Hartge H50 V8 (E46)

Hartge H50 is a modified model of the BMW M3 (E46 body). The main difference from the base model was the installation of a V8 engine from the BMW M5 (E39). The car turned out to be so good that the tuning company Racing Dynamics, having removed the insignia, presented this model as its own at the Essen Motor Show in 2001.

The M3's engine compartment was not designed for the big V8, as it was too small for a standard straight-six, and the V8 had a modified hood with a hump and gills to dissipate heat. Given that this engine was no longer than stock, the engine shield remained intact, and because it was much wider, the steering column had to be routed through the pipes of the left exhaust manifold, and the oil circulation began to pass through the left engine mount. The engine also received a reprogrammed chip and a redesigned engine speed limiter, which will allow the tachometer needle to rotate to the seven thousand mark. As a result, the H50 received a huge reserve of torque at the bottom, which was lacking in the production BMW M3. Dynamic performance has increased: acceleration to 100 kph has been reduced to 4.7 seconds, and top speed has increased to 300 kph.

To bring the handling up to the engine's considerable capabilities, Hertg added his own sports suspension package, which includes shock absorbers and lowering springs (25mm drop), as well as huge 19-inch Hartge Classic alloy wheels and Pirelli P7000 tires. The brake system was also replaced with a more efficient one.

Hartge rounds out the package with cosmetic additions including a front spoiler, V8 and 5.0 badging, and BMW sport seats. Additionally, the rear fender arches had to be widened slightly to accommodate the massive rear wheels.

About 20 units were produced at a price of about 120 thousand US dollars.

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