CHICAGO — BMW has unwrapped a new racing version of the M3, designed to compete in the 2009 American Le Mans Series in partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing.
The racing car, prepared by BMW M GmbH, features a P65 motorsports version of the M3's 4.0-liter V8, boosted from 414 to 485 horsepower and from 295 to 368 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed sequential racing transmission with a carbon-fiber clutch and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
The chassis also has been race-tuned. The track has been widened, and the car is fitted with five-way adjustable shocks and tubular stabilizer bars front and rear, as well as oversize brakes and 18-inch racing tires mounted on alloy wheels.
BMW has lightened the car through extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for the hood, roof, deck lid, front fenders, rear wheel arches, rear apron and rear wing. Curb weight is 2,535 pounds.
The company has enlisted such development drivers as Andy Priaulx, Jörg Müller and Augusto Farfus to test the car before its competition debut in 2009.
What this means to you: We're hoping some of the performance mods on the racing car trickle down to the street version of the M3. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
The racing car, prepared by BMW M GmbH, features a P65 motorsports version of the M3's 4.0-liter V8, boosted from 414 to 485 horsepower and from 295 to 368 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed sequential racing transmission with a carbon-fiber clutch and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
The chassis also has been race-tuned. The track has been widened, and the car is fitted with five-way adjustable shocks and tubular stabilizer bars front and rear, as well as oversize brakes and 18-inch racing tires mounted on alloy wheels.
BMW has lightened the car through extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for the hood, roof, deck lid, front fenders, rear wheel arches, rear apron and rear wing. Curb weight is 2,535 pounds.
The company has enlisted such development drivers as Andy Priaulx, Jörg Müller and Augusto Farfus to test the car before its competition debut in 2009.
What this means to you: We're hoping some of the performance mods on the racing car trickle down to the street version of the M3. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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