Here’s yet another limited-production variation of BMW’s M3 high-performance sports car. CRT stands for Carbon Racing Technology, and the car marks the worldwide debut of BMW’s new production process for carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components in automobiles.
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| BMW M3 CRT (Photo: BMW Group) |
BMW has produced CFRP before; the last M6 coupé and the current M3 coupé both sport a carbon-fibre roof. But the new production process will be used for the upcoming i3 and i8 models, due in 2013. The M3 CRT relies on a number of components to reduce its weight by 154 pounds (or 70 kg). However, the car includes the M double-clutch transmission, navigation, a high-end stereo, an alarm system as well as front and rear park sensors, so the total weight savings is really 100 pounds or 45 kg.
The M3 CRT’s hood is created from two CFRP mouldings encased in a honeycomb structure; the company claims it’s as strong as a steel hood, and weighs 50 percent less than the M3’s aluminum hood. CFRP is also used for the rear spoiler, an air-channelling element in the front fascia as well as the seat structures.
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| BMW M3 CRT (Photo: BMW Group) |
Also part of the package is a sports exhaust system with lightweight titanium mufflers, reworked suspension and brakes as well as two individual rear seats instead of a bench.
The M3’s V8 engine gets an increase in displacement for the CRT and now totals 4,360 cc. Similar to the engine in the M3 GTS, there are 450 horses on board as well as 325 lb-ft of torque. BMW claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds, and a launch control system is also included.
The only colour available will be Frozen Polar Silver Metallic, combined with Melbourne Red Metallic appliqués. The cockpit benefits from exclusive door sill plates, door panels, aluminum grain trim, a steering wheel covered in Alcantara as well as Sakhir Orange and Black seat upholstery.
North American BMW fans, don’t go nuts just yet. With a limited run of just 67 units, the M3 CRT will not be offered here.
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| BMW M3 CRT (Photo: BMW Group) |
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| BMW M3 CRT (Photo: BMW Group) |
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| BMW M3 CRT (Photo: BMW Group) |
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| BMW M3 CRT (Photo: BMW Group) |
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| BMW M3 CRT (Photo: BMW Group) |
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| BMW M3 CRT (Photo: BMW Group) |
