FRONT VIEWBMW M3 racing car
BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. 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 car will compete in the American Le Mans Series in the 2009 season. Rahal Letterman Racing (with principals Bobby and David, respectively) will field two M3 racers - the drivers have not been announced. BMW last raced in the ALMS in 2001.
The new M3 racer is obviously wider than the production car; it's also lighter, weighing in at 2535 lbs. Its 4.0-liter V-8 makes 485 hp (up from the standard car's 414) and 368 lb-ft of torque.
BACK VIEWBMW M3 ALMS Race Car 2009"We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America's history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer's championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3."
Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal adds, "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."
Martin Birkmann, Motorsports Manager, BMW of North America, adds: "We are very excited to announce our return to the American Le Mans Series with the 4th generation M3 at the same time as the road car hits the BMW showrooms. We are also excited about our partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing. The ALMS offers racing where we can compete against the finest and most renowned automotive brands from Europe and the US. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in the BMW DNA and we are pleased to partner with an organization which shares that same heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is the perfect partner to be behind the wheel of our new BMW M3 racing effort."
BMW had a surprise unveiling at the Chicago auto show: a racing version of the M3 coupe.
SIDE VIEWTechnical Specifications
Engine: 4.0 litre V8
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Power: 485 hp (362 kW)
Maximum Torque: 368 lb-ft (498 Nm)
Transmission: Six-speed sequential racing transmission
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
