A high-performance BMW car is not uncommon in the automotive world – tuning know-how for this brand is vast, and people use it to realise truly spectacular projects. But rarely does a project reach such heights as the overwhelming 1535 hp. You may be wondering whats the point of such figures if the power is only transferred to the rear wheels? Even the best drift cars “only” have around 9,00 – 1,200 hp. And that’s a very good question, with an even better answer – this BMW is a 4WD car driven by its creator himself – Jørgen Aune, 40 years old CEO of JAAS Performance.
This project is very interesting from our point of view, as ten years ago, a 4WD BMW was also born in the Samsonas Motorsport Team. The BMW M3X, driven by Martynas Samsonas, was a spectacle to watch on the rally stages of the Baltic States in the period 2015-2020. So it is very interesting to see a similar, but also completely different project. We suspected that the idea behind this project would be the same – to build something different and unique and Jørgen Aune has proven that we were right.
I wanted to build something completely unique—something different from anything I’ve done before. The E46 M3 is one of my favorite cars, and no one had built one with 4WD before. The inspiration came from Ken Block’s Hoonicorn and Martin Schanche’s rallycross Escorts from the ’90s.
Of course, building a original RWD car driven by all four wheels is a big challenge itself. Getting it right and drivable while generating that crazy power – that’s a hell of a challenge.
There were many technical challenges. I built a jig that the body was mounted on, and then I constructed the tube frame and drivetrain around the engine and Samsonas gearbox. The engine sits so far back because the front differential is in front of the engine—just like in the Hoonicorn Mustang.
We’re proud that our gearbox has found its way into such a magical project and helped to make it truly outstanding.
I’ve followed Samsonas since the beginning, and I noticed they released a gearbox that was bolt-on for the Skyline R32 GTR. Earlier, I had bought an R32 GTR transfer case that I intended to use to achieve 4WD. So I ordered a 5-speed Samsonas gearbox with an R32 GTR rear section and a BMW V8 bellhousing at the front. That meant the gearbox was actually bolt-on.
So, enough of the stories – time for the facts and details. What’s inside, you might ask. Here you go – the list is pretty long.
The car started its life as a 2001 stock E46 M3.
- Engine: Fully built BMW S62B50.
- Twin PSR 6466 turbos
- MaxxECU Pro ECU
- MaxxECU PDM20 module
- Custom dry sump
- 1305 WHP 1410 Nm to the wheels
- Samsonas Motorsport 5-speed sequential gearbox
- Nissan R32 GTR transfer case
- BMW E34 M5 rear diff
- BMW E30 188 rear diff at the front
- Racing Diffs LSD front and rear
- Tilton 4-plate clutch
- Custom drive shafts
- AST 4-way coilovers
- Sellholm blade-type sway bars
- Custom front suspension with struts from an R32 GTR
- E46 M3 rear suspension with adjustable arms
- HGK radiator in the back with 16″ SPAL fans.
- Full “WRC-style” roll cage
- Atech seats, harnesses, and steering wheel
- Stilo intercom for driver and passenger
- Work Meister S1 11×18 wheels with Yokohama 280.68.18 slicks
- K Sport 356mm brakes with Endless pads
- The body of the car is widened 4 cm in steel on each side st the rear
Everything has been built by me. The car is also tuned by me on my own dyno
A project like this is probably never truly finished. I have many plans, but at least the car is usable now. I’ve been working on this car since fall 2018, so it has taken quite a few hours.
It’s great that this car is alive, racing and getting a lot of recognition, which it deserves.
The car is primarily used for circuit racing at Gatebil.no events. It’s also used for some local “gymkhana” driving.
I’ve received a lot of credit and attention for the car. For example, it was featured on Speedhunters after it was displayed at the Oslo Motor Show last fall.
