- BMW recreates E46 M3 GTR from Need for Speed: Most Wanted with its iconic blue-and-silver livery
- The car is based on a genuine M3 GTR from BMW’s racing program with a 450-hp V8 engine
- Fans can see it in Munich, or drive it digitally in Need for Speed Unbound DLC Volume 9
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BMW has brought to life one of the most famous digital cars in history: the E46 BMW M3 GTR from Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Created to mark the 30th anniversary of EA’s Need for Speed franchise, the real-life car wears the same silver-and-blue livery that became iconic in the 2005 game.
The Need for Speed series launched in 1994, and by the time Need for Speed: Most Wanted was released in 2005, it had evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The game’s narrative combined street racing, rivalries, and high-stakes police chases as players worked to become the most wanted racer while driving the legendary E46 BMW M3 GTR. With over 18 million copies sold, Most Wanted remains the best-selling entry in the series. The silver M3 with blue striping became instantly recognizable, making it a fan-favourite car.
The M3 GTR’s significance extends beyond gaming. Initially developed for the 2001 American Le Mans Series (ALMS), the M3 GTR saw the standard M3’s inline-six engine replaced with a 4.0-litre V8 producing 443 horsepower. The race car dominated, winning the ALMS GT category in 2001; and the 24 Hours Nürburgring in 2004 and 2005. To comply with ALMS homologation rules, BMW created the M3 GTR Straßenversion (Street Version) but plans to produce 100 cars were abandoned after rule changes.
For its real-life tribute to the Most Wanted hero car, BMW used an actual M3 GTR from its racing program. Beneath its wrap, the vehicle retains its original paint. Its power comes from the same 450-horsepower V8 that made it a legend. Fans of the series can also experience the car digitally, as it has been added to Need for Speed Unbound through the Volume 9 DLC, available now.
The car is obviously not available for sale, but it will be displayed at BMW Welt in Munich.
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