panel has been replaced by a lightweight carbon-fibre alternative. Even with the addition of its new carbon splitter and carbon rear wing, G-Power has managed to bring the kerb weight down to 1,500kg, which should make it a lively machine considering the power. New 20-inch forged G-Power Silverstone RS wheels replace the M3's standard items and they're fitted with wide Michelin Pilot Cup tyres to transfer the colossal power to the road effectively.

Interior

As you can imagine, the inside of the GT2 R is pretty stripped out. Lightweight carbon racing buckets sit in place of the M3's standard front seats and the rear bench has been removed completely. A bespoke combination of leather and Alcantara has also been installed, featuring orange material sewn together with contrasting blue stitching. A full FIA-spec roll cage is also present and we would expect to see a fire extinguisher in there somewhere as well.

Mechanicals

In order to hit the magic 720hp output - an increase of 300hp from the standard model - some serious modifications had to take place. The standard 4.0-litre V8 engine has had a new crankshaft installed to increase capacity to 4.6 litres and new pistons were fitted too. This was all then coupled to a mighty SK-III 'Sporty Drive' supercharger. When combined with improved cooling and a titanium exhaust system, the GT2 R will accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, 0-124mph in 9.5 seconds and onto a top speed of more than 205mph. To keep it in check in the bends, G-Power has installed Clubsport coilover suspension and ceramic disc brakes front and rear.

Anything else?

The M3 GT2 R isn't cheap. Not by a long way. At today's exchange rate the M3 GT2 R will set you back around £175,000; and G-Power has yet to confirm whether or not any examples will reach the UK market. All is not lost however, because if you are already an M3 owner and want this insane power in your car G-Power will supply the supercharger system for around £35,000, but then you've got to find someone to fit it... All other G-Power upgrades are available as separate items, too.

James Giddings - 23 Jul 2013