Sports Car Blog

BMW introduced the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show for the participation in the ALMS race series (American Le Mans Series) beginning in 2009.

Powered by a 485 horses forces (series - 420 horses) and maximum torque of 500 Nm with eight cylinder engine. With the amazing powers, BMW M3 has six-speed sequential manual gearbox and able to reach to a maximum speed of over 300 km/h and accelerated up to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. Race course played perfectly with the racing car body and body-kit, elements of which were almost all made of plastic through (CFK) material. BMW M3 ALMS weights around 1150kg. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: “With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters.”

BMW’s 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.

“We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3,” states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. “Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America’s history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer’s championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3.”

Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal adds, “BMW has an illustrious racing heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come.”

Martin Birkmann, Motorsports Manager, BMW of North America, adds: “We are very excited to announce our return to the American Le Mans Series with the 4th generation M3 at the same time as the road car hits the BMW showrooms. We are also excited about our partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing. The ALMS offers racing where we can compete against the finest and most renowned automotive brands from Europe and the US. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in the BMW DNA and we are pleased to partner with an organization which shares that same heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is the perfect partner to be behind the wheel of our new BMW M3 racing effort.”

Technical Specifications
Engine: 4.0 litre V8
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Power: 485 hp (362 kW)
Maximum Torque: 368 lb-ft (498 Nm)
Transmission: Six-speed sequential racing transmission
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive