2009 BMW M3 GT2

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.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: “With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. 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.”

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.

2009 BMW M3 GT2 Gallery

See full 2009 BMW M3 GT2 Gallery here

In Detail

type	Racing Car
engine	P65 V8 w/Dry Sump Lubrication
position	Front Longitudinal
valvetrain	Chain Driven DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Electronic injection
displacement	3999 cc / 244.03 in³
bore	92 mm / 3.6 in
stroke	75.2 mm / 3.0 in
power	361.7 kw / 485 bhp
specific output	121.28 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	389.25 bhp per tonne
torque	498.9 nm / 368 ft lbs
body / frame	Unitary Steel Construction w/CRP Panels
driven wheels	RWD
wheel type	Aluminum
front brakes	Cast Iron Discs w/Aluminum 6-Piston Brake Calipers
rear brakes	Cast Iron Discs w/Aluminum 4-Piston Brake Calipers
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Electro-Hydraulic Assist
f suspension	MacPherson Struts w/Strut Tiebar, 5-Way Adjustable Shock Absorbers, Tubular Stabilizer Bar
r suspension	Five-Arm Multi-Link, 5-Way Adjustable Shock Absorbers, Tubular Stabilizer Bar
curb weight	1246 kg / 2745 lbs
transmission	6-Speed Sequential
tran clutch	Carbon Fiber
fuel capacity	90 litres or 23.76 gal.