BMW has a new race car for the virtual racetrack

Following the tradition of the successful BMW touring cars of the 1970s, the BMW design team has created an uncompromising road racer for the modern era.

Exclusive to Gran Turismo 6 on the PlayStation 3 - the BMW Visio Gran Turismo - created by the BMW Group Design, boasts a three-litre six-cylinder inline engine developed by BMW M, for a hypothetical performance figure of 549bhp and 680Nm of torque - developed at just 1,900rpm.

Armed with the credible M TwinPower Turbo technology, the lump is linked to a sequential six-speed transmission, operated by gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, and propels the power to the rear wheels.

Crisp proportions and a dynamic silhouette give the BMW Vision Gran Turismo the appearance of speed, even when stationary. Front and rear spoilers ensure optimum downforce, while all air conduction elements reduce drag and lower the vehicle's total weight - to just 1,180kg - through the use of carbon fibre.

From last Thursday, visitors to BMW Welt in Munich were also be able to take the BMW Vision Gran Turismo to the virtual track within the BMW M exhibition. Besides PlayStation 3 gaming stations, an additional dedicated racing seat with a specially designed three-screen display will be available.

The Gran Turismo video game, first released in 1998, is an award winning racing simulation and is one of the biggest virtual racing games worldwide in addition to being PlayStation's most successful franchise.