BMW aficionados know that once an ‘M’ car goes into production that’s it, there won’t be any technical upgrades during its lifecycle. And since the current M3 was launched two years ago, a new one is not expected until at least 2013. So why then is BMW testing an M3 around the Nurburgring in 2009? And why does the subject sport a very basic-looking rear wing, a front bumper splitter and what appears to be a roll cage?

A number of ideas are coming up regarding this, including one saying this is a CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight). It will be remembered that a track-focused lightweight M3 CSL last went on sale with the E46 model. Among others it had a carbon fibre roof, an SMG II transmission, 90-degree fixed front seats and semi-slick tyres. But BMW says a CSL is not on the agenda for the E92.

Another possible culprit could be a road going version of the BMW M3 GT4 race car. Audi is availing units of the R8 GT3 to the public and BMW might be doing the same with its racer. The E46 M3 had a Competition Package which was also called the CS in the UK. But most of its makeup was taken from the CSL and so without it such a derivative seems unlikely.

What do you rekon this ‘beefed up’ M3 could be? CSL GT4, or just Joe Public with his trackday toy?

Adapted from WorldCarFans

Although BMW’s M division may have arguably veered off course with the recent introduction of the X5M and X6M, well-to-do M-ophiles may have something to look forward to in the form of a M3 GT4.

Campaigned at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this past May, the GT4 variant of BMW’s V8-powered M3 is fitted with all the race-ready kit you’d expect in something developed to tackle the Green Hell, including an Ohlins suspension setup, aerodynamic enhancements, a full roll cage, airjack system, race buckets and a modified engine and transmission.

“It would be specifically for motorsport drivers,” says BMW’s M division head, Dr. Kay Segler. Translation: Don’t expect to see this car on the street – it’s a trackday toy or competition-only machine.

Although the trigger hasn’t been pulled, Segler said it’s being actively considered. If we had to bet, we’d expect the GT4 to be available to gentlemen racers sometime in 2010.

BMW…here at SACarFan we are complete gentlemen and handing the keys to one of your fine M3 GT4′s would be in your best interest. Thank you.

Adapted from Autoblog