BMW M Motorsport Unveils the Highly Anticipated 2022 BMW M4 GT3 for GT Racing Enthusiasts
After months of rigorous testing, BMW M Motorsport has finally released the final product of the new 2022 BMW M4 GT3, marking a significant milestone in the world of GT racing. This long-awaited replacement for the venerable M6 GT3, which debuted in 2016, is built to the latest 2022 GT3 regulation created by the FIA GT Commission.
The M4 GT3: A Closer Look
The M4 GT3 sees BMW return to its most famous GT/Touring car platform, reminiscent of the M3, which previously championed the small two-door car for the marque. The first insight into the 2022 regulations, the M4 offers a glimpse into what might lie ahead from other manufacturers.
Notably, the chassis is significantly widened via external bodywork (in carbon fibre) to accommodate wider racing tires, a feature in line with existing homologated GT3 models.
Within these flared dimensions, a number of racing-specific cooling vents have been provided, including around the front headlight surrounds and on the side of the car, just prior to the rear wheel.
A large duct in the rear boot lid provides entry of cooling air for oil cooling serving the rear axle-mounted X-trac 6-speed sequential paddle shift-controlled gearbox, and any air conditioning units. At the front of the car, a new oversized BMW ‘kidney’ grille dominates the nose, split into 3 sections to serve the engine radiator (laid angular) and intercoolers for the 3.0-liter straight-six turbocharged engine.
The aforementioned new engine marks a departure from the M6’s turbo V8 and a return to the spiritual six-cylinder engine configuration the M3/M4 is famous for (albeit with forced induction), producing 582 bhp (430kW) of power. It is relocated as far back and low as possible in the engine bay to optimize weight distribution.
Aerodynamic Features
Aerodynamic features include a straightforward front splitter with a wide central raised section breaking the horizontal plane created at its outer edges. The rear of the car boasts a large swan-neck mounted rear wing with a central raised chord almost spanning the full width of the car, CFD-modelled to pair with the car’s 3-tunnel rear diffuser that pulls air from the flat floor.
The interior is still very much on par with current GT3 models, featuring an F1-style steering wheel (by Fanatec) and Bosch racing displays. In line with the previous specification, an FIA-grade roll cage, helmet hatch, and safety equipment such as dual nets and extinguishers are accommodated.
A Well-Balanced Package
Overall, the new M4 GT3 is a clean new design that appears to be a very well-balanced package, reducing both purchase costs (at 415,000 euro, the car is 4,000 euro less than its predecessor) and operating costs versus the outgoing BMW M6 GT3, while providing consistency in lap times – a big plus for GT3 customers. The new M4 GT3 is set to make waves in the GT racing world, and we can’t wait to see it in action.
Photos by JP Wagner.
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