BMW had a surprise unveiling at the Chicago auto show: a racing version of the M3 coupe.
The car will compete in the American Le Mans Series in the 2009 season. Rahal Letterman Racing (with principals Bobby and David, respectively) will field two M3 racers - the drivers have not been announced. BMW last raced in the ALMS in 2001.
The new M3 racer is obviously wider than the production car; it's also lighter, weighing in at 2535 lbs. Its 4.0-liter V-8 makes 485 hp (up from the standard car's 414) and 368 lb-ft of torque.
Click the link below for high-resolution M3 ALMS images.