As qualifying kicked off for the 2011 Nürburgring 24-hour epic BMW held a little shindig to celebrate all things M, where it unveiled the ultimate version of its M3 saloon, the new CRT.

That stands for Carbon Racing Technology and it refers not only to the extensive use of our favourite black weave in the M3 saloon, but also to a completely new carbon fibre production process BMW has developed. It's called 'cellular carbon honeycomb' and it'll be used on the 2013 BMW i3 and i8 eco-cars.

In the M3 CRT, this process was used to make a new lightweight bonnet and the bucket seats. The sharp rear spoiler and part of the front bumper are also fashioned from carbon fibre. At 1,580kg the M3 CRT is 45kg lighter than the regular M3 saloon, even though the CRT carries about 25kg extra weight thanks to its high level of standard equipment.

Of more interest to us is the installation of the M3 GTS's mighty 4.4-litre V8, putting out 444bhp. Like the GTS, the M3 CRT comes with the seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission as standard and launch control is included. Use that and the saloon should hit 62mph from rest in just 4.4 seconds, before topping out at an 'electronically limited' 180mph.

On the styling front, the M3 CRT is set apart by its Frozen Polar Silver metallic paint, dark 19-inch alloys and the more prominent front and rear spoilers. That's before we get to the Melbourne Red metallic accents in the air vents. This colour is repeated inside generously, even appearing on the sill plates.

There's worse to come. Sadly, only 67 examples of the BMW M3 CRT saloon will be produced and not one of them is destined to be sold in the UK.



Shane O' Donoghue - 24 Jun 2011