Edmunds drives the 2010 BMW M3 by Brabham Racing

Essen Show hosted the return of the Brabham Racing BMW M3 , a tuned up M3 that we figuratively drooled over. The 494-horsepower, 2010 Brabham M3 is based on the stunning regular M3 Coupe and it is one of the best tuned up BMWs I have seen in a long time. Of course, the unique look and brand, costs quite some money, an amount that some might find outrageous: $310,000.

The fellows at Edmunds had the opportunity to test drive the 2010 Brabham Racing BT92 and the least we can do, is to report their findings. Maybe we’ll get lucky soon and drive this amazing car.

The BT92’s M3 engine has been upgraded to racing specification in almost every respect. The dimensions of the cylinders are now 93.3mm-by-80.2mm against the original 4.0-liter V8’s 92.0mm-by-75.2mm, yielding a displacement of 4.4 liters. A forged crankshaft has been carefully balanced and the camshaft profiles are new, while the cylinder heads have been machined for bigger valves and the pistons have been given a low-friction coating. Naturally, the all-new intake and exhaust systems have been optimized for more power, some 494 hp at 8,300 rpm and 354 pound-feet of torque at 5,700 rpm.

Better Than an M3?
For all that money and paint and fury and emotion, is the BT92 really better than an M3? Yes, it is. It freakin’ well better be. Fifty buyers total (that’s the production run for this limited edition) are bound to find this out, too.

Full Article and more photos at Edmunds InsideLine

9 Responses to “Edmunds drives the 2010 BMW M3 by Brabham Racing”

mpower says:

March 19, 2009 at 12:15 am

wow. what a beast !

Gord says:

March 19, 2009 at 9:39 am

The hardcore version of the hardcore sports car.

Horatiu, you should also post the article for Edmunds’ long term blog which shows a 6 foot 3′ guy sit in the back of a 135i.

Carlos Perez says:

March 19, 2009 at 12:32 pm

Dude that car is sick, but damm is expensive

Bobo says:

March 19, 2009 at 5:40 pm

You are paying such an “outrageous” amount of money because of the exclusivity. If only 50 are made, it means that this car will be more exclusive than a Bugatti Veyron. ( I think this would be a relevant argument at the golf club and probably the night club afterwards )

Doug says:

March 19, 2009 at 6:40 pm

I don’t get it. Neither performance nor style are enhanced enough for that kind of price tag.

The article really doesn’t evaluate the modifications versus the stock M3. From what I can tell, the extra $220k buys you the following:
- it’s pretty damned loud
- gears engaging like buttah
- weight transfer … really quick
- seats are naturally very supportive

I guess, actually, the issue is that they’re telling you what $300k buys you but not how $220k improves the basic car in any particular way.

Gord says:

March 19, 2009 at 9:56 pm

Well since they are selling 50 it has to be high priced to break even with the development costs.

june hamilton sherburys says:

March 27, 2009 at 3:59 pm

37:00

june hamilton sherburys says:

March 27, 2009 at 3:59 pm

37,000

Jan says:

April 2, 2009 at 2:56 pm

I’ve been at the Nordschleife today, some French guys were doing a kind of roadtest of this Brabham M3 GT, not very fast, but when he accelerated… what a noise !!!! I knew it couldn’t be a normal M3.