M3 Racer

[D!Tailed]

Damn, this thing is sexy!!

BMW Shows M3 Racer In Chicago
Feb. 8, 2008

http://www.bmwreport.com/bmwmininews/2008-bmw-news/bmw-m3-racer/bmw-m3-racer-1s.jpg (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:newWindow%28%27bmw-m3-racer/bmw-m3-racer-1.jpg%27%29)
BMW's 485-horse M3 racer.

Wearing a wide body suit with air ducts, spoilers and a 485-horsepower V8 underneath, an M3 racer is currently on display at the Chicago auto show.

It represents BMW's return to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2009.

"With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step," said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. "The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters."

BMW has partnered with Rahal Letterman Racing.

Co-owner and racing legend Bobby Rahal commented, "BMW has an illustrious racing heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come."

The M3 racer's aerodynamically honed body extensively employs carbon fiber to reduce weight — including, like the production M3 coupe, the roof. The chassis is finely tuned for demanding racing. Engine and accessory electronics are specially designed to save weight and improve reliability.

[bdaw]

http://www.bmwreport.com/bmwmininews/2008-bmw-news/bmw-m3-racer/bmw-m3-racer-1s.jpg (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:newWindow%28%27bmw-m3-racer/bmw-m3-racer-1.jpg%27%29)


:wow:

Does this mean GMAN is going to get one in 6 months?

[D!Tailed]

:wow:

Does this mean GMAN is going to get one in 6 months?

I want one!!!!

Those mirrors are awesome. The color rocks!

Makes me feel kinda...funny


D!

[boxboss]

:wow:

Does this mean GMAN is going to get one in 6 months?

:greenlaff: I think it's going to take longer to expand the garage. That is one nice looking car!

[bdaw]

i want to see under the hood

[boxboss]

i want to see under the hood

http://www.bmwreport.com/bmwmininews/2008-bmw-news/bmw-twin-turbos.jpg

Not!

[bdaw]

http://www.bmwreport.com/bmwmininews/2008-bmw-news/bmw-twin-turbos.jpg

Not!

is that a 318 I4? j/k :greenlaff:

[BHR4CE1]

is that a 318 I4? j/k :greenlaff:

Boy, for a Prius driver...you sure know a lot about BMW's!

[RicksM3]

:wow:

Does this mean GMAN is going to get one in 6 months?


I don't know about GMAN but it sure gets my vote.

[NoM6D]

I don't know about GMAN but it sure gets my vote.

Your name rings a bell... Where the hell ya been, slacker? See you in October.

[RicksM3]

Your name rings a bell... Where the hell ya been, slacker? See you in October.

I drove by you the other day but you didn't see me. Either I was going to fast or you where going to slow I just know it was a blur.:race:

[NoM6D]

I drove by you the other day but you didn't see me. Either I was going to fast or you where going to slow I just know it was a blur.:race:

Were you the one in that black Gremlin? Loved the dual 6" exhaust.

[BHR4CE1]

Were you the one in that black Gremlin? Loved the dual 6" exhaust.

Yup... that was me. Here's a pic of the front, since all you "slow car drivers" ever get to see is the back.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p192/swflbear/future%20cars/blackGremlin_resized.jpg

[Gman]

Very nice M3 GTR!

Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

The BMW M3 Race Version: Sportiness personified.

In the course of developing the race version of the BMW M3, BMW's engineers were faced with an ambitious task: to improve upon the sportiness of an already sporting car. A better base would, though, be difficult to find. In standard form the vehicle delivers powerful dynamics and sporting aesthetics. Thanks to an eight cylinder engine producing 414 bhp, BMW's customers are provided with a unique driving experience.

Those engine blocks, cast in BMW's light alloy foundry in Landshut - the very source of BMW's Formula One castings - selected for race duty need to withstand even more power: the BMW P65 race engine delivers 485 bhp.

In order to enable the BMW M3 to make full use of this performance on the race circuit, the experts in Munich have not concentrated solely on the engine, but have race-tuned the chassis as well. The race version of the BMW M3 is wider and significantly lighter than its production equivalent, enabling it to perfectly transmit the power of its V8 to the track. Widespread use of carbon-reinforced plastic (CRP) provides proof of substantial weight reduction. As with the production version, the race car's roof is manufactured from this high-tech material.

The race version of the BMW M3 is clearly aimed at the top echelon of motorsport. As such, it is no surprise to discover that in the course of its development, begun in mid-2007, numerous Formula One techniques were applied. These include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel analyses, both of which have ensured the best possible aerodynamic package for the BMW M3.

Intelligent control systems have been incorporated throughout the BMW M3. The POWER400 control unit actuates all the accessories fitted to the car, such as lights, wipers, etc., via two bus systems. Traditional relays and fuses are thus eliminated, ensuring considerable weight saving, improved reliability and ease of application. The functions of the BMW P65 engine are managed by an ECU 408 electronic control unit, developed in-house by BMW Motorsport. The software and applications, too, have been developed by the experts in Munich.

An intensive test program, during which the performance of the race car will be honed by BMW Motorsport, looms for the BMW M3 over the coming months. Development drivers will be BMW works drivers Andy Priaulx (GBR), Jörg Müller (GER) and Augusto Farfus (BRA), currently racing in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The aim is, after all, for the BMW M3 to be an immediate front-runner upon its comeback to the American Le Mans Series.

[Gman]

:greenlaff: I think it's going to take longer to expand the garage. That is one nice looking car!

How about that new house? -Built with a third garage.:lool: