The BMW M235i Racing, a race-spec version of the new M235i, has been officially launched.

BMW's new Racing edition is now on sale to private racing teams for €59,500. The model, which is based on the production-spec M235i, was revealed in full at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The M235i Racing uses the same twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine as the production car, but power has been increased slightly from 322bhp to 328bhp.

As with the production car, the Racing edition comes with ABS, DSC and traction control, but also includes a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Other additions include new front and rear spoilers, as well as a new diffuser and carbon wing mirrors. An FIA-certified racing safety cell is also included, as is as a racing-spec fuel tank.

BMW says it expects the car to be used in entry-level racing series, including the VLN Endurance Championship and the Nürburging 24 Hours, as well as its own BMW Sports Trophy.

The firm's motorsport boss Jens Marquardt said: “The production models from the BMW M Performance Automobiles range are already incredibly sporty. Because of this, we did not have to make many modifications in order to get the BMW M235i Coupé up and running as a racing car.

"BMW Motorsport can look back on a long tradition of allowing ambitious teams and drivers an affordable way into motor racing – and of offering them an absolutely competitive car."

The film below was released by BMW Motorsport, and shows the car testing on track prior to its final reveal.