BMW’s 414bhp M3 pick-up: it’s real

Yes, it's an April's Fool joke, but what a joke. This is the BMW M3 Pickup, announced today (1 April). And it's not a Photoshop either: it's a real, bonkers 414bhp ute. Mixing utility with performance has always appealed at Top Gear. This might just have reset the bar.

It's been spotted testing around the Nurburgring this week (clocking a claimed 186mph in the process), and while it's not going into production, it was the result of a private commission from somebody who is also real. Somebody with good contacts, deep pockets and slightly odd taste...

Based on the convertible due to its extra bracing, this pick-up is a targa, with a flat-bed and tow bar. It's also 50kg lighter than the M3 Coupe.

BMW has in fact done something like this before. In 2007 at an M workshop, we spotted an E30 pick-up with a four-pot M3 motor and limited-slip diff. Whether the same bonkers Bavarian engineers are involved isn't known. All we know is, we want a go.