BMW prepares to unveil its 2012 M3 DTM Concept Car

The 2012 motorsport season is looming and motorsport fans around the world wait eagerly to see BMW’s M3 DTM (Concept), as the Munich brand readies itself to challenge the might of Mercedes and Audi in the 2012 DTM series.

As part of the DTM event at Munich’s Olympic Stadium on 16th and 17th July 2011, BMW will present a BMW M3 DTM Concept Car for the first time. The Concept Car will give the first impression of what next year’s car will look like and provide further insights about BMW’s approach to the DTM programme.

The M3 DTM Concept will be presented to the media on Friday 15th July and then remain on show at BMW Welt over the remainder of the weekend.

BMW Welt will be dominated by motorsport throughout the entire DTM race weekend at Munich’s Olympic Stadium. The main attraction will be the BMW M3 DTM Concept Car. In addition, BMW is also exhibiting some of the historic cars, including the 1979 BMW M1 Art Car designed by Andy Warhol, the 1986 BMW 635 CSi and the BMW M3 GTR from 2001. The BMW M3 from the late 1980s, which notched up countless victories and two of the three DTM titles for the brand, will also be on display. With more than 1,500 individual wins to its name, this car is still regarded as one of the most successful touring cars of all time.

“The fact that the DTM is staging an event in Munich this year is obviously exciting and interesting for us too,” said Jens Marquardt, who takes over from Mario Theissen on 1st July.

“The location right on our doorstep gives the term ‘home event’ a whole new meaning in motorsport in the future. Although we will not be competing in 2011, we want to use this opportunity to give DTM fans and BMW Motorsport followers a taste of what they can look forward to next season. For this reason, this event is the logical venue to unveil a BMW M3 DTM Concept Car. Under the motto ‘BMW welcomes DTM’ we will welcome the series to Munich and follow the event at the Olympic Stadium closely. We hope the spectators will also enjoy the many classic BMW cars in action as part of the support programme. Whether the 1987 BMW M3 DTM, the BMW M1 Procar from 1981, or the Mini Rally Monte Carlo car from the 1960s: we think there will be something to suit every taste.“

Development of the BMW M3 DTM for the coming season has been in full flow since BMW announced its DTM comeback in October last year, and has so far run to plan. The first tests will be performed shortly. BMW will be represented with three strong teams in the DTM in 2012. BMW Team Schnitzer, in action with the BMW M3 GT at the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE) this weekend, will run two BMW M3 DTM cars, as will BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG.

One of the most obvious questions on our minds is which model of 3 Series the DTM car will be based on? BMW say in their press materials, “The BMW M3 production model is the basis for the impressive BMW M3 GT racing car – and naturally for the BMW M3 DTM Concept Car too.” However since the current E90/E92/E93 range is due to be replaced in 2012/2013, BMW’s rationale for entering DTM must surely be to square up against its closest showroom competitors from Mercedes and Audi. Maybe that’s a facelift that will come in to play for the 2013 season.

The truth will be out on the 15th July.