BMW Z4 GT3 2010
 |
 |
| The BMW Z4 GT3 was officially launched in March 2010. The first cars have been delivered to private BMW teams, who will prepare them for use in various national and international championships. "The feedback on the BMW Z4 GT3 is extremely positive", says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. "This sports car round off our production range, and offers drivers and teams the opportunity to compete in championships in accordance with the GT3 regulations - such as the FIA GT3 Championship, the International GT Open or the ADC GT Masters - as well as at 24 hour endurance races." |
 |
The production model of the BMW Z4 is already impressive: with elongated bonnet, flared wheel arches, long wheel base and narrow projections, the car boats an unmistakable appearance. The two-seats provided BMW Motorsport engineers with a good base for developing a close-to-production GT3 racing car.
The largest difference between production and racing car can be found under the bonnet: while the production version of the BMW Z4 is driven by a six cylinder engine, the GT3 car is powered by a 4.0 litre eight cylinder engine similar to the unit used in the BMW M3 GT2. This powerful heart produces over 480 hp.
The fitting of the V8 engine had a considerable influence on the development of the BMW Z4 GT3. Initially, design-space examinations were performed using CATIA V5 design software, in order to place the engine in the ideal position and meet racing specifications. The engineers then added all the other components.
The front axle of the BMW Z4 GT3 is a completely new design, based on a series concept. It is equipped with a tubular stabilizer bar with adjustable blades. The rear axle is designed as a longitudinal link axle, as with the series version of the BMW Z4. The steel body of the car comes with a safety cell made of extremely rigid, precision steel tubing welded into the body. |
 |
 |
 |
Front and rear wings, bonnet, roof, fender and many other components are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CRFP). using this lightweight, torsion resistant material contributed significantly to reduce the weight of the BMW Z4 GT3 to 1.200 kg. The BMW Z4 GT3 is available as a racing car at a cost of 298.000 Euros (excluding VAT).
Specifications: Engine V8, 3.999 cc, 92 x 75,2 mm, compression ratio 12,0:1 Maximum output approximately 480 hp at 8.300 rpm. Chassis/body: unitary construction steel body with welded safety cell; Dimensions length 4.321 mm, width 1.930 mm, height 1.210 mm, wheel base 2.496 mm, track width front 1.605 mm rear 1.630 mm.
Text Paul Damiens - Photos BMW Motorsport
Wallpapers from BMW Z4 GT3 2010 (click on picture to enlarge)
BMW Z4 GT3 2010 : Related reviews
|
