BMW releases M3 DTM concept car technical specifications as well as statistics of BMW Motorsport DTM racing history

So much for DTM changing the regulations so the cars resemble more of a road car.

This is basically a completely one-off car that has zero to do with any production M3.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

So much for DTM changing the regulations so the cars resemble more of a road car.

This is basically a completely one-off car that has zero to do with any production M3.

It has a high revving 4.0 V8, close enough

But yes, the measures were all for cost cutting so it isn't the same as it once was. The ALMS cars can probably be argued to be closer to their street variants.

Some pics of the car, definitely looks great:

Originally Posted by Sticky

It has a high revving 4.0 V8, close enough

But yes, the measures were all for cost cutting so it isn't the same as it once was. The ALMS cars can probably be argued to be closer to their street variants.

ALMS are much closer, but even those are far from road cars.

All the DTM cars are 4.0L, that is the maxium displacement allowed. DTM regulations stipulate V8 engines with a 90-degree vee-angle, a maximum capacity of four litres and maximum four valves per cylinder. A DTM engine delivers about 340 kw (470 hp).

This car is as close to a M3 as a Nascar is to a Monte Carlo.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

All the DTM cars are 4.0L, that is the maxium displacement allowed. DTM regulations stipulate V8 engines with a 90-degree vee-angle, a maximum capacity of four litres and maximum four valves per cylinder. A DTM engine delivers about 340 kw (470 hp).

This car is as close to a M3 as a Nascar is to a Monte Carlo.

I would say this is closer since the M3 engine displacement and type does mimic it. When was the last time a Monte Carlo had a carbureted V8?

Originally Posted by Sticky

I would say this is closer since the M3 engine displacement and type does mimic it. When was the last time a Monte Carlo had a carbureted V8?

Audi and Benz both run a 4.0L V8. Does Audi have a V8 in the A4/S4? This DTM car literally has no relation to the M3. It just has an M3-ish type body.

It is really just a coincidence that the current M3 has the same displacement as the DTM regulations. Those regulations have been in place for some time.

Audi, Benz, and BMW will be very similar in construction, there is only so much they are allowed to do. Only real difference is the exterior body and aero package.

Side note: Nascar is actually going to fuel injection next year.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Audi and Benz both run a 4.0L V8. Does Audi have a V8 in the A4/S4? This DTM car literally has no relation to the M3. It just has an M3-ish type body.

I do not disagree with you but this IS closer than a NASCAR is to a Monte Carlo.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

It is really just a coincidence that the current M3 has the same displacement at the DTM regulations.

I don't think it is coincidence. BMW knew they would get back to DTM, knew the M3 would get a V8, it all came together exactly as it should. The M3 could have had more displacement to begin with.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Side note: Nascar is actually going to fuel injection next year.

But the point on the carburetor stands

Originally Posted by Sticky

I don't think it is coincidence. BMW knew they would get back to DTM, knew the M3 would get a V8, it all came together exactly as it should. The M3 could have had more displacement to begin with.

No, I think it had a lot to do with the S85 being 5.0L.

Keep in mind, they will be racing the next generation 3-series body soon. The DTM car will still have a 4.0L, while the next 3-series or M3 will not have a V8.

Side note: Audi is switching to the A5 for 2012 DTM season.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Keep in mind, they will be racing the next generation 3-series body soon. The DTM car will still have a 4.0L, while the next 3-series or M3 will not have a V8.

But the DTM car will have the E92 body for some time.

Originally Posted by Sticky

But the DTM car will have the E92 body for some time.

Audi and Benz have switched to current body styles in the past very quickly. I believe BMW will follow suit. The companies want the exterior of the car to represent was is being driven on the road.

Audi is switching to the facelifted A5 body, it hasn't even hit the road yet.

I give this body and aero package maximum two seasons.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Audi and Benz have switched to current body styles in the past very quickly. I believe BMW will follow suit. The companies want the exterior of the car to represent was is being driven on the road.

Audi is switching to the facelifted A5 body, it hasn't even hit the road yet.

Interesting, we will see!

Oh yeah, thought you like to know BMW was hit with a performance adjustment for ALMS. This was after their last win in Lime Rock. The M3 must compete with two restrictors sized 29.4mm (-.4mm).

http://www.imsaracing.net/2011/ALMS/...MS%2011-14.pdf

Insane, I need bigger resolutions for my background. Found this.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Oh yeah, thought you like to know BMW was hit with a performance adjustment for ALMS. This was after their last win in Lime Rock. The M3 must compete with two restrictors sized 29.4mm (-.4mm).

http://www.imsaracing.net/2011/ALMS/...MS%2011-14.pdf

Damn... unfortunate.

Originally Posted by Sticky

Damn... unfortunate.

I think they will be fine. It really actually brings them inline with the ACO regulations in europe. For some reason ALMS has been letting them run a bigger restrictor.

They also have a larger diffuser and they are allowed to run the rear wing higher in ALMS. I don't really understand why ALMS lets them run a different setup than Eurpean Le Mans regulations.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

They also have a larger diffuser and they are allowed to run the rear wing higher in ALMS. I don't really understand why ALMS lets them run a different setup than Eurpean Le Mans regulations.

I'm not really sure either but does that go for all the teams?

Originally Posted by Sticky

I'm not really sure either but does that go for all the teams?

Nope, just BMW RLL.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Nope, just BMW RLL.

Weird, wonder why that is. If the other teams go under Euro rules then so should BMW.