The M3's 414hp V8 benefits...
The M3's 414hp V8 benefits from Active's exhaust, pulley and software
The suspension isn't regular issue either. It employed specialized KW Competition coilovers with three-way damper adjustment used in motorsport. KW's code isolator units for the M3's Electronic Damper Control (EDC) system accompanied them. They prevent unwelcome error codes on the BMW ECU when the factory electronic suspension was disconnected.
Additionally, Studie installed ball joints front and rear, as well as strut tower bars to reinforce the chassis in preparation for track days. They also added a Yamaha body damper, which is designed to push against any flex in the body and keep the shell rigid.
Under the hood, the tuner has always been rather conservative, preferring to enhance BMW's engineering rather than transform it. In this instance, they teamed up with Active Autowerke in Miami to fit its stainless steel Signature exhaust system that claims to offer an extraordinary sound with noise canceling technology to eliminate drone. Active also supplied its billet Signature pulley system as well as performance software for the ECU. Both the exhaust and software are said to add an extra 15whp each to the 414hp 4.0 M3 V8. When used in unison, a figure of 35whp is quoted by the Florida tuner.
To create the complete package, Studie AG worked its magic inside the car. The first thing you notice is the pair of Recaro TS-WS seats up front. These Japanese-market racing buckets have no adjustment for the carbon fiber backrests, fixing the driver in the ideal position. They were trimmed in grey alcantara, along with the rear seats, door cards, armrest and both boots.
The team also fitted 3D Design pedals and a footrest, but the real star is the BMW Performance steering wheel with its shift lights, g-meter, oil temp and lap timer. You can read how to install this wheel elsewhere in the issue.
After marveling at his pink creation, we tried to extract from Yasuaki what his next project would be. He remained tight-lipped, promising only that it would surprise us once again. So whatever he has planned, you can bet it'll grab everybody's attention.
Tech Spec
2008 BMW M3Owner: Yasuaki Suzuki
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Occupation: CEO, Studie AG
Engine: 4.0 32v V8 with Active Autowerke stainless steel Signature exhaust system and billet aluminum pulley plus software, Okada Projects Plasma Direct ignition amplifier
Driveline: stock M double-clutch transmission
Brakes: 380mm (15") two-piece Brembo slotted rotors and six-piston forged monobloc Race calipers front, 370mm (14.6") slotted rotors with four-piston Race calipers rear
Suspension: KW Competition coilovers, KW code isolators, Studie ball joints front and rear, Auto Refine strut tower bars, Yamaha body damper
Wheels & Tires: 20x9" front, 20x10.5" rear Advan RS-D wheels with 245/30-20 front, 275/30-20 rear Advan Sport tires
Exterior: Flomann Auto Design "Black Falcon" GT2 body kit comprising front spoiler, four wide fenders, rear bumper, 3D Design carbon rear diffuser, Varis vented hood and carbon GT rear wing, car painted in custom mix of Porsche Rubystone red, Brex 6000k HID headlights
Interior: Recaro TS-WS seats on custom subframes trimmed in grey alcantara with matching the rear seats, door cards, armrest, shift boot, e-brake boot, BMW Performance steering wheel, 3D Design pedals and footrest, orange Studie floor mats and seatbelts, Brex LED interior lights
Contact: Studie AG (www.studie.jp), Active Autowerke (www.activeautowerke.com), Varis (www.varisusa.com), Flomann Auto Design (www.racingparts-bmw.de)