It’s no M3 CSL, but it shares the same spirit. Back in 2003 when BMW launched the CSL it represented a test bed for new intelligent lightweight technologies, most notable of which was its carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof.

The new M3 CRT is likewise the first model to use a material that originated in an innovative BMW production process for lightweight components. The cuttings left behind from the body construction of the new BMW i models BMW i3 and BMW i8 are woven into CFRP mats of various sizes, impregnated with synthetic resin and hardened.

The results are evident in a bonnet which weighs only a quarter as much as a steel equivalent, but has the same strength and rigidity. The material produced through this innovative manufacturing technology is also used for the car’s bucket seats. Here, the CFRP layers are wrapped around a recycled-paper honeycomb, with a carbon layer made using conventional production technology added to visible areas. CFRP is also used to make both the rear spoiler of the BMW M3 CRT and an air-channelling element integrated into its front apron.

Engine

Whilst the high-performance BMW M3 CRT is based on the BMW M3 sedan, its engine, gearbox and chassis comes from the M3 GTS coupe. With its 444 bhp high-performance M engine, the BMW M3 CRT achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 3.5kg/HP and weighs 70 kg less than a BMW M3 sedan.

The weight advantage is the result of the CFRP components already mentioned plus an extremely lightweight titanium sports muffler and sound-proofing configured especially for the BMW M3 CRT.

Power is transferred to the tarmac by mixed tyres in dimensions of 245/35 R 19 at the front and 265/35 R 19 at the rear, on 19-inch CSL-style alloy wheel rims. BMW claim a top speed of 181 mph for the M3 CRT, which can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Design

Unlike the standard M3 Saloon, the M3 CRT makes do with just four seats – which is still two more than the M3 GTS offered. Complementing the matt-effect Frozen Polar Silver metallic paint finish are applications of Melbourne red metallic in areas such as the front spoiler and bonnet air intakes.

Inside, the M3 GTS features a unique combination of black/red leather and decorative strips in a new kind of aluminium fibre structure. The CFRP seat pans in front are reinterpreted for rear seat passengers with single seats, optimised for side support.

Buying one..

And now for the bad news. Firstly if you live in the UK, you can’t buy an M3 GTS, unless of course you manage to import one from Germany. So if that hurdle doesn’t stop you, then the next probably will. At EUR 130,000 incl. VAT in Germany, the 444 bhp M3 CRT costs a whopping EUR 30,000 more than the newly unveiled 552 bhp M5.

The BMW M3 CRT is to be produced in a limited edition run of 67 cars, so perhaps its best to look upon the CRT as a test-bed and wait until some of its intelligent technology appears on a future M car.

Gallery

The auction sale marks BMW Classic’s next step on its path towards customer orientation. Following the expansion of the historic workshop into the BMW Classic Center, which carries out restoration work on customer vehicles, further business segments are being broached: “Buying and selling classics is as much a part of our new range of services as the consignment of classics and advice on buying,” says Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Classic. “The auction of these two automobiles is our first move in that direction.”

Since the 1990s, both the BMW M1 and the BMW 3.0 CSL have been owned by BMW Classic, and its forerunner BMW Mobile Tradition, where they were progressively restored and made public appearances at special events like the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Given who has prepared the M1 and CSL, the lucky buyers will be assured of a quality ownership experience

The auction of these two cars by Bonhams in Dubai will be the first time any model from the company’s own collection has been put up for sale. “I have no doubt that, for this debut, we have made the right choice in terms of the location and our partners,” declares a confident Baumer. Further purchases and sales will follow.

“Documenting BMW’s heritage and our deployment potential for events naturally form the spearhead of our collection strategy, but beyond that we want to give BMW enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase classics directly from the manufacturer in Munich,” explains Ralf Vierlein, General Manager Sales and Aftersales at BMW Classic. “At the same time we are consolidating our presence in the Middle East – a region where we see a great deal more potential specifically on the classic car front,” adds Vierlein.

