What's New:

• New limited-edition, street-legal, track-ready BMW M3
• High-performance engine and suspension
• Lightened chassis
• Standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Unique orange/black paint scheme
• 450 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque (36 hp and 30 lb.-ft.morethan standard M3)

Fast Facts:

• Stroked 4.4-liter 8-cylinder engine
• Rear-wheel drive appeals to driving enthusiasts
• Carbon fiber panels and polycarbonate rear windows save weight
• Standard racing seats and roll cage
• Upgraded and adjustable coil-over suspension
• Lightweight sport exhaust with titanium rear mufflers

Introduction
BMW rolled out its first M3 in1986 on the company's 3 Series "E30"platform, which arrived in North America for the 1988 model year.Unlike the standard 3 Series models with 6-cylinder power, thehigh-performance M3 was fitted with a race-bred 2.3-liter 4-cylinderengine. It was accompanied by radical bodywork and a sport-tunedsuspension intended to qualify the car for Group A Touring Car racing.The second- and third-generation M3 models were much more discreet inappearance and civilized in driving manner, but these "E36" and "E46"models continued to deliver much higher performance than the standard 3Series offerings.

In 2008, BMW introduced its fourth-generation M3 (andthe first-ever8-cylinder 3 Series) on the "E9x" 3 Series platform. Like its M3predecessors, the German automaker continued to race the model underits BMW Motorsports division (with models like the track-only M3 GT2and M3 GT4). The all-new street-legal M3 GTS was announced in late2009, with a limited production of just 99 units. All M3 GTS modelshave been sold.

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