The M4 GT3: Out with the Old, in with the New

 

    With BMW's discontinuation of the 6 series and subsequent M6 car, BMW would need a new race car for its GT3 program. With the 8 series being reserved for GTE and quite frankly being way too large to compete in the GT3 series, the BMW M4 was selected to be the new race car for this category. The handling dynamics for the M4 race car are expected to be much different from the previous M6 race car, so drivers may need time to adapt. 

    For those who may be unaware, the M6 GT3 is a legendary race car that has been extremely competitive in its class. Frequently taking podiums and winning the 24 hours of the Nurburgring, Spa, and other major events, the M6 GT3 was a race car many drivers hoped to compete in. Its ability to perform in wet conditions was among the best, being able to accelerate off curbs and make full use of the track. Other cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 would have trouble here even if they were extremely fast in dry conditions. The end of the M6 means the M4 car has a lot to live up to. 

    The M4 has actually already been in use with the slower GT4 series, so its racing heritage was definitely alive and well before the death of the M6. Its shorter wheel base and six cylinder turbo charged engine means this car should end up weighing less that the M6 GT3 which is a plus. The shorter wheel base should also allow the car to turn in a bit better at the expense of stability: meaning the car will be more aggressive around corners and in wetter conditions. Many other details are still unknown and will be soon proven on the track, but this is a great step in the BMW endurance program with the M4 being the new flagship car. 

For more information visit BMW here: https://www.bmw-motorsport.com/en/topics/bmw-m-motorsport/race-cars/bmw-m4-gt3.html