On the occasion of a special DTM exhibition event in Munich's Olympic Stadium, BMW revealed the M3 DTM Concept. As the name suggests this machine offers a preview of the design of the local manufacturer's 2012 DTM racer. This will mark BMW's return to the competitive German touring car series for the first time since the early nineties. The new car will follow in the footsteps of legendary machinery like the original M3 Group A.
BMW's return coincides with extensive rule changes that will ensure that more standard components are used than in the current generation cars, which are effectively silhouette racers. Power for the M3 DTM will come from a 4 litre V8, which produces around 480 bhp with the mandatory restrictors fitted. It is mated to a six speed sequential gearbox. BMW also announced the first two drivers of the six car squad: WTCC and Le Mans regulars Augusto Farfus and Andy Priaulx. In addition to the M3 DTM Concept shown in Munich this weekend, BMW have built a second prototype that was rolled for testing two weeks ago.
With DTM regulars Audi and Mercedes-Benz also having to build brand new cars for 2012, we could have close fight between Germany's leading high-end manufacturers from the race.

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2011 BMW M3 DTM Concept - Images, Specifications and Information