BMW M3 CRT: Munich's Lightweight Saloon

New Hardcore M Car revealed at Nurburgring

This is the BMW M3 CRT, unveiled at a launch party at the Nurburgring last night. It's a lightweight low-volume special edition based, oddly, on the saloon version of the M3 rather than the coupe.

It's also the closest thing in this generation of M3 to a CSL that we're likely to see (though you might argue that the GTS was that). 'CRT'-style models are part of the future of the M division, however, say our spies at the 'Ring, and we can even expect to see something like this on an M version of the new 6-series.

But back to the M3 CRT. Those initials apparently stand for Carbon Racing Technology, and mean that buyers will get all sorts of trick stuff such as carbon-backed, seats, and various lightweight gubbins from the M3 GTS. In total, the weight saving over a standard M3 saloon is 50kg, meaning it pitches in at 1580kg.

The 450hp engine is also taken over from the M3 GTS, and provides what you might call a generous 180mph top speed.

Just 67 cars will be built (that's 65 for customers, and 2 'press' cars), with 20-25 expected to come with the steering wheel on the right-hand side. And they'll be built at a price. If you want one, you'll have to part with around £115k for the privilege.