The partnership with renowned British auctioneers Bonhams began last November, when they placed the world’s largest private collection of classic BMW motorcycles under the hammer at the BMW Museum in Munich.

The road-going M3 GTS features a bespoke 4.4-litre V8 engine producing 444-bhp, lightweight sports exhaust with titanium silencers and a reprogrammed 7-speed M dual-clutch Drivelogic transmission. It weighs some 70 kg less than the standard M3, thanks to plexi-glass polycarbonate rear windows and an the use of lightweight materials throughout.

The BMW M3 GTS equipment includes purebred racing bucket seats, carbon fibre interior trim, and an Alcantara M steering wheel. Also the door and side panelling in the rear are trimmed in Alcantara. The GTS is also fitted ex-works with a rollover bar bolted behind the B pillar, facilities for six point seatbelts, and an extension option for the rollover cage. Three point automatic seatbelts are installed for use in road traffic, whilst separate six-point seatbelts are in place for driver and front passenger together with a fire extinguisher.

SkiddPlayer

BMW M3 GTS. THE ESSENCE OF M.

+ Click to watch the video

Designed as a ‘club sport’ version of the M3, the GTS is an M3 race car for people who enjoy track driving and hobby racing. Fewer than 150 cars will be built in a single production run starting soon and at a price of more than £110,000 it will be a rare collector’s piece.

With a further 2 years yet to run of the current model M3, BMW are hinting that a special-edition version of the GTS may yet be forthcoming, this time produced in greater numbers, with a lower price tag and a few more creature comforts added back in. Of course it would use the GTS’ new 4.4-litre V8 engine since it would be a shame to limit such an awesome powerplant to a mere handful of cars.

The performance figures, if not in the same league as the GT2 RS are still impressive making the GTS comfortably the quickest model in BMW’s current range. Accelerating in just 4.4 seconds from zero to 62.5 mph, reaching the 1000-meter mark from a standstill in 22.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed is 191 mph. No mention is made of the usual BMW speed limiter, so let’s also take the opportunity of recognising the M3 GTS as the fastest production car BMW have yet produced.

Okay, this is perhaps a slightly hollow victory given that the M6 can exceed this figure if derestricted, but nonetheless it’s worth noting.

“The BMW M3 is an icon and internationally synonymous with the highest level of dynamics,” explains Dr. Kay Segler, CEO of the BMW M GmbH. “Our aim was to develop a model variant that would prove its outstanding potential both on the road and at club sport racing events. The BMW M3 GTS is pure M feeling, embodying the brand values in a highly concentrated form.”

For two decades the BMW 3-series has represented the epitome of successes in motorsport. The number of touring car racing victories and titles is unsurpassed by any other rival, and now with the M3 GT2 causing something of a sensation in endurance racing, BMW believe it is time to reflect this success back in their road car range.

More displacement, more power, more torque

The power required for high performance in motor sports is delivered by an 8-cylinder engine featuring a high-revving concept. With its unparalleled pulling force, which is constantly available over a very wide engine speed range, the V8 engine developed exclusively for the BMW M3 by BMW M GmbH features refined performance characteristics that are closely oriented towards the requirements of motor sports. A version of this power unit with further increased displacement, power output and maximum torque was exclusively conceived for the BMW M3 GTS.

The increase in displacement from 3,999 to 4,361 cc is achieved by a cylinder stroke that has been extended from 75,2 to 82 mm. In the enlarged combustion chamber, a maximum power output of 331 kW/444 bhp (BMW M3: 309 kW/414 bhp) is delivered at 8,300 rpm. Maximum torque has been increased by 40 Nm to 440 Nm and is available at an engine speed of 3,750 rpm.

Characteristic constructional features derived from motor sports, which include the crankcase designed as a bedplate construction and made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy, individual throttles, knock sensors featuring ionic-current technology and a dynamically optimised wet-sump oil supply have been adopted from the original power unit. The lightweight sports exhaust system developed for the BMW M3 GTS with model-specific primary catalytic converters and titanium rear silencers ensure optimum exhaust flow.

