BMW has started testing of the new GT2-spec M3 Coupe that will spearhead its return to the American Le Mans Series next season.

The new car, based on the fourth generation of the ever-popular M3, will be campaigned by the Rahal Letterman Racing team as BMW makes its return to the series to go head-to-head with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Panoz.

"With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step," BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said at the official launch of the car earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show. "The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base.

"However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters."

Factory BMW World Touring Car Championship driver Jorg Muller was at the wheel of the car for its initial run, which comes ahead of a full season entry for the car with RLR in 2009.

The last generation of the M3 competed in the series in the hands of Team PTG.