2012 BMW M3 DTM race car looks fast sitting still

BMW is keen to get as much impact from its decision to enter the DTM racing series as possible, and to that end, has decided to showcase its German touring car in full factory racing livery for all the world to see at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Underneath its high-tech composite skin lurks a 480-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine that sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. It'll hit 60 in about three seconds on its way to a top speed of somewhere around 186 miles per hour.

Judging from all the splitters, intakes and wings, we'd say the Bavarian team is more concerned with making the M3 DTM racer stick to the road like glue than hit ludicrous speed on the straights, and if nothing else, make the machine look awfully menacing to its rivals. Check out the full gallery of live images above.