BMW M3 DTM Concept Car Unveiled for 2012 Series Return
BMW has revealed its M3 DTM Concept Car in Munich, previewing the marque’s return to the German touring car championship after a 20-year absence.
BMW has revealed the M3 DTM Concept Car at BMW Welt in Munich, confirming its re-entry into the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) for the 2012 season after nearly two decades away from the championship. The concept offers a first glimpse of the car that will compete against rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz, though BMW Motorsport says the final race version is still in development.
The M3 DTM Concept Car is powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine, fitted with air restrictors as required by DTM regulations. BMW states the engine produces approximately 480 PS (353 kW), enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds and reach a top speed of around 300 km/h. These figures place the M3 DTM on par with its direct competitors in the series, which also use V8 engines and similar technical constraints.
BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt, recently appointed to the role, has emphasised that the car on display is not the finished article. Development is ongoing, and the concept car represents an early stage in the project. The full test programme is scheduled to begin at BMW’s Aschheim facility, with further refinements expected as the car progresses towards homologation for the 2012 season.
BMW’s DTM comeback: teams and plans
Once development and testing are complete, the M3 DTM will be handed over to three BMW teams: Team Schnitzer, Team RBM and Team RMG. Each squad has experience in touring car and GT racing, and will field the new car in the 2012 DTM campaign. The return to DTM marks a major motorsport commitment for BMW, which last competed in the series in the early 1990s before focusing on other championships.
- BMW Team Schnitzer
- BMW Team RBM
- BMW Team RMG
With the concept car now public, BMW’s next steps involve a rigorous test schedule to validate performance and reliability. The company has not yet released full technical details or final aerodynamic specifications, as these will be refined during testing and in response to DTM homologation requirements. The car’s appearance at BMW Welt serves to build anticipation among fans and signal BMW’s intent to challenge for honours on its return.
Technical focus and series context
The DTM series mandates strict technical regulations, including the use of air-restricted V8 engines and standardised safety features. The M3 DTM Concept Car follows these rules, with a chassis and aerodynamic package designed for high-speed touring car competition. While the concept’s exterior hints at the final race car, further changes are expected before the first race of the 2012 season.
