What began in the 1980s as a pixelated affair on small tube screens soon became a worldwide hit and is now more than just a hobby for petrolheads and action fans: We are talking about racing games. Among the hundreds of arcade racer and simulation games that have been released over the years on all platforms – from PCs to consoles and mobile phones – one enjoys particular popularity: Need for Speed™. The first game in the series was released back in 1994, so publisher EA Games is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the title this year. And BMW M is joining the party.
MOST WANTED: BMW M3 GTR.
And among the many titles that have been released in the three decades of the series, most gamers will remember Need for Speed™: Most Wanted from 2005. One of the reasons is a very special BMW M model driven in the game by the main antagonist, Clarence Callahan, aka ‘Razor’: a BMW M3 GTR from 2001. Its striking silver-blue design, brute sound, enormous power and role in the game’s plot have left a lasting impression on many gamers. To this day, the collective memory known as the Internet has not forgotten this M3 – it has become part of gaming and pop culture. That is reason enough for M GmbH to create a worthy homage to this model, one made of carbon and aluminium and bursting with power beneath its bonnet.
BE REAL.
Virtual to reality: BMW M Motorsport has realised the livery from the racing game with great attention to detail on an original BMW M3 GTR from 2001.
The M3 GTR is one of the most recognisable and beloved cars in Need for Speed history.
BASED ON A RACING CAR.
The real-life prototype of the Need for Speed™ car is a racing car based on the BMW M3 E46. It was developed by BMW M Motorsport for the then American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and, despite its short development phase, exceeded all expectations right from the start. In ten races, the BMW M3 GTR crossed the finish line seven times as the winner, and its driver at the time, Jörg Müller, won the drivers’ championship in the GT class. BMW M Motorsport secured first place in the team classification, and BMW won the manufacturers’ title in 2001.
5 POWERFUL FACTS:
- Engine: P60B40 V8 engine
- Displacement: 3,997 cm³
- Max. output: approx. 450 hp
- Weight: 1,100 kg
- Top speed: approx. 260 km/h
THE BMW M3 GTR STRASSENVERSION.
BMW wanted to enter the extremely fast BMW M3 GTR in the US racing series. However, the regulations at the time required all manufacturers to develop a small series of homologation vehicles suitable for road use before they could enter at all. That is why the BMW M3 GTR Strassenversion was created, which is still one of the rarest BMW M models ever.
RETURN IN NEED FOR SPEED UNBOUND.
Need for Speed™: Most Wanted is almost 20 years old, and EA Games has now brought a brand-new title to the starting line: Need for Speed™ Unbound Vol. 9: Prepare for Lockdown. One of the game’s highlights is the return of the legendary BMW M3 GTR. Players can also look forward to more BMW content in the latest edition, including the BMW S 1000 RR 2019, the very first motorbike in a Need for Speed™ game.
DISPLAY AT BMW WORLD.
Those who would like to experience the unique BMW M3 GTR from Need for Speed™: Most Wanted first hand will soon have the opportunity: The special model will be on display at BMW Welt in Munich from 27 November 2024.
