BMW E30 M3 Restomod Packs 390 HP With Classic Looks

The builders replace many of the exterior panels with carbon fiber pieces to save weight.

Today, the first-generation BMW M3, known by enthusiasts from its E30 chassis designation, is an absolute classic, and values are growing in the collector market. A new owner who’s used to modern performance vehicles might find the original four-cylinder wanting for power and the interior plastic not up to current standards. The British firm Redux now provides an answer by building an E30 M3 restomod that updates the vintage model. It is making just 30 of them as an initial production series, and the first customer delivery is now done.








Redux works under the motto – Enhance. Evolve. For the E30 M3, it takes the 2.3-liter four-cylinder and increases the displacement to 2.5 liters. The buyer of this one has Redux incorporate a turbo into the engine, but the firm also offers a naturally aspirated version. This application offers 390 horsepower (291 kilowatts) and 390 pound-feet (529 Newton-meters) when running at 14.5 psi of boost. The power runs through a six-speed manual gearbox, but a close-ratio five-speed in another option. A limited-slip differential is at the rear axle for additional traction.

Three-way adjustable dampers keep the rubber on the road. Braking comes from AP Racing six-piston calipers in front and four-piston stoppers in the rear. Later builds have carbon-ceramic discs as an extra option.

Redux pays similar attention to the M3’s body. It media blasts the pieces and does any necessary restoration. The bumpers, fenders, roof, and side skirts are now carbon fiber. Later cars have a carbon hood as an additional option.

The interior gets loads of Alcantara, including for the headliner, door panel trim, and center console. Occupants sit in leather-wrapped Recaro seats. The rear seating is gone, and there’s just a simple bench back there now. One of the few changes we might make is replacing the digital instruments in place of the original analog pieces that have an iconic simplicity.

Source: Read Full Article