The roar of the engine, the sleek lines cutting through air, and the sheer power unleashed on the track – the Bmw M3 Gtr embodies the pinnacle of motorsport engineering. While the quest for a change in crank design might leave enthusiasts wanting, the unveiling of the BMW M3 race car at the Chicago Auto Show heralded a new chapter in the legendary M3 lineage. This racing marvel, armed with a potent 485 bhp eight-cylinder engine, was meticulously crafted to conquer the intensely competitive American Le Mans Series (ALMS) starting in 2009, building upon the formidable foundation of the fourth-generation BMW M3 sports car from BMW M GmbH.
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen aptly captured the essence of this machine: “With the inherent sporting DNA of the production BMW M3 unmistakably evident, the development of a racing variant was a natural progression. The standard inclusion of a V8 engine in the road-going model provided an exceptional starting point. However, the BMW M3 transcends being merely a race car; it has attained iconic status among racing aficionados worldwide. I am confident that the unparalleled saga of BMW M3 racing cars will be further enriched with captivating new episodes.”
BMW M3 Race Version: Sportiness Redefined for the Track
BMW engineers embarked on an ambitious endeavor in creating the racing iteration of the BMW M3: to elevate the sportiness of a vehicle already renowned for its athletic prowess. The production BMW M3 itself presented an exceptional canvas, boasting formidable dynamics and an aggressive aesthetic. Its standard 414 bhp eight-cylinder engine delivers an exhilarating driving experience that captivates BMW enthusiasts.
However, the engine blocks destined for racing duty, originating from BMW’s esteemed light alloy foundry in Landshut – the very birthplace of BMW’s Formula One castings – were selected to endure even greater demands. The result is the formidable BMW P65 race engine, unleashing a staggering 485 bhp. This power surge marks a significant leap, transforming the already potent road car into a track-devouring beast ready to challenge the limits of performance in the crucible of ALMS competition.
To harness this immense power effectively on the demanding race circuit, the BMW experts in Munich adopted a holistic approach, meticulously race-tuning not only the engine but also the chassis. The racing-spec BMW M3 boasts a wider stance and a significantly reduced weight compared to its production counterpart. This transformation allows for optimal power transmission from the V8 engine to the tarmac, ensuring maximum grip and agility through every corner and straightaway. The extensive utilization of carbon-reinforced plastic (CRP) stands as a testament to the substantial weight reduction achieved. Mirroring its production sibling, the race car’s roof is also constructed from this cutting-edge, lightweight material, further contributing to enhanced performance dynamics.
Formula One Technology for GT Racing Excellence
The BMW M3 race version is unequivocally engineered for the highest echelons of motorsport, echoing the spirit of legendary GT racing machines. Reflecting this ambition, its development, initiated in mid-2007, incorporated numerous Formula One derived techniques. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and rigorous wind tunnel analyses were integral to the process, ensuring the BMW M3 possesses the most aerodynamically efficient configuration possible. These sophisticated methods, honed in the demanding world of Formula 1, were crucial in sculpting the M3’s form to minimize drag and maximize downforce, critical factors for achieving peak performance on the track.
Intelligent control systems permeate the BMW M3 race car, showcasing advanced technological integration. The POWER400 control unit orchestrates all onboard accessories, including lights and wipers, through dual bus systems. This innovative system eliminates traditional relays and fuses, resulting in considerable weight savings, enhanced reliability, and simplified operation. The heart of the powertrain, the BMW P65 engine, is governed by an ECU 408 electronic control unit, an in-house development by BMW Motorsport. The software and applications governing this sophisticated system are also products of BMW’s Munich-based experts, ensuring seamless integration and optimized performance. This comprehensive approach to electronics underscores BMW’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for racing supremacy.
Technical Specifications: BMW M3 Race Version
Chassis and Body:
- Weight: 2,745 lbs / 1245 kg
- Tank Capacity: 23.7 gallons / 90 Liters
- Construction: Unitary steel body with welded safety cell of precision steel tubing; CRP sandwich tray safety fuel tank; pneumatic four-stamp jack system
- Aerodynamics: Front fenders, rear apron, hood, roof, trunk lid, rear wing, front wings, and flared rear wheel arches in CRP
Powertrain:
- Transmission: Carbon fiber clutch with hydraulic central slave cylinder; 6-speed sequential racing transmission with straight-cut, unsynchronized gears; additional oil/air cooler; quick shift system with ignition cut-out; mechanical limited slip differential with oil/air cooler
Suspension and Brakes:
- Front Axle: Production-based, increased caster, track width, and camber; five-way adjustable shock absorbers; tubular stabilizer bar
- Rear Axle: Production-based, enlarged track width and camber; five-way adjustable shock absorbers; tubular stabilizer bar
- Front Brakes: Six-piston aluminum calipers, inner-vented grey-cast iron discs (15.0 in / 380mm)
- Rear Brakes: Four-piston aluminum calipers, grey-cast iron discs (13.1 in / 332mm)
- Steering: Rack and pinion with electro-hydraulic power
- Wheels: Aluminum, 18 inches
BMW P65 Racing Engine: Detailed Overview
- Type: Eight cylinder, V-configuration
- Capacity: 3999 cc
- Bore x Stroke: 92 x 75.2 mm / 3.62 x 2.96 in
- Max. Output: Approx. 485 bhp
- Max Torque: Approx. 368 lb-ft / 500 Nm
- Cylinder Block: Aluminum with bed plate lower section
- Crankshaft: Steel
- Pistons: Forged skirt
- Conrods: High-performance steel
- Cylinder Head: Aluminum DOHC, four valves per cylinder
- Valve Train: Four overhead chain-driven camshafts, rocker arm valve actuation
- Intake System: Eight throttle valves, CRP ram tubes
- Exhaust System: Headers, mufflers
- Fuel System: Single cylinder multi-point injection
- Lubrication: Dry sump
- Cooling: Water/air and oil/water heat exchangers
Electrics and Electronics: Advanced Control Systems
- Engine Management: BMW Motorsport ECU 408 with dual micro-processors; individual cylinder injection and ignition; BMW Motorsport Lambda Controller; pit speed limiter, quick shift function; engine data memory
- Energy Management: BMW Motorsport POWER400 control unit, networked sensors and actuators via bus system
- Wiring Harness: Weight optimized
- Ignition Coil: Eight high-performance pencil coils with integrated drivers
- Spark Plugs: High-performance
- Cockpit: Programmable LCD display with shift indicators
- Steering Wheel: Quick release multi-function with integrated display unit
The BMW M3 GTR, while not explicitly named as such in this iteration, carries forward the legacy of BMW’s GT racing excellence. This meticulously engineered machine, with its blend of raw power, advanced aerodynamics, and sophisticated electronics, was poised to make a significant impact in the 2009 American Le Mans Series, further cementing the BMW M3’s legendary status in the world of motorsport.
