BMW M3 CRT - Limited-edition high-performance sports car from the BMW M GmbH factory

2011 BMW M3 CRT

BMW M GmbH is proud to introduce the newest member of the M family.


While it is only a year since the BMW M3 GTS sent the pulses of hardened high-performance sports car fans racing, an equally spectacular newcomer has now arrived on the scene bearing the name BMW M3 CRT.

The name says it all. CRT stands for Carbon Racing Technology. Intelligent lightweight design is an important component in the BMW M repertoire, directly inspired by the world of motor racing. The BMW M3 CRT is the first model to use a material that originated in an innovative BMW production process for lightweight components. The cuttings left behind from the body construction of the new BMW i models BMW i3 and BMW i8 are woven into CFRP mats of various sizes, impregnated with synthetic resin and hardened.

The bonnet of the BMW M3 CRT thus weighs only a quarter as much as a steel equivalent, but has the same strength and rigidity.

Bonnet made from two CFRP mouldings encasing an aramid honeycomb structure. The material produced through this innovative manufacturing technology is also used for the car’s bucket seats. Here, the CFRP layers are wrapped around a recycled-paper honeycomb, with a carbon layer made using conventional production technology added to visible areas. CFRP is also used to make both the rear spoiler of the BMW M3 CRT and an air-channelling element integrated into its front apron.

The BMW M3 CRT high-performance sports car is based on the BMW M3 sedan. Its four doors, four seats and characteristic appearance, largely distinguished by the exterior Frozen Polar Silver metallic paint work with applications in Melbourne red metallic, clearly set it apart from its brother, the BMW M3 GTS, although the two models share the same engine, gearbox and chassis components. Inside, the sedan features a unique and attractive combination of black/red leather and decorative strips in a new kind of aluminium fibre structure. With absolute consistency, the CFRP seat pans in front are reinterpreted in the back with single seats with optimised side support.

With its 331kW/450 HP high-performance M engine, the BMW M3 CRT achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 3.5kg/HP. When all extraneous equipment is taken out of the equation, the BMW M3 CRT weighs 70 kg less than a BMW M3 sedan. The weight advantage is the result of the CFRP components already mentioned a extremely lightweight titanium sports muffler and sound-proofing configured specially for the BMW M3 CRT.

Optimum transfer of the acceleration phase is guaranteed by the mixed tyres in dimensions 245/35 R 19 to the front and 265/35 R 19 to the back on 19-inch metal alloy wheel rims with a Y spoke design. The top speed is 290km/h and the BMW M3 CRT can reach 100km/h from a standing start in just 4.4 seconds.

The BMW M3 CRT is to be produced in a limited edition of 67. This means that anyone who is already keeping a space free in their garage for this exclusive new high-performance sports car hand-built by BMW M had better act quickly.

Price in Germany will be EUR 130.000.- incl. VAT..

Specification

Images : 2011 BMW M3 CRT

[Source : M-POWER]