BMW M3 GTR.

The car they are talking about is the BMW M3 GTR. Initially, BMW Motorsport designs the GT coupe with a specifically designed chassis, aerodynamic optimisations and a special lightweight construction for use in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). And in its 2001 debut season, the BMW M3 GTR instantly triumphs in all categories. The M3 wins seven out of ten races in the GT category and BMW driver Jörg Müller wins the Drivers’ Championship. BMW Motorsport takes first place in the team classification and BMW wins the Constructors’ Championship in the most important foreign market of the company.

This is, however, only the start to a long history of success. The 4-litre V8 engine of the BMW M3 GTR holds enormous power reserves and proves to be extremely reliable during its performances in the USA. Therefore, it comes as no surprise when BMW decides to use the impressive racing machine on the arguably most difficult long-distance tracks in Europe, the German Nürburgring-Nordschleife and Spa-Francorchamps.

And BMW manages to continue its success story with the M3 GTR here as well. In 2004 and 2005, Team BMW Motorsport celebrates two unprecedented one-two victories in a row at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. The BMW M3 GTR has therefore deserved a special place in the successful motorsport history of BMW on these legendary tracks.