The rumor that BMW is developing a lightweight version of the M3 sedan surfaced quite a while back. Today, BMW revealed this high performance version of the M3 saloon, which is called simply, the CRT. The BMW M3 CRT is powered by the 4.4-liter V8 engine developing 331 kW / 450 hp at 8300 rpm and 440 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm. The engine of the CRT M3 is mated to BMW's M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. BMW's CRT M3 is 45 kg lighter (70 kg lighter if you take into account the interior equipment) than the regular sedan, which means it weighs 1,580 kg. This gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 3.5 kilograms per horsepower. BMW's official specifications of the M3 CRT say it has a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h.
The CRT BMW M3 can run 1 km from a standing start in just 22.5 seconds. The fuel consumption of the BMW M3 CRT is rated at 18.4 l / 100 km in the urban cycle, at 9.3 l / 100 km on the highway and at 12.7 l / 100 km in the combined cycle. The CO2 emissions are rated at 295 g/km.
The secret of the M3 CRT is its engine, which comes with some special technologies. It was built following a high-revving concept and comes with individual throttle butterflies, Double-Vanos, a dynamically-optimized oil supply, and ion current knock control.
For reducing the weight of the M3 CRT sedan, BMW fitted it with cellular carbon honeycomb parts, including the bonnet, the bucket seats, the rear spoiler and the air-channeling element integrated in the front apron.
The BMW M3 CRT also comes with a lightweight sound-proofing and s special exhaust system with titanium mufflers. The equipment list of the BMW M3 CRT includes a Professional Navigation system, an Individual High End audio system, a Park Distance Control system with sensors and a light, exterior mirror and luggage area package.
An M car is never just about more power, but also about improved handling. The M3 CRT comes with a rigid rear axle subframe and a coilover suspension with individually adjustable dampers. The brakes include fixed 6-piston callipers, 378 x 32 millimeters brake discs at the front and 380 x 28 millimeters at the rear. The BMW M3 CRT is also fitted with Stahlflex brake lines, bespoke pads, and a specially tuned DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).
Other distinctive features of the BMW M3 CRT include the Frozen Polar Silver metallic exterior
paint, and the Alcantara-covered M steering wheel.
The BMW M3 CRT price list will be announced at a later date and the manufacturer says it will be built in only 67 units.
Watch the BMW M3 CRT on video lower down this page.
BMW M3 CRT video:
