De-restricted BMW M3 by Hamann

Hamann Motorsport knows its way round most production model BMWs, and have proved how good its orienteering skills are by leaving distinctive markers as to just where it's been for three successive decades. For £1,900 over the trade price of your Beemer Hamann will make a normal M3 the ultimate tree-hugger's nightmare.

For all its modification-plotting prowess you'd think that some BMWs might flummox Hamann, or at least test its motorsport bearings. Such as the current M3, which in bog standard form is pretty much the real McCoy anyway.

Not so Hamann, which has devised two new ways to make the unmolested M3 that little bit scarier. The German uber-fettlers have pulled out all the stops - and most of the M3's engine management wiring too on the first option. Which is no big deal as Hamann's technicians-cum-surgeons have sewn it back together in a whole new configuration.

Reprogramming the factory ECU, Hamann has altered the power output slightly, releasing many more horses. 187mph will now ruffle M3 buyers shirt cuffs.

The BMW 4.0-litre V8 has found a further 20bhp and 18lb-ft of torque from somewhere, and, for added effect, Hamann seem to have misplaced the the speed limiter too. How remiss.

Hamann's engineers have also prodded and poked relentlessly at the M3's special sports catalysts and mufflers, and lo and behold when combined with something called the Optimised Curve Maps (back to the orienteering theme) have moved output up another notch with the introduction of the second after market tuning kit. Hamann's aptly-named Sportkit has more enhancements than an average WAG.

So you can multiply the above figure by three and divide that by seven. Alright, the maths is lacking, but now with 455bhp on tap and 35lb-ft of torque, the M3's forward progression isn't. Look down at the digital readout now, and your spleen will twitch when observing 199mph.

Not wanting to stop there, Hamann immediately realised occupants might need to do exactly that at some point. Specifically the juncture at which the horizon, as well as the inanimate objects that populate it, gain more clarity. So Hamann is hoping that brakes 15” in diameter will do the trick. If not, at least they'll look mightily impressive set behind their 20” forged alloy frames.

Aside from handling, the M3's aerodynamics are given the once over too, with down force being the priority here. Bolted on front and rear diffusers, side skirts, rear spoiler lip and a roof wing subconsciously remind folk of the Halford's Ripspeed accessory department. Yet will maintain the Hamann-chivied M3s continued relationship with the road.

Finally, interior tomfoolery - which are predominantly rendered from carbonfibre and aluminum - are available for the handbrake, gear-stick and foot pedals.

Both tuning packages are available from authorised UK Hamann Motorsport dealers as of now, starting at £1,900.