BMW M3 GTR from Need for Speed Most Wanted: Gaming icon becomes real

BMW brings the M3 GTR to real life for the anniversary of the Need for Speed series

BMW M3 GTR from Need for Speed: Most Wanted

Photo by: Electronic Arts

By: Fabian Grass

Published by: Brian Potter

Dec 4, 2024 at 6:22am ET

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BMW M is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Need for Speed series with a real highlight: the legendary BMW M3 GTR from Need for Speed: Most Wanted has been faithfully recreated by BMW M Motorsport and presented in real life for the first time.

The vehicle with the iconic silver and blue paintwork will be on display at BMW Welt in Munich from 27 November 2024. The step from the virtual world to real life will not only delight fans of the racing game, but also car enthusiasts and historians who appreciate the history of the original vehicle.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTR aus Need for Speed: Most Wanted

BMW M3 GTR from Need for Speed: Most Wanted

BMW M3 GTR from Need for Speed: Most Wanted BMW M3 GTR road version and BMW M3 GTR from the ALMS series

Source: Electronic Arts

From the racing game to the road

The M3 GTR from 2005's Most Wanted is deeply rooted in gaming and pop culture. With its unmistakable design, powerful V8 engine and reputation as the main vehicle in the game, it left a lasting impression on millions of gamers. The inspiration came from the real-life racing version of the BMW M3 GTR, which was developed for the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2001.

At that time, the GTR was equipped with a P60B40 V8 engine, which produced an impressive 450 PS on the track at a weight of just 1,100 kilograms. This racing car was so successful that it not only dominated the drivers' standings, but also the manufacturers' and team standings.

BMW M3 GTR road version and BMW M3 GTR from the ALMS series

Picture from: BMW

BMW M3 GTR from the ALMS series

BMW M3 GTR of Jörg Müller at the ALMS 2001

For the regulations in the ALMS, BMW had to produce a road version of the M3 GTR, which is still considered one of the rarest models in BMW M history. However, with an estimated price tag of over €250,000 (approx. £207,000), this version was unaffordable for many, which added to its mystique and exclusivity.

Detailed realisation by BMW Motorsport

The replica of the Need for Speed M3 GTR is precisely modelled on the virtual prototype. The BMW M Motorsport team has provided the design with details that are true to the original, including the famous stripes and the aggressive body kit. According to BMW, the vehicle was built on the basis of an original BMW M3 GTR, which guarantees authenticity. It shows how virtual and real automotive worlds are increasingly merging.

BMW M3 GTR aus Need for Speed: Most Wanted

Bild von: Electronic Arts

John Stanley, Senior Creative Director of "Need for Speed: Unbound", emphasised the significance of the M3 GTR for the game series: "The M3 GTR model is one of the most famous cars in the history of Need for Speed. That's why we wanted to do something special for the 30th anniversary."

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Parallel to the presentation of the real vehicle, the M3 GTR will also be available in the current "Need for Speed: Unbound" as part of the update "Vol 9: Prepare for the Lockdown". This update not only brings the legendary M3 GTR back into the game, but also introduces a motorbike for the first time in the history of the series - the BMW S 1000 RR. The update, which is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, also adds the Honda Integra Type R and the Subaru Impreza WRX STI to the vehicle range.

Fans will have the unique opportunity to admire the BMW M3 GTR up close at BMW Welt in Munich from 27 November to 6 January. Although the M3 GTR is not intended for sale, BMW plans to present the car at other events and motor shows. Fans will therefore have the opportunity to admire the legend up close and perhaps also experience the characteristic sound of the V8 engine live.

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