BMW Motorsport Director, Jens Marquardt, admitted at the DTM season finale at Hockenheim in October, that the decision to replace the outgoing Z4 GT3 with the new M6, was due to many factors regarding different aspects towards competitiveness.
“The Z4, which is still a very successful race car, recently won another iconic race with the 24 hours of Spa,” he said, stating that it was a case of analyzing the weaknesses of the car itself.
“That was what drove us, and ultimately helped to make the decision to go with the M6 as a base car. The production engine is one of the clear signs why we went with it, as apart from some oil system adjustments, we were able to leave the powertrain from the road car in it.”
Marquardt, who took over from Dr. Mario Thiessen in 2012, admitted that with the longer wheelbase of the new M6, it would be a better car, aerodynamically speaking.
“We looked at the car concept as the Z4 has a very short rear, which creates some difficulties aerodynamically, from the diffuser point of view, as well as the rear window going down very sharply.
“If you look at the M6, it has a longer wheelbase, which is much more stable form that point of view. It’s a better shape for aerodynamics. We’ve taken the Z4 and decided that the M6 is the better way to go, and then taken all the experience that we had from the previous car and put it into the M6.”
Along with the new car being a step forward, safety and security have been further improved, as the international media in attendance were informed that the new M6 has a newly-designed crash structure up front, which also provides better protection for the drivers.
One man in particular has had a big hand in developing the new car, which is veteran touring car ace and sportscar driver, Andy Priaulx.
Priaulx explained to E-Racing at the finale of the BTCC at Brands Hatch that “the car has been really good and is a beautiful looking bit of kit.”
The Guernseyman, who could potentially feature heavily in BMW’s assault on the WeatherTech Sportscar Challenge, said that the progress of how the M6 has come along has “been very good.”
“I think the car has got a future, depending on who wants to spend the money to play with it. A lot of things have to be put together to get the car running at a high level, so let’s see what happens.”
The three-time WTCC champion remained coy on what next season may bring, but he admitted there is still a lot of thinking to do.
“I really need to sit down and look back at the season, reflect on what I’ve enjoyed, and what has got the potential to give me the best opportunity, and then make my choice from there.
“I wouldn’t say it’s uncertain, it’s actually very certain, but it’s down to what we want to do, really, right now going forward.”
The outgoing Z4 leaves a welcome legacy in BMW’s motorsport history, having won in multiple series, since having been introduced in 2010. It’s won at the Hankook Dubai 24 Hours in 2011, along with Marc VDS taking top honours at the 24 Hours of Spa.
The car has also raced in championships, such as the Blancpain Sprint Series, American Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series, Super GT 300 and the annual Macau GT Cup.
The next challenge for the new car is to whether we will see an IMSA-approved variant for next season, but the car will be competitive from the get go.
Munich’s new challenger looks to build on BMW sportscar success
by Alex Goldschmidt
Images: BMW Motorsport
by Alex Goldschmidt