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. 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. 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.
BMW has released footage of the all new racing version of the M3 Coupe completing its maiden drive on the race track. The race prepped BMW M3 that was first shown to the public at this year’s Chicago Auto Show has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. Wider and significantly lighter than its production equivalent, the M3 ALMS is powered by a modified version the M3’s 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering 485 HP.
