BMW Z4 GTE unveiled
BMW Motorsport has revealed the Z4 GTE, the car that BMW Team RLL will be using in this season’s American Le Mans Series.
Replacing the M3 GT, the GTE is based on the existing Z4 GT3. However, various changes have had to be made to ensure compliance with ACO regulations, including the removal of the anti-lock braking and stability control systems.
Power comes from a 4.4 litre V8 engine that drives the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission. Fitted with a mandatory air restrictor, it delivers approximately 480 bhp (358 kW / 486 PS) and 480 Nm (354 lb/ft) of torque.
According to BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, 2013 is going to be a development year for the Z4 GTE. That view was echoed by Team Principal Bobby Rahal, who said: “Certainly there will be a development period involved but ultimately I see no reason why we can’t be competitive with the great competition that exists in the GT category in the ALMS.”
The driver line-up for the number 55 car has been confirmed as Bill Auberlen and Maxime Martin. In the number 56 car, two-time ALMS GT champion Dirk Müller will compete in all the series’ races, with partnering duties alternating between Joey Hand and John Edwards.
For the endurance events at Sebring and Road Atlanta, Jörg Müller and Uwe Alzen will be drafted in to augment the #55 and #56 driver squads respectively.
The 2013 American Le Mans Series commences next month with the Twelve Hours of Sebring event.
Related posts:
2013 BMW Z4 sDrive18i
Updated BMW Z4 GT3
Z4 GT3 Nürburgring lap
BMW Z4 GT3
Replacing the M3 GT, the GTE is based on the existing Z4 GT3. However, various changes have had to be made to ensure compliance with ACO regulations, including the removal of the anti-lock braking and stability control systems.
Power comes from a 4.4 litre V8 engine that drives the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission. Fitted with a mandatory air restrictor, it delivers approximately 480 bhp (358 kW / 486 PS) and 480 Nm (354 lb/ft) of torque.
According to BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, 2013 is going to be a development year for the Z4 GTE. That view was echoed by Team Principal Bobby Rahal, who said: “Certainly there will be a development period involved but ultimately I see no reason why we can’t be competitive with the great competition that exists in the GT category in the ALMS.”
The driver line-up for the number 55 car has been confirmed as Bill Auberlen and Maxime Martin. In the number 56 car, two-time ALMS GT champion Dirk Müller will compete in all the series’ races, with partnering duties alternating between Joey Hand and John Edwards.
For the endurance events at Sebring and Road Atlanta, Jörg Müller and Uwe Alzen will be drafted in to augment the #55 and #56 driver squads respectively.
The 2013 American Le Mans Series commences next month with the Twelve Hours of Sebring event.
Related posts:
2013 BMW Z4 sDrive18i
Updated BMW Z4 GT3
Z4 GT3 Nürburgring lap
BMW Z4 GT3
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