Transmission of power is effected by means of the M Dual Clutch Drivelogic gearbox developed for the BMW M3. This 7-speed transmission operates according to a principle also developed for motor sports and permits gear shifting without interruption of traction for extremely dynamic acceleration. Its gear shift characteristics have been exclusively tuned to the modified engine featured by the BMW M3 GTS.

Watch the M3 GTS being put through its paces by a professional test driver. Click to view on SkiddPlayer.

High-performance suspension with adjustable racetrack set-up

The car’s suspension technology also derived from motor racing is based on the front and rear axle construction featured by the BMW M3 Coupe. Contrary to that, the BMW M3 GTS features a rigid rear-axle support as well as a coilover suspension, the dampers of which are independently variable in the traction and compression travel. Moreover, camber on the front and rear axles and vehicle height are variable for motor racing purposes. The car is lowered by 16 mm at the front and 12 mm at the rear.

The high-performance brake system featured on the BMW M3 GTS has been designed as a fixed-calliper construction and comprises six pistons on each of the front wheels and four pistons on each rear wheel. Compared to the BMW M3, the brake discs are 18 mm larger in diameter at the front and 30 mm larger in diameter at the rear. Furthermore, steel-armoured hoses are used.

Specific tuning of the stability control function DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), including ABS and the M Dynamic Mode (MDM), make allowances for the increased dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Optimum transfer not only of acceleration torque but also of the brake torque is also guaranteed by mixed tyres on matt black, 19-inch M light alloy wheels featuring a Y-spoke design.

Aerodynamics: Optimised components with variable adjustment

In order to optimise air stream and for on-demand adaptation of downforce characteristics, the BMW M3 GTS is fitted with motor racing-oriented front apron and rear wing elements. They offer the possibility to adapt the car’s aerodynamic characteristics according to the racetrack profile and other basic club motor sport requirements. The air duct elements in the front apron are also variable, as is the position of the rear wing. The tail assembly is based on the corresponding component featured by the BMW 320si in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

Any colour so long as it’s orange

The BMW M3 GTS will only be available in a unique orange colour. Additional model-specific features are the matt black exterior components such as the BMW kidney grille, roof trims and alloy wheels as well as the side gill elements made of dark anodised chrome.

In addition to the standard CFRP roof on the BMW M3 and titanium rear silencers, an exceptionally light construction of the centre console and door panels, the use of polycarbonate side windows at the rear and a polycarbonate rear window, dispensing with seats in the rear compartment and acoustic insulation configured specifically for the vehicle all serve to guarantee weight optimisation. The unloaded weight of the BMW M3 GTS according to DIN is 1,530 kg including roll bar and M Dual Clutch Drivelogic transmission (BMW M3: 1,600 kg). Automatic climate control and audio system supplied as standard comfort features in the BMW M3 can be fitted if the customer desires.

The interior of the BMW M3 GTS reflects a predominant focus on optimum performance and the highest level of safety on the racetrack. The range of equipment includes thoroughbred racing bucket seats, carbon interior trims and an Alcantara® M steering wheel. Door and sidewall linings in the rear compartment are also made of Alcantara®.

The BMW M3 GTS is equipped as standard with a roll bar fitted behind the B-pillars. Furthermore, the car body offers fastening points for six-point safety seat belts and an optional extension for the roll cage. The car is fitted with three-point automatic seatbelts for road use. Additionally supplied six-point safety seat belts for driver and front seat passenger and a fire extinguisher complete the range of equipment.

The M3 GTS will be priced at €136.850 in Germany with deliveries beginning in July 2010. UK prices are likely to be considerbly ‘higher’ than any current model in the range (M6 included), but won’t be confirmed until the end of 2010 before right-hand drive cars go on sale in January 2011. The number of cars allocated for UK market will be very small, so it’s not surprising to hear that they have already all been sold.

