Lately, rumours have been circulating about a new model that could be added to the current M3 range. Now, on the eve of the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race, BMW has unveiled the M3 Saloon CRT.
According to BMW, CRT is an abbreviation for Carbon Racing Technology. With this model, BMW introduces its new production system for this special material which will be used more frequently in the manufacturer's cars, especially in the upcoming i3 and i8.
Not only the front splitter, rear boot lid and the front seats are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastics, but also the engine lid, which saves around 50 per cent over the regular item.
The sheer attention to detail and engine most clearly distinguish this car from the regular M3 Saloon. With the implementation of, among other things, carbon-fibre front seats, several other carbon-fibre parts and the use of only two rear seats, BMW M GmbH has been able to reduce the mass over the standard saloon by 45 kg to 1 580 kg. Fortunately, BMW hasn’t removed any safety or comfort features and this car still offers all the equipment you expect from an M3.
More importantly, the standard high-revving 4,0-litre V8 has been replaced with the 4,4-litre V8 that was available in the limited-run M3 GTS, a car that only 150 customers were fortunate enough to acquire.
For those that can’t remember the GTS’s specification, a quick reminder: its 4,4-litre engine produces 331 kW and 440 N.m, a power figure that is achieved at a appetising 8 300 r/min. Connected to the rear wheels is a seven-speed M DCT gearbox that also has a launch-control system which helps the CRT reach 100 km/h from standstill in only 4,4 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 290 km/h.
As was the case with the M3 GTS, BMW M GmbH will also limit the production run of the CRT. With only 67 planned to leave the factory, it will undoubtedly become collectable.
