BMW Announces M3 DTM, First Return To Series Since 1994

Germany's DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) racing series has been without BMW as a competitor since 1994. That is quite a long time. Its absence left the competition with three manufacturers; Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Opel.

Opel pulled out in 2005, leaving just two competitors - pretty sad for a racing series. Now BMW is changing that with the entrance of a new M3 DTM car.

For now, it is officially a "concept" but what you see here is basically the car that will be out on the track competing. The finished product will be unveiled in in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The M3 DTM is finished in a matte black plaint, and it looks quite aggressive. BMW says it looks forward to its entrance given that it will be going against its two main competitors in the luxury segment.

“The DTM comeback sees BMW return to its roots” says BMW member of the board Dr. Klaus Draeger. “We will be facing our main competitors in the premium sector and we are looking forward to this challenge. We have enjoyed great success in the past, and I am convinced we will follow on in 2012 where we left off”.Audi has won the competition four times since 2004 so BMW will have its work cut out for it going against them. The M3 DTM has the goods though; it is powered by a 4.0-liter V-8 making 480 horsepower and paired to a six-speed sequential transmission. 0-62 mph arrives in three seconds.

The car will be piloted by drivers Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus. BMW's entrance seems to be switching the series from the four-door entries formerly fielded by Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Audi announced its entry will be the A5 for 2012, and Mercedes seems likely to follow with a C-Class coupe. Let the competition begin! It will be a lot more interesting with three manufacturers.