|
|
 New GT3-based contender set for debut in next month�s Twelve Hours of Sebring...
After months of anticipation, BMW took the wraps off its newest GT contender Tuesday at Daytona International Speedway, unveiling the new Z4 GTE that will compete in this year�s American Le Mans Series season.
The GT3-based car, built and developed in cooperation with BMW Team RLL, replaces the ALMS championship-winning M3 GT model, which scored back-to-back class titles and seven victories over its four-year life in the highly competitive production-based ranks.
While similar in appearance to the BMW Z4 GT3, the new GTE model, powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine, features considerable changes in order for it to fit within the ACO�s regulations.
John Dagys | Posted February 12, 2013 on auto-racing.speedtv.com
"The GT3 car is based on the FIA regulations and the GTE/ALMS is based on ACO regulations, so we had to make some modifications to the car," said BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt. "The systems that are running in the car are also slightly different. In GT3, you're allowed systems like ABS or DSC but you're not allowed to run that in the ALMS. RLL will campaign BMW's sleek new V8-powered Z4 in the American Le Mans Series.
"Aerodynamics are slightly different. There is a lot more freedom in GT3 with aerodynamics and it's a lot more restricted in GTE. We had to really develop the car as a GTE car. I think we're well prepared but we'll know when the car hits the track."
Along with Tuesday�s unveil, BMW Team RLL also confirmed the driver pairings and new tire partner for the team�s two-car ALMS attack.BMW veteran Bill Auberlen will team with newcomer Maxime Martin in the No. 55 entry, while 2011 ALMS GT class co-champions Dirk Mueller and Joey Hand will pilot the No. 56 BMW Z4 GTE, with rising star John Edwards filling in for Hand while the American is on DTM duty in Europe.
Additionally, the new Z4 GTE will be on Michelin tires, rekindling a partnership last seen in the ALMS in 2001 with the venerable M3 GTRs.
(Photo: BMW)
|
|
