M3 CRT (Germany, 2011)

In 2011 BMW revealed the limited edition M3 CRT. The car is based on the M3 Saloon, makes extensive use of carbon fiber and features a powerful engine which makes it the fastest four-door M3 yet. Production of the M3 CRT is limited to just 67 cars worldwide.

BMW is touting the use of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which makes its world debut in a road car in the M3 CRT. CFRP is made from the leftover thread used in creating carbon fiber. It can be woven into mats, which can then be hardened into panels.

The hood of the M3 CRT is made entirely from CFRP. BMW claims that this gives the hood the strength of steel but is a half of the weight of the aluminum hood found on the standard car. The front seats, rear spoiler and parts of the front air dam are also produced from CFRP.

The car uses a 4.4 liter version on the V8 found in the standard M3. This stroked version makes 450 hp, 35 more than in the regular saloon. It has an 8300rpm redline, but makes it ...