Full technical specifications for the BMW M3 GTS

There are tens of thousands clips of this fantastic circuit available on YouTube and other media websites, as enthusiasts and manufacturers show off their love and passion for one of the greatest circuits ever built.

A great ‘Ring video isn’t defined by one trait.  A fast lap time, enthusiastic driving styles, high quality footage, deafening exhaust notes or simply unusual machinery being piloted have all been reasons for onboard laps of one of Germany’s top motoring attractions to go viral.

Using our SkiddPlayer, we’ve brought together our top 10 videos from the ‘Ring, consisting of classic footage, F1 world champions, contemporary F1 cars, GTs, sports cars and more.  We hope you enjoy watching the clips as much as we did finding them, and encourage you to share with us some of your favourite videos by either tweeting us @DriversRepublic or submitting them to SkiddPlayer.

#10 – Nissan GTR (7:26:7)

Click to view the Nissan GTR on SkiddPlayer

It’s not the fastest ever lap you’ll see of the Nordschleife, but it’s definitely one of the most impressive given the way the GTR punches well above its price level to circulate faster than a Porsche Carrera GT and Koenigsegg CCX.  The video is a brilliant demonstration of how hard a driver can push when the electronic safety net that is the GTR’s various systems allows the driver to focus fully on the task at hand – going very, very fast.  He might need a new front splitter though after the way he dropped into the first Karrusell.

#9 – Fernando Alonso’s Renault Mégane R26

Click to view Fernando Alonso on SkiddPlayer

This footage is a few years old now and sadly isn’t a complete lap, but it’s another one of those videos that shows how talented drivers can juggle driving quickly, engage calmly in conversation and terrify their passengers all at once.  What’s also nice about this clip is that apart from Alonso’s genuine enthusiasm for exploiting the full potential of the Renault, is that we also get a glimpse of Alonso’s aggressive driving style without the usual cover up in F1 of a full face helmet and semi-closed cockpit.  If you’re reading Luca, it’d be nice to see a video of Alonso take a Ferrari FXX round with similar gusto.

#8 – “Loaded” BMW E46 M3 CSL (7:22)

Click to view the Loaded BMW E46 M3 CSL on SkiddPlayer

If you have a nervous disposition towards very loud vehicles, look away now.  This clip is from Swedish tuners “Loaded” who have modified an E46 M3 CSL, already one of the best sounding cars on the road, and fitted a supercharger and other goodies to produce a car that literally screams its way around the German countryside.  The way the car howls its way up to Aremberg is nothing short of magnificent.

#7 – Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Click to view the Manthey Porsche on SkiddPlayer

It wouldn’t be a ‘Ring videos top 10 without a clip from onboard a Porsche 911, would it?  So we feel if we’re going to include one, we may as well choose the fastest one currently out there, with the #1 Manthey Porsche on ‘Ring taxi duties as they blitz around backmarkers like they’re stood still in the 24 hours race.  Expect to see the #1 blinding backmarkers with its flashing headlights en route to another race victory in next weekend’s 2010 Nürburgring 24 hours.

#6 Porsche 996 GT2 vs. Caterham R500

Click to watch the Porsche 996 GT2 take on the Caterham R500

Every ‘Ring video playlist also needs an on track battle.  It’s not strictly legal to race against each other on open trackdays, but it certainly makes for enthralling footage if the cars duelling are driven to their limits and more.  In this amateur video, the more powerful but heavier Porsche goes head to head in peculiar match up against the lightweight Caterham R500.  It’s fascinating seeing the more agile and nimble Caterham corner better than the Stuttgart brawler, then the sheer grunt of the Porsche allowing the camera car to catapult by on the straights.  Our favourite bit of this video though is the crazy shouting by the driver at 1:38 and the friendly thumbs up at the end, great stuff from a typically enthusiastic Italian pilot.

