The new BMW M4 GT4, set for customer sales in 2023, has completed its first tests in Almeria with several days of running last week.
Development of the car is already at an advanced stage with performance, serviceability and cost efficiency improvements over the outgoing car. The new car will also include some components from its big brother, the BMW M4 GT3.
“With the new BMW M4 GT4, we are writing the next chapter in a major success story,” said Thomas Felbermair, Vice President Sales and Marketing BMW M GmbH. “The current model has shaken up the booming GT4 class in recent years, and has celebrated many titles and victories all over the world. When developing the new BMW M4 GT4, we wanted to retain the strengths of its predecessor and even improve them in some areas. We are confident that BMW M Motorsport teams and drivers will have a huge amount of fun with this model. The hunt for more trophies in the GT4 segment starts in 2023.”
Development of the GT4 model, which is based on the new BMW M4 production car, began with initial computer simulations in September 2020. The BMW M4 GT4 race car has been developed since the start of 2021 and the first test vehicle assembled since the summer. The chassis, including an FIA-approved safety cage, comes from the BMW Group Plant in Dingolfing, where the production car is also built. The BMW M4 GT4 completed its first functional test in October 2021.
The complete drivetrain, including engine, transmission and electronics, has been adopted from the production model which includes a multi-level traction control, optimised in detail for use in motorsport. The developers placed particular emphasis on cooling, whilst components including the CFC roof and rear wing concept, have been adopted from the BMW M4 GT3.
The use of sustainable materials like natural fibres, which replace carbon and plastic components, plays an important role. BMW M Motorsport is cooperating with the company Bcomp in this area.
“Although we are still in a very early phase of testing, there are already areas, in which we have achieved progress compared to the current BMW M4 GT4,” said BMW M works driver Jens Klingmann, who took on the test work alongside Erik Johansson in Almeria. “This applies in particular to the seat ergonomics, ease of operation and many additional functions that the predecessor did not have. As far as driveability is concerned, the new BMW M4 GT4 feels very secure from the word go. It has a large top range, in which you can push the car to the limit. We still have a full year to optimise the car to be used by private teams and drivers, but it is already a lot of fun to drive.”
The test work continues over the coming months. A second test car will be available at the start of 2022.
