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Aerodynamic testing
Close-up view of the Bimmerpost photo appears to show this is a temporary aerodynamic modification BMW's Engineering team is testing on the track (below - it appears foam board has been attached with white duct tape?). It would seem wind tunnel testing may have shown some areas of turbulence for which they are testing some concepts to lessen its effect.
Even subtle changes can have huge effects on the fluid dynamics of a vehicle, especially at high speed (which the X3M and X3 M40i will both be able to reach), so it may be they are trying to decrease 'flow detachment' on the back side? If so, this could help to improve the Cd.
Looks aside, I suspect this is indeed all about the performance.
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