Hamann Thunder 3-series coupe with V10 power

[Mark CSL]

BMW 3-series coupes powered by the M V10 seem to be the flavor of the month with no less than three different models from three different tuners released in the last couple of weeks. Already we’ve had the G-Power M3 CSL and the more recent AC Schnitzer GP3.10, and now we can add another modified 3-series to that list with the launch of the Hamann thunder coupe.

Unveiled at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Thunder coupe boasts a 552hp (411kW) version of BMW’s 5.0L high-rev V10 engine, which also has an available 574Nm (423lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed SMG transmission, which enables the coupe to reach 100km/h from rest in a brief 4.3 seconds and top out at an unrestricted 335km/h. The extra power over the standard M5’s 507hp (378kW) comes from a new high-flow exhaust system and ECU upgrade.

Modifications to the car’s exterior consist of a new M3-style carbon roof, a front spoiler and rear diffuser. Developers also added huge 405mm two slotted and ventilated brake disks up front with six-piston calipers and performance pads. These reside within a set of three-pieced 20in forged wheels wrapped with Hankook S1 EVO high performance tires.