IOL MOTORING

BRITISH tuning company Mulgari has unleashed a modified BMW M240i called the ICON 03, and it’s a tribute to BMW’s great driving machines of past and present.

Featuring a widened body, lightweight components and modified chassis, it places a huge emphasis on “raw” driving dynamics and creating an “analogue” feel, which was a far bigger focus than simply extracting maximium power.

Many of its design elements honour BMW M machines of the past. A dimpled carbon roof, for instance, is a homage to the E46 M3 CSL, and the extended wings take its inspiration from the E30 M3 of the 1980s, while the wings’ cutouts feature mounting winglets, which were a traditional 3.0 CSL feature.

“Outright performance of the engine hasn’t been a focus. We believe that under 500bhp (373kW) is where a true driver’s car lies, (with) plenty of power but more importantly power that can be used,” says Mulgari’s spokesmen. They do however mention a torque figure of 590Nm, which is significantly up on the standard M240i (500Nm) and even on the M2 Competition (550Nm).

One thing you can pretty much bet on is an enthralling soundtrack as the tuner has sourced an Akrapovic exhaust system for the ICON 03.

The suspension has been modified too, with the help of various technical partners, while wider wheels and tyres complete the dynamic picture, with the tuner installing 255mm-wide front rubber and 275s at the back. They plan to back up the car’s dynamic claims with a Nürburgring lap time later this month.

The ICON 03’s cabin has been spruced up too, with Mulgari installing Recaro seats, a new flat-bottom sports steering wheel, carbon shift paddles and unique accent colours on the dashboard.