BMW

BMW readies for the 2012 Racing Season with the M3 DTM Concept

By Ryan Konko

Posted on July 19, 2011

The legend returns.

October 11th, 1992, Roberto Ravaglia drives his BMW M3 Sport Evolution to an overall win at Hockenheim in DTM. It would be the last DTM victory that BMW celebrated as they later withdrew from the racing series. Now, almost 20 years later, the brand has announced they will return to the racing series with their M3 DTM racecar.

At the Double Cone building at Munich’s BMW Welt, BMW unveiled their new M3 DTM Concept car for the 2012 racing season, and announced their first two confirmed drivers along with a list of their newest partners. The BMW M3 DTM was introduced wearing a coat of matte black paint and new partner livery. The M3 DTM had been in development since the fall of 2010 with engineers working to create aerodynamic and mechanical advantages for the racecar. The 4.0-liter V-8 engine is fitted with air restrictors that limit the output to 480 bhp to meet regulations. All 480 bhp is sent through a six-speed sequential transmission and can propel the M3 DTM Concept to 62 mph in approximately three seconds and to a top speed of about 186 mph depending on the aerodynamic setup and gear ratios. Based on the fourth-generation M3, the DTM Concept features a CFRP monocoque with steel roll cage structure and numerous aerodynamic spoilers, side flics, and vents for increased downforce and cooling.

The first two drivers that were introduced as part of the new BMW teams have both achieved a great deal of racing success throughout their careers. Andy Priaulx (GB) and Augusto Farfus (BR) will be behind the M3 DTM racecars for the start of the 2012 season. Priaulx (GB) has won three World Championship titles, a European Touring Car Championship with BMW, and victories at the 2005 Nürburgring 24 Hours and 12 Hours of Sebring. Farfus (BR) has also achieved racing success with 15 World Touring Car Championship wins, a victory at the 2010 Nürburgring 24 Hours, and a number of other BMW racing successes.

“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.”

Three different BMW teams will participate in the 2012 DTM season: BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM, and BMW Team RMG; all with a host of new partners. Premium Partners include Crowne Plaza Hotels & Rezorts and Deutsche Post AG, while Castrol Edge will continue as the Premium Technical Partner for the BMW teams. H&R, SONAX, and ZF Sachs have also joined as Official Partners, and Sympatex will be the Official Supplier.

“It is good to see how our DTM project is picking up speed,” said Dr. Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for development. ”Next year, BMW returns to the DTM after two decades. We will be facing our main competitors in the premium sector – and are already looking forward to this challenge. The DTM comeback sees BMW return to its roots. We have enjoyed great success in production car racing in the past, and I am convinced we will follow on in 2012 where we left off. Everyone at BMW Motorsport is working hard to ensure we get off to a successful start next season.”

Between 1984 and 1992 BMW achieved 49 wins DTM racing series. With the introduction of the E30 M3, BMW teams were able to race to 40 victories and 151 podium finishes. The new BMW M3 DTM will look to build upon their historic success in the 2012 season and help develop new technology for use in the brand’s production cars.

BMW M3 DTM Specifications

Engine:
Displacement: 4.0 liters (4,000 cc)
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 480 bhp (with air restrictors)

Transmission:
Type: Six-speed sequential
Drive: Rear-wheel

Performance:
Acceleration 0-62: Approx. 3 seconds
Top Speed: Approx. 186 mph (300 km/h)
Chassis/Bodywork:
CFRP monocoque with steel roll cage structure

Height:
Approx. 1,200mm (depending on set-up)

Width:
1,950 mm

Length:
4,775 mm (without rear wing)