Earlier this month, BMW introduced the BMW Z4 GTE racecar that will compete in the 2013 American Le Mans Series. The super duper Z4 race car made its debut at the Daytona Raceway and is replacing the championship winning car M3 GT for this years ALMS.

The BMW Z4 GTE is considerably more compact than its successful predecessor, the BMW M3 GT. Without its rear wing it is 239 millimeters shorter and 75 millimeters lower than the ALMS GT champion from the 2010 and 2011 seasons. The wheel base of the BMW Z4 GTE is 267 millimeters shorter. The new car is, however, 98 millimeters wider than the BMW M3 GT. All the dimensions of the BMW Z4 GTE have been modified to comply with ACO regulations. The necessary new developments regarding aerodynamics – such as the undercarriage and rear wing – proved to be a real challenge for the BMW engineers in Munich, particularly given the tight time frame.

Car number 55 will be driven by Bill Auberlen (US) and ALMS rookie Maxime Martin (BE). Dirk Müller (DE) will contest all the races in the number 56 car. Joey Hand (US) and John Edwards (US) will alternate as the two-time ALMS GT champion’s driving partner. Edwards will stand in for Hand when he is unavailable due to his parallel commitment in the DTM. Jörg Müller (DE, #55) and Uwe Alzen (DE, #56) will bolster the squad at the endurance races at Sebring (US) and Road Atlanta (US).

Specs

Length:  4,395 mm (excl. rear wing)
Width:  2,010 mm
Height:  1,205 mm (depending on set-up)
Wheel base:  2,512 mm
Weight:  1,245 kg (according to ACO regulations)
Tank capacity: 110 litres (according to IMSA classification)
Chassis/body: Steel body with welded safety cell
Transmission: six-speed sequential sport transmission, operated via shifting paddles mounted on the steering wheel, multiple ZF Sachs clutch
Front axle: McPherson axle with pushrods and wishbone, additionally with adjustable shock absorbers, H&R coil springs
Rear axle: Longitudinal links with wishbone, adjustable shock absorbers, H&R coil springs
Brake system: hydraulic dual circuit brake; monobloc multi-piston light alloy brake callipers, innver-vented steel brake discs, seamless brake balance adjustment (front and rear) by the driver
Wheels: BBS forged aluminum wheels, front axle: 12,5×18“, rear axle: 13×18“
Tires: Michelin, front axle: 300-680-18, rear axle: 310-710-18
Engine type: Eight-cylinder, V-configuration, four valves per cylindre, mandatory air restrictor (2×29.4mm)
Capacity:  4,400cc
Max. output: approx. 480bhp (with mandatory air restrictor)
Max. torque: approx. 480Nm
Cylinder block: Aluminum cylinder block construction
Engine management: BMW Motorsport ECU 408, without fuses, central display

[Photos: Stance Works]