BMW unleashes lean, mean M3 CRT

BMW has already given us GTS, Competition Package and Frozen Black Editions of its sublime M3, and now comes yet another variant as the model approaches the end of its lifespan.

Resplendent in its bespoke Frozen Polar Silver paintwork with Melbourne Red highlights is the M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) sedan, unveiled on the eve of last weekend's Nürburgring 24-hour enduro in Germany.

As its name suggests, the latest special edition showcases BMW's nouse in carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) -- a light, strong material that will feature in the company's upcoming ultra-eco-friendly i3 and i8.

The M3 CRT obviously has far more performance-oriented leanings than this pair, and its lean, mean credentials are partly the result of a CFRP bonnet, which weighs about 50 per cent less than the standard car's aluminium unit.

The rear spoiler and front seats, too, are made from the same stuff, bring further weight savings. Other bespoke features include individual rear pews and unique sound-proofing material.

These mods pare roughly 45kg from the mass of the M3 sedan, but a more Spartan equipment quota is said to bring the overall weight saving to around 70kg. The weight bias of the car also shifts slightly more towards the rear axle (which now carries 48.4 per cent of the M3's mass, allegedly boosting agility).

In a sense the M3 CRT is a spiritual successor of sorts for the 2003 (E46) M3 CSL, which was a testbed for new lightweight tech, including a CRPF roof. Cleverly, the M3 CRT uses cuttings left over from the body construction of the i3 and i8 after being woven into CFRP mats of various sizes, impregnated with synthetic resin and hardened.

The car's powertrain is sourced from the brutal M3 GTS, with the 4.4-litre V8 thumping out 330kW and 440Nm for a claimed 0-100km/h split of 4.4sec and top whack of 291km/h. It promises a unique sonic signature, too, courtesy of a tailor-made titanium sports muffler.

Its blacked-out 19-inch CSL-style hoops are shod with 245/35 R19 rubber at the front and 265/35 R19 gumballs at the rear, contributing to a beefier stance than the donor car. Meanwhile, interior upgrades include black/red leather trim and decorative strips in a new kind of aluminium fibre structure.

Naturally, all this doesn't come cheap as the M3 CRT sells in its home market for 130,000 Euro, which represents a premium of 30,000 Euro over even the bigger, more potent new M5 sedan.

Collectable status is assured though, as BMW will build and sell just 67 examples of the ultra-desirable super sedan.

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