: Just came back from two fantastic weeks in Italy: great food, wonderful people (incredible women!), fantastic architecture and of course surreal things mechanical (went to the Ferrari and Lamborghini factories as well as Imola for the GP).

: There, I happened to pick up the latest Autosprint (a weekly race magazine to put all other race magazines to shame) for the Imola coverage, an low and behold, there's a quick little story about a special race-version M Coupe along with a concept drawing. (Sorry, I haven't gotten my scanner yet.)

: The Racing M Coupe is being prepared for GT3 class by Roberto Ravaglia and BMW Technik for the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring (from the 24-25th of June). The car should test at the 'Ring on May 27th.

: The car should have 400bhp and weigh in around 2750lbs.

: Judging by the drawing, it looks pretty sweet: large, dual single exhausts in a new rear valence that incorporates a simple diffuser, wider front and rear wheel arches with brake-heat escape ducting, very large rims (19"s ?) and a small roof-mounted wing.

: Most importantly, rumor has it that if the car is competitive/successful at the 'Ring, BMW will consider series production for a client race-program, a la Ferrari 360 Challenge. Wouldn't that be great?! :)

: Ciao all,
: Nivola

: '00 M Coupe