BMW’s current styling shift has sparked debate amongst fanatics loyal to the German automaker. Whereas this new design language is slowly successful over some, others stay firmly against it. However not Studie AG. The Japanese BMW specialist has wholeheartedly embraced the styling evolution.
For these unfamiliar, Studie, a Yokohama-based tuning store based in 1995, initially gained recognition as a BMW components specialist, specializing in the newest fashions at any given time. Right now, Studie’s operations prolong throughout Japan, with branches in Sendai, Kobe, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Hokkaido, and Nagoya. Moreover, the corporate runs the official BMW racing crew in Japan’s Tremendous GT touring automotive championship. Suffice it to say, Studie has change into a cornerstone of Japan’s BMW tradition.
With its roots in motorsport, Studie caters not solely to modification fanatics but in addition to purists. Every of the store’s demo vehicles options various levels of aftermarket enhancements, however as Bob-san, the proprietor of Studie, defined, solely about 8% of their clients go for suspension upgrades. And even fewer select modifications like wheels, exhausts, or efficiency components.
Over the previous twenty years, Studie has fostered a diehard neighborhood of BMW homeowners in Japan, with over 1,300 shared tasks documented on their proprietor boards.
Many BMW fanatics in Japan choose to maintain their vehicles comparatively inventory, maybe a nod to the factory-delivered enjoyability and efficiency of contemporary M machines.
On this go to to Studie, Bob-san was variety sufficient to carry out 4 of the store’s demo vehicles, together with his personal 1 of fifty 3.0 CSL, considered one of solely two in Japan – the opposite parked proper beside it within the Studie showroom.
Alongside the three.0 CSL, we additionally noticed a G82 M4, a collaboration between HKS and Studie on a G80 M3, and an M3 Touring Competitors – my private favorite of the bunch.
Whereas the three.0 CSL stays unmodified, it stood out as probably the most particular automotive of the day. The CSL pays homage to BMW’s legendary Seventies coupe and includes a 6-speed guide transmission, centre-lock wheels, an lively differential, and 560hp. No surprise the fiftieth anniversary launch was an on the spot BMW collector’s must-have when it debuted in 2022.
However what shocked most was the three.0 CSL’s price ticket – north of US$1.5 million. That kind of coin is sufficient to safe nearly any legendary basic or trendy hypercar. It’s a fairly clear indicator of Bob-san’s deep ardour for the BMW model.
A signature contact for Studie vehicles is the distinctive brand sticker positioned on the rear. Peeling pesky service store stickers off is nearly the primary to do when getting your automotive again from being labored on, however you’ll discover most Studie automotive proprietor retaining theirs firmly in place, a testomony to their pleasure in being a part of the Studie neighborhood.
The G82 M4 parked close by served as the muse for the three.0 CSL – minus the seven-figure asking value.
On the skin, the M4 is fitted with carbon fibre accents, a rear wing, facet skirts, a entrance grill alternative, a carbon bonnet, BBS wheels, and KW suspension.
The modifications are extra than simply aesthetic; they improve the automotive’s street presence, making it not possible to disregard.
Contained in the absolutely re-trimmed cabin, the M4 includes a colour-matched roll cage, Recaro basic seats and an OMP steering wheel. No element has been ignored.
Subsequent is the ‘HKStudie’ M3, a undertaking combining JDM tuning strategies with German engineering. Although nonetheless in its early phases, the HKS-Studie partnership has already resulted in upgraded suspension and exhaust programs.
My favorite of the group, the M3 Competitors Wagon, was a surprising instance of understated aggression. With an Adro entrance bumper and physique equipment, this wagon stood out with out being excessive. It’s the construct that reignited my ardour for contemporary BMWs.
Underneath the hood, the purple theme continues with a CSF Race cost cooler consumption manifold and CPM cross bracing.
Paired with BBS wheels and KW suspension, this M3 Touring exemplifies the signature Studie aesthetic – refined however all the time purposeful.
The place else might you see 4 M vehicles of such calibre lined up collectively? That is what makes Studie synonymous with BMW in Japan.
Studie’s capability to harness the very best of contemporary BMWs and elevate them has earned the corporate a well-deserved fame. And who is aware of? In 40 years, these is likely to be the vehicles we glance again on with the identical reverence for immediately’s classics.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
