If the BMW M6 GT3 reality is anything like the artist renderings seen here then GT racing fans are in for a treat. Having been competitive since its debut in 2010, BMW is pensioning off the Z4 GT3 to be replaced by the M6.
Holy flaming exhaust Batman!
Specific details on the car are fairly limited at present. We know it will begin testing at the start of next year, on sale later in 2015 and then racing in 2016. The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the
roadgoing M6
will be used for the GT3 with racing modifications. Just in case the message didn't get across already, it will also feature components such as 'racing gearbox, racing ABS and racing electronics'. It's a racing car after all.
It's never wise to get too carried away by design sketches but BMW is promising 'the wow factor' with the M6 GT3's completed design. Given the Z4 GT3's outrageous appearance, hunkered down over its arches and brimming with attitude, you have to hope for similarly dramatic styling for the M6.
Z4 GT3 has earned quite a following
There has never been an M version of the current Z4 (more's the pity if it looked remotely similar to the racing car) and that's part of the reason behind the change to M6. In its own words, BMW wants to 'demonstrate the high product substance of BMW M cars in motorsport'.
It's been a long time since we've seen a BMW supported 6 Series in motorsport. Alpina campaigned a B6 GT3 of the previous generation a few years ago but you need to return to the 80s and the original M635 CSi for the old BMW. Obviously we had to spend a long time searching out a picture for your benefit... More on the M6 GT3 as it develops!
[Alpina and 635 pics: LAT]