A new video of the car in testing--wearing only minimal camouflage--shows us its performance chops while laying down a straight-six soundtrack that's sure to thrill any Bimmerphile.
Starting with the sportier M235i from BMW’s M Performance line, output from the car’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine is dialed up to 333 horsepower, up from a stock 322-horsepower rating. Other requirements included recalibrating the ABS, stability and traction control systems for motorsport use.
The race car also comes with a number of options lifted straight out of the M Performance catalog, such as the front and rear spoilers, integrated rear diffuser, carbon fiber side mirror housing and mechanical limited-slip differential. Finally, the race car is also fitted with features such as an FIA-certified safety cell and sealed fuel tank.
The choice of upgrades is an interesting topic for sports car fans, as they provide clues as to what BMW’s M engineers will offer for a potential ‘M2’ version said to be in the works and due in 2015. As previously reported, this new M2 is expected to feature carbon fiber panels, mechanical limited-slip differential and an uprated chassis, all of which are featured on the new M235i Racing.
BMW is offering the M235i Racing to customer teams for 59,500 euros (approximately $80,560), which is very reasonable considering the stock M235i already costs $44,025. Race cars of this caliber can easily sell for more than double that figure.
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