BMW launches the BMW M3 DTM Concept (w/VIDEOS)

BMW have unveiled their 2012 DTM contender, on the eve of the DTM Show Event at the Olympic Stadium in Munich this weekend. The M3 DTM Concept is based on the current E92 M3 equipped with a 480 bhp V8 engine.

In typical BMW style they describe the M3 DTM Concept as offering an initial impression of what the BMW M3 DTM will look like when it lines up at the start of the 2012 season, they say that the looks of the car will most likely change considerably up to its first race, however the basic technical specification of the race car is now set.

BMW Motorsport also used the launch event to announce the first two drivers in its 2012 DTM line-up – Andy Priaulx (GB) and Augusto Farfus (BR). Both drivers arrive in the DTM with impressive track records. Priaulx won the 2004 European Touring Car Championship for BMW, and followed that up with three World Championship titles between 2005 and 2007. He has also proven his class in GT racing, with victory at the 2005 Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE) and first in the GT class at this year’s 12-hour race at Sebring (US).

“The DTM will be a big challenge for us all,” said Priaulx. ”Together with BMW, I have celebrated success in many different disciplines and behind the wheel of some fantastic racing cars in recent years. I am more than confident that this will also be the case in the DTM. The BMW M3 DTM looks fantastic. I can hardly wait to get to know the car better in the coming tests, to contribute to its development, and ultimately to sit in the cockpit for the first DTM race in 2012.”

Farfus can also look back on a successful career with BMW. This is proven by 15 wins in the World Touring Car Championship, the triumph at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2010, and many more successful races in BMW racing cars: the Brazilian has all the essentials to be successful in the DTM.

“I am delighted BMW is giving me the opportunity to race in the DTM,” said Farfus. “You always need new challenges in life. That is why I cannot wait for my debut in this series. The opposition is tough and has more experience in recent years, but BMW Motorsport is working fantastically to ensure we should be competitive right from the word go. We want to learn as quickly as possible. Who knows, maybe we can already challenge the established manufacturers a bit in 2012.”

Video: DTM TV

At a Glance

The technical specification of the BMW M3 DTM Concept Car is as follows:

Length: 4,775mm (without rear wing)
Width: 1,950mm
Height: approx. 1,200mm (depending on set-up)
Chassis/Bodywork: CFRP monocoque with steel roll cage structure
Transmission: Sequential 6-speed gearbox
Engine type: Eight-cylinder V engine
Capacity: 4.0-litre
Max. power output: approx. 480bhp (with air restrictor as per regulations)

Gallery

Unveiling of the M3 DTM Concept at BMW Welt in Munich

Static footage of the M3 DTM Concept on display after its unveiling