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BMW returns to ALMS with M3-based race car

BMW returns to ALMS with M3-based race car

Alex Kaufmann July 14th, 2008 Alex Kaufmann By Alex Kaufmann Author July 14th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Updated with official video. BMW used February's Chicago Auto Show to announce that it would return to the arena of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) next year with two new race-prepped versions of its latest E92 M3 Coupe set to join the GT2 class. The 2009 entry into the ALMS will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America and Rahal Letterman Racing, which is also co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal. The race car features a 485hp version of the 4.0L high-rev V8 engine, a race-tuned chassis, a significantly wider and lighter body and plenty of carbon-fiber pieces. The aggressive aerokit was developed using numerous F1 techniques including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel analysis. The car also runs a new POWER400 ECU system, which does away with conventional relays and fuses and saves even more weight. BMW is no stranger to ALMS. The carmaker in fact won the event’s inaugural race back in 1999 when .J. Lehto, Tom Kristensen and Jorg Muller drove a BMW V12 LMR to victory lane in the 1999 12 Hours of Sebring. BMW went on to win the overall championship at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and racked up numerous wins in both the GT2 and LMP1 classes before eventually pulling out of the event in 2006.
BMW returns to ALMS with M3-based race car

BMW returns to ALMS with M3-based race car

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Updated with official video.

BMW used February's Chicago Auto Show to announce that it would return to the arena of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) next year with two new race-prepped versions of its latest E92 M3 Coupe set to join the GT2 class. The 2009 entry into the ALMS will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America and Rahal Letterman Racing, which is also co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.

The race car features a 485hp version of the 4.0L high-rev V8 engine, a race-tuned chassis, a significantly wider and lighter body and plenty of carbon-fiber pieces. The aggressive aerokit was developed using numerous F1 techniques including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel analysis. The car also runs a new POWER400 ECU system, which does away with conventional relays and fuses and saves even more weight.

BMW is no stranger to ALMS. The carmaker in fact won the event’s inaugural race back in 1999 when .J. Lehto, Tom Kristensen and Jorg Muller drove a BMW V12 LMR to victory lane in the 1999 12 Hours of Sebring. BMW went on to win the overall championship at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and racked up numerous wins in both the GT2 and LMP1 classes before eventually pulling out of the event in 2006.

Tags: Motorsports

Posted in: BMW, News, Coupes


Comments (7 total)

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  1. By HECTOR #1, Posted: 2/6/2008

    One thing I miss since I left Connecticut it watching the ALMS at Lime Rock Park. I'd love to see this baby chasing the Corvettes around.

  2. By Steve #2, Posted: 2/6/2008

    YES!!!!

  3. By bambam #3, Posted: 2/7/2008

    as long as it chases the corvettes, I agree.

  4. By Stephen #4, Posted: 7/14/2008

    Unfortunately it won't be chasing the works corvettes as they are in GT1, however is is one 'vette in GT2 that had to be adapted from the speed gt series so its chasing everyone else in that class but it's improving so they're might be an m3 v vette battle yet however i hope it can compete with the likes of the GT3 RSR, F430 GT2, and the AM Vantage.

  5. By HECTOR #5, Posted: 7/14/2008

    Next year I'll be at Sebring for sure. I guess during 12 hours I'll get to see them all :)

  6. By NaBUru38 #6, Posted: 7/14/2008

    Wouldn't it make more sense to use the M6 for grand touring races, and save the 3 Series for touring car races?

  7. By CarFanaticsUnleashed #7, Posted: 7/14/2008

    Well done BMW,
    Show us Americans how LeMans racing is done!

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