Based on the engine of the BMW M3, the engine used for the M3 GTS was revised, and the displacement of this eight-cylinder engine with high-rev concept increased from 4.0 to 4.4 litres. Therefore, the M3 GTS with 331 kW/450 hp and an impressive 8,300 rpm delivers exactly 30 hp more than the standard model. The maximum torque has also been increased from 400 to 440 Nm at 3,750 rpm on the M3 GTS, giving the driver power over a particularly wide speed range. Power is transmitted by the M dual-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic, and the seven-speed transmission shifts gears without interruption of power for rapid yet smooth acceleration. The lightweight sports exhaust system has been specially-developed with model-specific catalytic converters and titanium rear silencers to ensure optimum exhaust flow.

Engineers worked hard in order to reduce the weight of the BMW M3 GTS. In addition to the CFRP roof and rear silencer made of titanium as used in the BMW M3 series production vehicle, further kilograms were saved. This was due to the use of lighter materials in the door trim and centre console, as well as the use of polycarbonate for the rear side windows and rear window. As well as this, the rear seat was removed and customers had the option of saving further weight by eliminating the need for automatic air conditioning and an audio system. This resulted in an unladen weight of only 1,530 kilograms, which resulted in an impressive power-to-weight ratio of only 3.4 kilograms per hp and it boasts outstanding performance. The M3 GTS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds and hits a top speed of 305 km/h.

Pure motorsport ingredients are also characterised by the chassis. The limited edition M3 GTS differs from the BMW M3 series thanks to its coiled suspension with separately adjustable dampers. For use on the race track, the camber on the front and rear axles is also variable. In order to cope with the increased power needed, the high-performance brake system has been designed as a fixed-calliper construction and comprises six pistons per calliper on each of the front wheels and four pistons per calliper on each rear wheel. Size matters: compared to the M3, the brake discs are 18 millimetres larger at the front and 30 millimetres larger at the rear.