BMW's latest in a long line of good-looking race cars might be virtual in nature but is said to foreshadow the carmaker's "future racing trends." The BMW Vision Gran Turismo follows the similarly-named Mercedes that was born after Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi requested car manufacturers to create bespoke machines for GT6. Based on the M235i road car, the concept racer is powered by a highly-modified variant of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six unit, delivering 541 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque.

All that virtual power is sent to the pixilated tarmac via a six-speed sequential transmission. Built for fast laps and optimum handling, BMW has ensured a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and generated plenty of digital downforce thanks to front and rear spoilers.

It weighs a theoretical 1,180 kg, sports plenty of carbon-fiber bodywork, and has M colors stretched across its taught body as a nod to the BMW touring cars of the 1970s. Like the futuristic Mercedes Vision GT, there's a strong chance BMW will bring the virtual car to life. At the very least, some of the bodywork could be adopted by the upcoming BMW M2. Check out the trailer and get ready to download on the PS3 soon.