We all used to stick bits of paper on our favourite toy cars to make them more aerodynamic and faster, so when we flung them across the floor they would smash into the TV set a hundredth of a second quicker, right? Well, the boffins at BMW look like they did.
They have just unveiled the limited-edition M3 CRT, yet another lightweight version of the E90 M3, like the M3 GTS we drove in Spain last year, but a saloon. CRT stands for Carbon Racing Technology and BMW has extensively used carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components made using its new production process, making the car significantly lighter than the standard M3. The car is basically a showcase of the new technology, which will be used in the construction of the forthcoming i3 and i8 electric models that are expected to debut in 2013.
The M3 CRT's bonnet is made from two CFRP mouldings with a honeycomb structure, which BMW claims is as strong as a conventional steel equivalent, but weighing a lot less.
In fact, its weight is half that of the aluminium bonnet in the standard M3 saloon. More weight reduction comes from the titanium muffler, 19in Y-spoke alloy wheels — the same as in the GTS Coupé — and special lightweight sound deadening.
The car's bucket seats, the rear spoiler and an air-channelling element integrated into its front apron are all made from the CFRP. Even the six-piston, fixed-calliper brakes are madeof a light-weight compound.
This means even when it's fully loaded with sat-nav, stereo and other gizmos, the M3 CRT weighs just 1,580kg, that's 45kg lighter than the standard M3.
Add to this the monstrous 450bhp 4.4-litre V8 engine that revs up to 8,300rpm, and you have a power-to-weight ratio of 289bhp-per-tonne, 0-100kph dash in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 290kph. The seven-speed M DCT transmission has been tuned specially for the M3 CRT's engine.
A rigid rear axle subframe and individually adjustable coilovers will make sure that you're the star at the Autodrome on weekends. That is, if at all you're able to get your hands on one.
With an extremely limited production run of 67 examples — less than 150 examples of the M3 GTS were made — it's highly unlikely that one of these will make it to our shores.
