BMW Has Listened and Brought Razor’s Iconic M3 GTR From Most Wanted to Life!

In a nod to the legacy of one of the most iconic video game characters for car enthusiasts, BMW has breathed new life into one of the most celebrated vehicles in the Need for Speed franchise: the M3 GTR from the 2005 Most Wanted title.

M3 GTR

Image: BMW

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As the series marks its 30th anniversary, the German automaker has unveiled a modified version of this iconic race car, designed to mirror the car that adorned the game’s promotional materials nearly two decades ago.

The E46 M3 first graced the automotive world in 2000, quickly establishing itself on the racing scene across various motorsport platforms. However, it faced stiff competition in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) GT category, prompting BMW to swap its in-line-six S54 engine for the more potent P60B40 V8. To comply with homologation requirements, the company produced a limited run of ten units of the M3 GTR Strassenversion, each fitted with the robust V8 engine.

Image: BMW

The car unveiled for the anniversary celebration showcases the iconic livery that pays tribute to the hero car from Most Wanted, featuring the familiar blue stripes and striking Titan Silver Metallic bodywork complemented by an aggressive aerodynamic profile and equipped with 19-inch wheels. This visual identity has come to symbolize the game and has garnered a devoted following among car enthusiasts and gamers alike.

Under the bonnet, this exceptional vehicle is powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, churning out approximately 410 kW and enabling a blistering 0-100 km/h sprint in under four seconds. With its specially tuned suspension system, the M3 GTR is engineered for peak performance on the race track.

M3 GTR

Image: BMW

BMW plans to release a limited number of these nostalgic machines, giving devoted fans an opportunity to own a piece of gaming history. While the price remains undisclosed, industry speculation suggests it will be substantially high. The M3 GTR will be on display at the BMW Welt exhibition in Munich, Germany, until January 2025.

Related: Living With It – BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport [Update 2]

John Stanley, the creative director of Need for Speed Unbound, encapsulated the significance of the car’s return: “The M3 GTR model is one of the most recognized in the history of Need for Speed, so to celebrate the 30th anniversary, we wanted to do something special.”

M3 GTR

Image: BMW

For fans of both the franchise and the automotive world, this revival is not just a tribute; it is a celebration of a legacy that intertwines gaming and real-world performance.

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The post BMW Has Listened and Brought Razor’s Iconic M3 GTR From Most Wanted to Life! appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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