#5 – BMW F1 driven by Nick Heidfeld

Click to watch Nick Heidfeld on SkiddPlayer

Sadly, there’s no full onboard footage of Stefan Bellof’s lap record (6:11) in his WSC Porsche, but we can bring you some high speed action thanks to Nick Heidfeld’s demonstration runs in 2007.  Heidfeld isn’t pushing to the very limit given it’s a non-competitive demonstration and the run off areas are hardly accommodating for an F1-sized accident, but he’s still massively faster than any other video you’ll ever see by a non-single seater car.  Suspend logical thought, major logistical headaches and safety concerns for a moment, can you imagine how incredible it would be if they still raced modern F1 cars at the Nordschleife?

#4 – Radical SR8 LM by Michael Vergers (6:48)

Click to watch Michael Vergers' Radical on SkiddPlayer

Forget your Ferraris and Porsches, if you want to show someone who has never seen the ‘Ring before what all the fuss is about, show them this Michael Vergers Radical SR8 LM lap.  Vergers is known for being utterly fearless and this 6:48 lap is testament to this fact.  Whilst the Radical is not the fastest car in terms of outright speed, its tremendous midrange and cornering ability make it a potent ‘Ring weapon.  There are far too many moments to count where Vergers almost loses control and visits the scenery, but he somehow keeps it altogether to achieve the present ‘Ring record for a production vehicle.  And yes you did see right, at 6:00 Vergers up-shifts through the notorious Pflanzgarten section.  Crikey.

#3 – Graham Hill narrates Hermann Lang’s Mercedes W125

Click to watch Hermann Lang's Mercedes W125 on SkiddPlayer

This clip from 1962 is a wonderfully sedate look at the Nordschleife as it appeared in the 1960s when trees were preferred as impact structures over tyre walls and barriers.  The 646bhp monster is a joy to watch as it navigates a far greener looking circuit than we see today.  Hill’s very British narration is full of interesting insight and catches the zeitgeist of the 1960s perfectly.  Be sure to check out the crazy levels of positive camber and bus sized steering wheel on the W125.

#2 – Opening lap of the 1975 German Grand Prix

Click to watch the opening lap of the 1975 German GP on SkiddPlayer

Back to sub seven minute lap times here in a real gem of a video featuring the opening lap of the penultimate Grand Prix at the ‘Ring.  There’s no commentary on this clip which allows you to take in the magnificent sounds of 1970s F1 as Ferrari’s Niki Lauda is chased by a Tyrrell-Ford all lap as the pair streak away from the chasing pack.  Be sure to turn the speakers up as Lauda’s Ferrari screams and squirms its way up Ex-Mühle (3:37) en-route to an eventual 3^rd place.

#1 – Sideways RUF CTR1 Yellowbird

Click to watch our #1 'Ring video on SkiddPlayer

If you’re a car fan and have an internet connection, then in all likelihood our #1 ‘Ring video comes as no surprise to you as it’ll already be in your favourites, having been viewed again and again on a regular basis.  As our final video, we present one of the finest car videos there ever will be online, so sit back and switch between grinning ear to ear and gasping at the ludicrous angles achieved in what is one of the best ever displays of car control.

Get involved – your video suggestions

Now visit our dedicated Nurburgring Channel on SkiddPlayer ...

We’ve had many of you tweet in your suggestions for videos that should’ve made our top 10.  @PistonSpy suggested the brief highlights clip of Stefan Bellof’s incredible 6:11 lap record and Jackie Stewart narrating old footage of Stirling Moss and later some F2 drivers working the wheel at the ‘Ring.  Porsche fan @Porschephile put forward Derek Bell’s complete onboard lap and there’s been enjoyment by all on some of the sounds of all the cars in our top 10, particularly Lauda’s Ferrari in clip #2.  Keep your suggestions coming and we’ll be sure to add them to the article.

Feel like we missed something?  Drop us a comment beneath or check out all of these videos and more on our dedicated SkiddPlayer Nürburgring Channel.

Describing a model as being fitted with a ‘competition package’ would seem to imply a comparable intent to Renaultsport’s Cup models or perhaps even Porsche’s GT3, particularly when BMW’s press pack describes their new M3 variant as being “inspired by the popular E46 M3 CSL”.

