Fears the BMW Ring-Taxi was a thing of the past have been put to rest with news the company will return to the Nürburgring in 2011. However, instead of using the familiar V10-powered M5 they will be using the lighter V8-powered M3.

This probably makes some sense as the M5 is nearing the end of its life-cycle with a new F10-based M5 due in the coming months.

Answering a direct question on the future of the Ring-Taxi posed by BimmerPost the reply from BMW reads:

“The BMW Ring-Taxi will continue in 2011 and use the BMW M3 this year. It will be driven by the instructors from the BMW Driving Experience program—much like it used to be in past years.”

It’s not clear if they will be using M3 sedans, or the more traditional coupé model. One would expect the four doors offered by the sedan will be more likely. Three paid passengers are better than one, and it’s easier to get them in the back if they have their own doors.

Sabine Schmitz will not be on BMW’s drive roster this year.

[Source: BimmerPost]