BMW has unveiled a custom M3 GTR race car, designed to pay tribute to the iconic car from the 2005 video game Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Built from an E46-era M3, it replicates the blue-and-silver livery that made the M3 GTR a standout in the game. This special edition is not just for show but also brings the racing roots of the real-world #42 Team BMW Motorsport M3 GTR from the 2001 ALMS GT Series.
The custom M3 GTR race car is an almost exact replica of the car from the game. It features a stripped interior, a single racing seat, and a full roll cage for a true racing experience. The car is also equipped with a side-exit exhaust, wide fenders, and a large, fixed rear wing, further enhancing its motorsport-ready look.
BMW built this special-edition car to commemorate two upcoming anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of the original Need for Speed game and the 20th anniversary of Need for Speed: Most Wanted. The car will be displayed at the BMW Welt Museum in Munich, where it will be available for fans to view until January 6, 2025.
The car is not just a video game replica; it carries the legacy of the 2001 ALMS GT Series E46 M3 GTR. This model was driven by Jörg Müller and J.J. Lehto, who led the team to a championship win, with Müller also securing the drivers’ championship that year.
This homage to Need for Speed is a celebration of both BMW’s racing heritage and the lasting impact of the video game series. Fans of the game and the brand can catch the M3 GTR at the BMW Welt Museum until the beginning of 2025.
