The 2011 Essen Motor Show opens its doors tomorrow for the 2011 and along with a wide range of modded and tuned up vehicles, it also gives us the opportunity to see the new BMW M3 E92 DTM race car. Along with the super sporty M3, another M3 DTM is present at the show: the E30 version.

The old BMW M3 DTM was powered by a four-cylinder 2.5 liter engine producing 335 horsepower and reaching a top speed of 310 km/h. From o to 100 km/h, it took only 4.5 seconds.

BMW returns next year to DTM with the current E92 M3 model. The new BMW M3 DTM is equipped with 4.0 liter V8 engine which includes an air restrictor that keeps the power to approximately 480 bhp, per DTM regulations. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about three seconds and boasts a top speed of 300 km/h.

The car measures 4,775 mm in length (without rear wing) and 1,950 in width. The height is set to approximately 1,200 mm.

The DTM regulations for the 2012 season stipulate all cars must use a certain number of standard components. This is to guarantee that development costs remain reasonable and are considerably lower than in other top motorsport categories.

A total of six BMW M3 DTM race cars will be at the start line next year.

[Source: BimmerToday ]