BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485hp eight cylinder engine, this racecar has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said: "With the sporting genes of the production M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version was the next logical step. The V8 engine in the road-going vehicle provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a racecar, 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's 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.
"We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," stated 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. We believe the ALMS remains the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3."
Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal added, "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 BMW M3 Race Version
In the course of developing the race version of the M3, BMW's engineers were faced with an ambitious task: to improve upon the sportiness of an already sporting car. In standard form the vehicle delivers powerful dynamics and sporting aesthetics. Thanks to an eight cylinder engine producing 414hp, BMW's customers are provided with a unique driving experience.
The engine blocks (cast in BMW's light alloy foundry in Landshut - the source of BMW's Formula One castings) that are selected for race duty will need to withstand even more power: the BMW P65 race engine delivers 485hp.
To enable the M3 to make full use of this performance on the 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 racecar's roof is manufactured from this high-tech material.
The race version of the 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 aerodynamic package for the BMW M3.
Intelligent control systems have been incorporated throughout the 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 that was developed in-house by BMW Motorsport. The software and applications, too, have been developed by the experts in Munich.
An intensive test program is about to start, during which the performance of the racecar will be honed by BMW Motorsport. Development drivers will be BMW works drivers Andy Priaulx (GBR), Jrg Mller (GER) and Augusto Farfus (BRA), who are 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.