BMW is now taking orders for the new BMW M4 GT4. The latest offering from BMW Motorsport is a full-on race car based on the BMW M4, but with technology and development transferred from BMW's current factory race car, the BMW M6 GT3. It has undergone more than 12,400 miles of testing, many hours in the wind tunnel, extensive fine tuning runs, and successful tests under race conditions.
For €169,000 (about $189,000) customers get a comprehensive starter package. We assume that's the Europe price and VAT is extra. BMW did not release the price for U.S. customers.
The M4 GT4 was launched this past week at an exclusive customer event at the Nürburgring in advance of the Nürburgring 24-Hour race. “Even after many years, the launch of a new car is still one of the absolute highlights for me as BMW Motorsport Director,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt in the paddock at the Nürburgring. “The start of the sales phase sees us reach another milestone with the BMW M4 GT4. We are looking forward to seeing the car enjoy success in the hands of our customer teams from 2018. We are offering our customers a sophisticated and reliable GT4 car, which incorporates all of BMW Motorsport’s expertise, coupled with the strong basis provided by the BMW M4 Coupé. The development of the BMW M4 GT4 focused on mileage, cost efficiency, and ease of maintenance.”
The M4 GT4 engine and transmission, including control electronics, came from the BMW M4 Coupé. The carbon fiber-hood is from the BMW M4 GTS. The BMW M4 GT4 doors, motorsport-specific front splitters, and rear wings are carbon fiber as well. The car has a racing exhaust system, and the seat, brakes, and pedal box were developed from the BMW M6 GT3.
Unique to this M4 is the engine control software. The M4 GT4 is the first BMW Motorsport car fitted with power sticks, which can be pre-programmed for different engine performance levels and give customers the flexibility to changes the Balance of Performance for specific races.
The chassis comes with an FIA-approved BMW Motorsport roll cage; carbon-fiber roof, hood, doors, front splitter, rear wing, and dive planes; a lightweight Motorsport wiring harness; an air jack system; adjustable Motorsport stabilizers, specially adapted shocks; adjustable springs; seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with Motorsport software; mechanical differential with cooler; six-piston front brake calipers; four-piston rear calipers; 33-gallon racing fuel tank; and double-suction brake air cooling.
The next big test for the new BMW GT4 was this weekend's Nürburgring 24 Hours. With six hours left, the BMW GT4 was still in the race. That's a good sign.
Watch a preview video of the BMW M4 GT4 here:
Potential U.S. customers interested in ordering an M4 GT4 should contact BMW at: M4GT4_NA@bmw-motorsport.com.
The BMW M4 GT4 is definitely a step up from the BMW M235i Racing when it comes to customer BMW race cars, with a commensurate price. Looks like it's time to start buying lottery tickets again.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
