BMW is to debut a GTE-spec version of their Z4 model in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), confirming their continuing presence in the series for 2013.
The Z4 replaces the M3 GT racer, which debuted at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2009 going on to race at Le Mans in both 2010 and 2011. In America Rahal–Letterman Lanigan Racing – later BMW Team RLL – took the car to back to back teams’ titles in the ALMS in 2010 and 2011, scoring a hat-trick of titles in 2011, clinching the manufacturers’ and drivers’ as well.
The Z4 also has successful racing pedigree, having raced in GT3 spec, to race wins in the FIA GT3 European Championship since 2010. The Z4 GT3 has also raced at the major endurance races in Europe for GT3 cars, including the events at the Nurburgring, Spa-Francorchamps and Dubai.
The new GTE car will be based on the GT3 and is currently going through the homologation process before a race debut at the ALMS season curtain raising 12 Hours of Sebring.
