BMW's M3 brute ute

As far as April Fool gags go, this is probably one of the better ones. BMW last week released images of this contraption, billed as the "world's fastest pickup".

Derived from the stonking V8-powered M3, this utility is said to pack a 309kW punch while also offering a load-carrying capacity of 450kg.

In the Bavarian mob's words: "Following the BMW M3 Coupé, BMW M3 Convertible and BMW M3 Sedan, a fourth body variant of this globally successful high-performance sports car is about to cause a stir.

"Under the strictest secrecy, the world's first high-performance pickup has been created at the BMW M GmbH development centre. The sportiest example by far in this vehicle category, the BMW M3 Pickup will fire the imaginations of all motorists with a deep appreciation of top performance matched by a keen practical bent."

BMW's press bumpf adds: "This unique vehicle has already completed extensive test and set-up drives on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife in advance of its global unveiling on April 1."

The catch is that the M3 Pickup isn't bound for any BMW showrooms around the world; instead it's an exclusive one-off that's earmarked for use as a workshop transport vehicle for BMW M GmbH.

With this in mind, the BMW M3 Pickup -- unlike a similar predecessor built back in the 1980s -- has jumped through the necessary hoops to earn its road certification… and it's officially classed as a truck!

The M3 Pickup retains the essence of the donor car, but comes equipped with a removable Targa roof and a load bed (capable of accommodating 20 golf bags) clad in high-grade structured aluminium sheeting. The M3 Pickup is also the first variant in the 25-year-plus history of the M3 model range to come with a trailer tow hitch.

BMW claims wind-tunnel testing indicates a Cd factor on a par with that of the M3 Coupé and its kerb weight is said to undercut that of the M3 Convertible by around 50kg. Removing the Targa roof reduces weight by another 20kg, while also lowering the centre of gravity.

And here's the icing on the cake: "Like every BMW M model, the BMW M3 Pickup has also demonstrated its dynamic potential on the North Loop of the Nürburgring. Official lap times have not yet been released, but the needle in the dial vouched for a top speed of 300 km/h."

Sounds to us like a very tasty workman's hack. If only they'd build a limited run… we're sure there'd be a few takers.

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