After a rather long hiatus (er, 20 years) BMW has revealed the car that will marks its return to German Touring Car racing.Based on the current E92 M3 (itself a rather old design, having been launched in 2007), BMW’s DTM Concept was revealed at the company’s Munich headquarters. Features include striking matte black surfacing and an outlandish aerodynamic package and its styling is characteristic of most DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) racers.Hugely flared wheel arches and all manner of airflow stabilising body Tupperware has been added to the M3 DTM concept. If Batman were German, he’d probably drive one...Powered by a 353kW version of the M3’s four-litre V8 (starved of peak power by a mandatory air-restrictor), BMW claims its DTM car should be good for 0-100km/h in three seconds and 300km/h.NO GERMAN DRIVER GOOD ENOUGH?BMW, Mercedes and Audi started discussions concerning the technical future of DTM back in 2009, just before the ‘Werke withdrew from F1. These discussions were aimed at making the racing more affordable without diluting the technical superiority that has traditionally conferred status. Rumours have it that new regulations (due in 2012) will go some way to reducing costs by around 40%, to make series a viable option to all three manufacturers again.BMW's return in 2012 will also mark the comeback of a racing legend. Between 1987 and 1992 BMW’s seminal first-generation M3 celebrated 40 wins and more thanb 150 podium finishes in this series at a time when DTM provided some of the greatest racing yet seen. Curiously, no German driver has managed to earn a seat in the new M3 DTM car. Britain’s Andy Priaulx (World Touring Car champion 2005-2007) and his Brazilian team mate Augusto Farfus (Nürburgring 24 Hours winner 2010) are the chosen pilots.