Anyone who has driven such hardcore sporting models can attest that their ‘competition feel’ is as much the result of extreme weight-loss rather than the fitment of additional options – however the M3 Competition Package weighs just the same as a regular M3 Coupe.

Like all 2010 M3 derivatives, a Competition Package specified car now comes complete with the introduction of Auto Start-Stop technology as standard. This EfficientDynamics technology is new to the M3 range and has a positive effect on fuel consumption and emissions. Improving fuel consumption on the combined cycle from 23.7 mpg to 25.2 mpg when fitted with Auto Start-Stop, and emissions from 285 g/km to 263 g/km.

The Competition Package also features a 10mm lower ride height, bespoke 19-inch CSL-style alloy wheels, a new Sport setting within the standard Electronic Damper Control (EDC) and a re-programmed Dynamic Stability Control Plus (DSC+) system. Compared to the standard EDC system the one fitted as part of the Competition Package has a revised ‘Sport’ setting to enhance the handling characteristics with an even greater bias to enthusiastic driving, likewise the thresholds of DSC intervention have been reprogrammed to permit less traction control interference and suit the more capable driver.

In fact it would seem that this new M3 Competition Package is really the modern incarnation of the E46 M3 CS, a variant that made the E46 M3 more rewarding to drive without compromising on the M3s comfort, utility and electronic gadgetry.

So, perhaps further reason to choose BMW’s ultimate driving machine over its competitors, but the regular M3 is still a cracking car and is priced £3,315 ‘less’ than this new variant.

But the M3 is an iconic model in the BMW range, perhaps the one car that best represents what BMW is all about and BMW knows how vast and influential their enthusiastic owners can be. So what are the enthusiasts to make of this new Competition Package?

You may be familiar with the M3 Edition, which was launched in July 2009 and featured a 10mm lowered ride height together with several cosmetic changes to the standard M3 Coupe. These changes are carried forward as part of the Competition Package, together with several further enhancements.

The 10 mm lower suspension is joined by a revised Electronic Damper Control system with a new dynamic Sport setting, where previously the sport setting was fixed (both comfort and normal settings on all M3s are already dynamic), and a new Dynamic Stability Control Plus system with less electronic intervention thereby allowing more slip than the standard car’s M Dynamic Mode (MDM).

The Competition Package includes 19-inch light alloy wheels, inspired by the E46 M3 CSL plus a host of cosmetic changes including carbon fibre embellishments on the front spoiler and rear valence.

So what’s the problem?

Well, many enthusiasts are still seething over BMW’s decision not to produce a successor to the E46 M3 CSL and produce the X5 M and X6 M instead – although the soon to be launched M3 GTS may have silenced some of the more vocal critics. But it’s a raw nerve and one that many enthusiasts take seriously – after all, this is the signature car of BMW’s M Division and provides a barometer for BMW’s DNA.

Using carbon fibre (a la CSL), plus a faux-CSL boot spoiler and CSL wheels could well be like waving a red rag to a bull…

Other changes introduced at the same time include Auto Start-Stop technology which comes as standard to all versions of BMW’s M3. The Coupé, Convertible and Saloon already feature Brake Energy Regeneration, lightweight engineering principles and on-demand use of ancillary systems to enhance all round efficiency. The introduction of Auto Start-Stop, on both manual and M DCT transmission-equipped cars, represents the first time a BMW model with more than four-cylinders and a transmission other than a six-speed manual has featured the technology. No other high performance car currently comes with this capability.

The benefits of Auto Start-Stop for all BMW M3 models results in significant reductions in CO2 emissions and an improvement in fuel consumption from the EU5 compliant power plant. On the M3 Coupe this results in an increase from 23.7mpg on the combined cycle to 25.2 mpg, when fitted with Auto Start-Stop.

The Competition Package will go on sale 20 March, 2010 at the same time as Auto Start-Stop technology joins the standard specification of all M3 models.

