BMW unveils new lightweight racetrack car for the road

Jul 6, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Munich - BMW has added a lightweight M3 CRT to its high-performance 'M' range with a weight-to-power ratio of 3.5 kilogrammes per horsepower in a limited run of 67 units.

The V8 has an output of 331 kW/450 hp, accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and, according to BMW, has been ''bred for the race track' but is registered for the road.

The bonnet of the BMW M3 CRT and the bucket seats for the driver and front passenger are made from a cellular carbon honeycomb, pioneered for the new BMW i3 and BMW i8 models planned for serial production in 2013.

The bonnet with the strength of a conventional steel equivalent, but at roughly a quarter of its weight, comprises a weight saving over the aluminium bonnet of the standard BMW M3 saloon of around 50 per cent, according to BMW. The total weight of 1,580 kilogrammes undercuts that of the standard M3 saloon by 45 kg.

Included in the standard specification of the BMW M3 CRT are the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, Navigation system Professional, BMW Individual High End audio system, a light, exterior mirror and luggage area package, an alarm system and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car.

A metallic exterior paint shade sets the car apart from the standard M3. Inside, the car comes with exclusive door sill strips, door panels and trim strips in aluminium grain structure. The Alcantara-covered M steering wheel is fitted with an M Drive button. Special Sakhir Orange and Black bi-colour covers have been made for the front and individual rear seats.