BMW‘s M division is reminding customers of its motorsport roots with the release of a new track racer for private teams and individual racers based on the just released M235i Coupe.
While created for the track, we can’t help ourselves but think that, the wide-body M235i Racer featured in the official illustration above would make for a very, very interesting addition to the carmaker’s regular lineup as an M2 coupe, as it reminds us of the bloated 320i Turbo racers from the late 1970s and early 1980s, as well as of the original M3 E30.
The racer itself will carry a base price of €59,500 (excluding VAT / tax) or about $80,100, and will come with an 88mm (3.5 inches) wider body thanks to the flared front and rear fenders, a full aero kit, a FIA-certified safety cell and fuel-tank, mechanical limited-slip differential, and motorsport-specific driving aids such as ABS, DSC and traction control.
The 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine is slightly boosted to 329hp (333PS).
BMW said the plan is for the M235i to to be used in series and events such as the VLN Endurance Championship and the Nürburgring 24 Hours on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (DE), and in the future, on international stages for BMW Sports Trophy drivers as well.
“The basis our engineers had to start with when developing the racing version of the BMW M235i Racing was exceptionally good,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.
“The production models from the BMW M Performance Automobiles range are already incredibly sporty. Because of this, we did not have to make many modifications in order to get the BMW M235i Coupé up and running as a racing car. BMW Motorsport can look back on a long tradition of allowing ambitious teams and drivers an affordable way into motor racing – and of offering them an absolutely competitive car.”
PHOTO GALLERY
