BMW M4 GT3 racer unveiled with top-notch handling, reduced ownership costs

BMW has revealed the M4 GT3 track-only coupe that will come out in a small production batch and replace the M6 GT3 in the various races scheduled for this year and the next.

In particular, it will participate in the fourth stage of the NLS – the Nürburgring Endurance Series – on June 26, 2021. Customer deliveries will begin after some final testing.

From the technical perspective, the GT3 comes close to the road-worthy M4 Competition model that features an S58 inline-six engine and a motorsports-ready chassis.

The P58 racing mill uses different lubrication and feeding circuits, as well as redesigned intake and exhaust systems. Its power varies as per the regulations, maxing out at 590 PS (582 hp / 434 kW). The 4.4-liter V8 that the M6 GT3 came with yielded around 10 horsepower less than that. An Xtrac transmission uses an electro-hydraulic clutch to drive the wheels.

Compared to the road-legal M4, the racer is 226 mm (8.9”) longer at 5,020 mm (16.47 ft.), 153 mm (6”) wider at 2,040 mm (6.7 ft.), and 85 mm (3.3”) less tall at 1,308 mm (4.3 ft.). Its wheelbase is 60 mm (2.3”) longer at 2,917 mm (9.57 ft.). A new livery could be considered the main exterior highlight.

Fanatec contributed its expertise in designing the new steering wheel, ending up with a design suitable for a real racecar and a racing sim. Note how many controls the rudder has on it.

Perhaps most importantly, BMW claims the new M4 GTS handles much better than the M6 and costs less to maintain. The engine and transmission both only need occasional checks and maintenance, less frequent than before. Finally, at €415,000 and above, the newcomer costs €4,000 less than the old generation did at launch.