Rossi was invited to experience some fast laps in the new M3 GTS, but in the end he wanted to drive it. The nine times MotoGP champion took to the Valencia track in the lightweight M3 GTS together with MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta in the passenger seat. Rossi was supposed to stop at the end of his first lap, but he decided to do another lap even more quickly.

Rossi was eventually prised out of the M3 GTS so that he could be presented with his M3 Saloon, but said, “It was amazing in the GTS. Just amazing. It was great, especially under braking with the light weight that it has.” In fact Rossi was already enquiring about how he could get hold of one for himself, but apparently there have already been more than 300 serious enquiries about the car since it’s launch three days ago.

Thomas Schemera, the Director of Sales and Marketing for BMW M Power who handed over the keys of the M3 to Rossi said, “It was our intention for Valentino to have a seat in the M3 GTS, but in the end he wanted to drive it, so he did! I think he is very convinced about the features and the abilities of the car and we would be very happy to let him have one of the hand built cars that echoes the iconic 3.0 CSL racer from the mid 70s.”

BMW will continue to supply Safety Cars, Official Cars and VIP Shuttles to the Moto GP series until 2013, using vehicles from BMW’s M Power stable.

Rossi finished 2nd in today’s Moto GP round in Valencia, followed home by team mate Jorge Lorenzo. Spain’s Dani Pedrosa won this final race of the 2009 season.

Photos courtesy of BMW & Moto GP.

Then we saw the spy pictures published over on MotorAuthority which confirmed that BMW were in the final stages of testing some significant enhancements to the M3.

Now we have a video showing the same car lapping the Nurburgring during a ‘manufacturer’ test session, sporting BMW-owned number plates.

The suggestion from our interview with Dr Segler was that BMW were considering launching a road version of the M3 GT4 race car, not a CSL version exactly since this special edition model would retain many of the comforts of the regular M3, but nevertheless it would be a more sporting and dynamic interpretation of the already impressive E92 M3 Coupe.

The prototype in these pictures is fitted with upgrades to the front bumper, new wheels plus a substantial rear wing – although this is likely to toned down in a production model, and the video shows the effect of these upgrades plus the more dynamic character of the car.

Rumours persist that this car and the next generation M5 will be fitted with a KERS system, which would make BMW the first manufacturer to transfer this new F1 technology to its road cars.

We will hear more on this story during the next few months, but since BMW are normally keen to hide away their prototypes until near launch the very existence of this video tells us that perhaps we won’t have to wait too long.

[Pictures: MotorAuthority]

Revealed this morning at BMW’s prototype workshop at the Nurburgring in Germany, the celebratory M5 is described by M division’s head of development, Albert Biermann, as “the M5 CSL we never built”.

Among the changes brought to the new car is a heavily modified version of the standard M5’s 5.0-litre V10 engine. The highly strung, 90-degree unit has been enlarged with a longer stroke taking its capacity up to 5.5-litres, making it the largest engine to ever feature in an official M-car.

Also included as part of the engine overhaul is a carbonfibre manifold boasting a increased capacity air box and a secondary oil cooler – the latter requiring modifications to the front bumper, which gains an additional air duct in the place usually dedicated to the license plate.

Official power and torque figures have not been released but Biermann hints the output peaks at “around 580bhp and close to 400lb ft”

Channelling the added reserves back to the rear wheels is a beefed up version of the M3’s seven-speed double clutch gearbox. The Getrag engineered unit, operated via steering wheel mounted paddles or push/pull gear lever, supplants the standard M5’s sequential seven speed manual unit, offering smoother and more rapid gear shifts.

Further changes centre around the body, which receives a carbonfibre roof as part of a weight saving program that has pared a claimed 50kg from the standard M5’s 1830kg kerb weight.

Yet despite the investment that has gone into creating the new uber-M5, Biermann says it is destined to remain a one-off.

“Right now we’re concentrating on the next-generation M5. This car has been fun to develop but there are no plans for production,” he says.

Read the rest of this article over at Autocar.

[Photos: Autocar ]