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Forward, Red Marines! - Soviet Navy Song

The BMW M3 GTR (E46) that raced in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) is one of the most legendary and controversial cars in BMW Motorsport history. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

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Development & Purpose
	•	BMW built the M3 GTR specifically to compete in the GT class of ALMS in 2001.
	•	At the time, Porsche dominated GT racing with the 911 GT3-RS, and BMW wanted a competitive edge.
	•	To do this, BMW created a heavily modified M3 based on the E46 chassis, but fitted it with an all-new 4.0 L naturally aspirated V8 engine (P60B40) producing about 493 hp (368 kW) — far more powerful than the standard inline-six of road M3s.

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Technical Highlights
	•	Engine: 4.0 L V8, dry sump, ~493 hp at 7,500 rpm.
	•	Chassis: Based on the E46 M3 but with carbon fiber body panels, flared arches, and extensive aero upgrades.
	•	Weight: Around 1,135 kg (2,500 lbs).
	•	Transmission: 6-speed sequential gearbox.
	•	Performance: 0–60 mph in ~3.4 seconds, top speed over 190 mph depending on track setup.

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Racing Success in ALMS (2001 Season)
	•	The M3 GTR debuted in the 2001 ALMS season.
	•	Despite starting late, it proved extremely fast, winning 7 out of 10 races in the GT category.
	•	BMW’s most famous victory came at the Petit Le Mans (Road Atlanta).
	•	The car was run by Schnitzer Motorsport and PTG (Prototype Technology Group) teams.

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The Controversy
	•	Rival teams (especially Porsche) protested BMW’s entry.
	•	ALMS regulations required manufacturers to build at least 100 road cars and 1,000 engines for homologation.
	•	BMW sidestepped this by creating only 10 road-going versions of the M3 GTR (all for Europe, not for U.S. sale), leading many to call it a “homologation special loophole.”
	•	In 2002, regulations were changed to require stricter homologation, effectively banning the M3 GTR from GT competition.

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Legacy
	•	Though it only raced for one full ALMS season, the M3 GTR became legendary for its raw speed and rarity.
	•	Only 10 street-legal versions were built (sometimes called the “Strassenversion”), making it one of BMW’s rarest cars.
	•	It lives on in pop culture through games like Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005), where it became an icon as the “hero car.”

Much love to each and everyone of you, comrades!

Forward, Red Marines! - Soviet Navy Song

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