2012 BMW M3 DTM Race Car

Back in July 2011, BMW pulled the covers off of the BMW M3 DTM Concept Car, a vehicle that was to be the basis of the actual racer that will compete in the 2012 DTM season. Just a few short months later, the German automaker has officially revealed the actual M3 DTM in all its M Performance regalia.

During the official unveiling, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquadt talked about the process that went into building the race car. "The car’s aerodynamics were developed in close collaboration with the engineers from series production," he said. The BMW Group boasts impressive resources in this field and the wind tunnels are ultra-modern. This – and the Title Partner BMW M Performance Accessories – shows that the entire company is behind the 2012 DTM project and is working hard towards it."

As far as appearances go, the M3 DTM Race Car was inspired by the original M3 cars that raced in the ’old DTM,’ particularly the white finish with red and blue decals running all around the car. "The design is both traditional and modern in equal measures," Marquadt pointed out. "It shows our roots, but in a contemporary style."

The BMW M3 DTM is expected to carry a powerful V8 engine that has been equipped with an air restrictor to deliver 480 horsepower, hit 0-60 mph in just three seconds, and carry a top speed of 186 mph.

Despite already being unveiled, the M3 DTM Race Car will only begin its first full DTM season next year under the banner of three racing teams: BMW Team RBM, BMW Team RMG, and BMW Team Schnitzer.