The new BMW M6 GT3 has completed an intensive testing programme in preparation for its international race debut in 2016.
BMW factory drivers Maxime Martin, Dominik Baumann, Jens Klingmann, Jörg Müller and Lucas Luhr drove the new car at Portimao (PT) and Monteblanco (SP), completing several test kilometres and relaying valuable information to the team of engineers.
The car carries a 4.4 litre V8 production engine, and utilises M TwinPower Turbo technology to not only provide a step up in horsepower from the manufacturer’s Z4 GT3 model, but also to reduce running costs.
“The high-rev V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology from the production M6 provides an ideal basis for a GT power train, and is virtually unmodified,” Frank van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH, said. “I am confident that the BMW M6 GT3 will allow us to continue the successful tradition of BMW M and BMW Motorsport at the racetrack from 2016.”
The BMW M6 GT3 was showcased alongside two of the German marque’s new road-going models , the 1 Series LCI and the 6 Series LCI in Lisbon earlier this week.
Klingmann, who drove the BMW Z4 GTE at January’s Daytona 24 Hours, was pleased with the new car’s progress: “My first impression of the BMW M6 GT3 is a very positive one. In my opinion, the long wheelbase makes this car easier to drive than its predecessor. As a tall driver, it is also very nice to be able to relax far more behind the wheel because I have a lot more space than in any other car I have driven before. I am already looking forward to doing more testing.”
BMW Motorsport will continue its 2015 season at this weekend’s Sebring 12 Hours, which features two works-entered BMW Z4 GTEs in the GTLM class, as well as the Turner Motorsport BMW Z4 GT3 which will vie for category honours in GTD.