| The first thing that strikes you is the two-tone paint work, the special air-outlets on the bonnet and wings, as well as the Hartge front-spoiler lip and the Hartge rear spoiler. The 3 series BMW from the Saarland ? to be more exact, the Hartge H50 V10 ? is a masterwork in many ways and not all of them visual. In particular, the Hartge engineers and mechanics have achieved something very special under the thermodynamically optimised bonnet. Fitted with a modified M5 V10 engine, a 7-speed SMG gear box and the Hartge modification to raise maximum speed from the electronically limited 250 km/h to 320 km/h, the H50 V10 puts all its power ? 550 bhp and torque of 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) ? onto the tarmac via a reinforced rear axle and a special suspension setup that is adjustable in terms of both rebound and compression. Also new and made especially for the Hartge H50 V10, is the stainless steel exhaust system, which turns the V10 sound into an acoustic delight. Customers can choose between two dual round (or oval) tail pipes. The wheel / tyre combination consists of 9 x 20 offset 40 at the front and 10 x 20 offset 40 at the back fitted with 245/30 ZR 20 and 285/25 ZR 20 Continental tyres respectively. Last but not least: the Hartge H50 V10 interior: Particularly striking are, besides the 330 km/h speedometer, the carbon interior trim, the 3-spoke leather steering wheel with carbon inserts, the illuminated leather / aluminium gear knob and the leather / aluminium handbrake cover.
With the H50 V10, Hartge is continuing its long tradition of making wolves in sheep's clothing for individualists who attach importance to understatement: Hartge ? the elegant way to drive fast. The H50 V10 is based on the BMW 3 series saloon (E90). A comparable conversion is currently being developed for the Touring (E91) and Coupe (E92). |
