2014 BMW M4 DTM first view

BMW Motorsport has unveiled the new M4 silhouette race car that’ll be competing in this year’s Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters series.

While the unchanged championship regulations mean there aren’t many technical updates compared to 2013’s M3 DTM, the bodywork is of course all-new. Increased use of aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic has reduced the car’s unladen weight by 80 kg (176 lbs) to 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs).

BMW M4 DTM 2014 #10 (Tomczyk) Front Side

One particular aspect that has received plenty of attention is the aerodynamics. Optimising downforce while reducing drag is critical in the DTM, hence the ducts, flaps and numerous other appendages. However it’s a contentious issue, as some critics say it detracts from the actual racing.

Powering the M4 DTM is a P66 4.0 litre normally-aspirated V8 engine that’s fitted with mandatory air restrictors. Connected to a six-speed sequential transmission with pneumatic shift paddles on the steering wheel, it develops around 470 bhp (350 kW / 480 PS) and approximately 500 Nm (370 lb/ft) of torque.

The M4 DTM accelerates from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in around three seconds, but the motors are also tuned for reliability. That’s because BMW Motorsport is only allowed to use ten of them for its eight-car team during the season to help keep costs down.

The opening race of the 2014 DTM is at Hockenheim on the 4th of May. Before that, there are a couple of official test sessions which are due to take place in March and April.

BMW M4 DTM 2014 #10 (Tomczyk) Rear SideBMW M4 DTM 2014 #10 (Tomczyk) Dashboard

BMW M4 DTM 2014 #10 (Tomczyk) SideBMW M4 DTM 2014 #10 (Tomczyk) Front

Related posts:
Top 10: 2014 BMW M3 and M4 essentials
2014 DTM calendar

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