The BMW M4 GT3 is inching closer to
competition as the company has announced track tests will begin next week in
the south of France. Ahead of this, the first car was rolled out on Saturday
and subjected to a handful of “important function tests.” It also took to the
streets with Augusto Farfus behind the wheel.
Previewed last year, the M4 GT3 will
replace the M6 GT3 and was developed in parallel with the road-going M4. The
production model will be unveiled in September, while the track car will enter
a few races this year for testing purposes. It will then be ready for the 2022
racing season.
BMW is staying tight-lipped about the car,
but noted development began early last year with computer simulations. By
February, it’s 493+ hp (368+ / 500+ PS) engine was being tested in Munich.
While the company isn’t ready to talk specifics, we can see the race car
features LED taillights that are identical to the ones used on the 4-Series
Coupe and upcoming M4. Previous teasers have also revealed the model will have
a massive grille just like the road-going coupe.
However, that’s where the similarities end
as the racer has a ventilated rear window, a massive wing and an enormous
diffuser. We can also see bulging fenders, a carbon fiber steering wheel and a
carbon fiber racing seat with “M4 GT3” embroidery. In a statement, BMW M CEO
Markus Flasch said “With every BMW M4, we are taking motor racing technology to
the streets. That is particularly true of the new BMW M4 Coupe, which forms the
perfect basis for the race car.”
He went on to say both the road-going
model and the race car will have a high-revving straight-six engine with M
TwinPower turbo technology. Flasch promised this will provide “performance and
driving pleasure,” both on and off the track. Speaking of the road-going model,
it will have a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine that has outputs of 473
hp and 503 hp. The base model will be
offered with a six-speed manual, while the Competition variant will have an
eight-speed automatic. The car will initially be launched with rear-wheel
drive, but an all-wheel drive option will follow shortly thereafter.
