Controversial BMW M3 grille gets more lights

Source: press.bmwgroup.com

Although the factory specification G80 and G82 M-cars are very adept at lapping race circuits at heady speeds, BMW’s technicians have added some changes for these new safety cars.

The most noticeable are those colourways, which are not traditional BMW motorsport white with blue and red stripes. The MotoGP safety cars are dark grey, in the case of BMW’s M3 Competition, and Sao Paulo yellow, for the two-door M4.

BMW M introduces the M5 CS, its most powerful car

27 Jan 2021

Beyond the distinguishing colours, these MotoGP safety car M3/M4 variants get all manner of additional illumination. There are additional flashing front lights - as if the grille is not warning enough, to get out of the way, and rooftop lightbars.

Those rooftop lightbars might look cool and serve a very definite purpose in the role of being a safety car, but they will marginally increase the M3/4s centre of gravity and aerodynamic drag coefficient.

BMW M reaches sales record in 2020, ousts AMG

Gero Lilleike  19 Jan 2021

Inside the rear seats have been removed - which should net a worthwhile reduction in mass, whilst rollbars not only provide structural support but also increase lateral rigidity.

Any notable mechanical upgrades? BMW has added an ever freer-flowing exhaust system, that should slightly improve throttle response and most importantly: make these M3/4 safety cars sound even more purposeful.

BMW will also supply an M5 CS, finished similarly to the M3 safety car.