BMW Motorsport has released detailed specs for this year's DTM contender, the M4 DTM, along with photos of the car.
The M4 bodywork provides aerodynamic advantages over last year’s M3 DTM shell, and the new car is 80 kg lighter than its predecessor. BMW says that “the weight reduction and consequent lowering of the center of gravity are key to the car’s performance on the racetrack. The basic weight of the BMW M4 DTM, with driver, is 1,110 kilograms.”
Development work on the 2014 car began before the start of the 2013 season; the first model appeared in the wind tunnel in April 2013. New suspension parts for the car were tested in December under the 2013 car’s bodywork.
BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt said, “Preparing a new car for the DTM is a big challenge. In few other series is aerodynamics so important. Even the slightest detail can make the difference between success and failure. And this attention to detail shown by our engineers is apparent at first glance – from the elongated bonnet with its steeply sloping front and aerodynamically optimized wing mirrors, to the contoured roofline that is a characteristic feature of the BMW M4.”
Technical details of the car appear below.
The new car will be tested in Hungary from March 31 to April 3 and then again at Hockenheim from April 14 to April 17. The 2014 DTM season will begin in Hockenheim on May 4.—Brian S. Morgan
Technical data for the BMW M4 DTM.
Chassis: carbon-fiber monocoque with integrated tank and steel roll cage; carbon-fiber crash elements on sides; carbon fiber crash elements on front and rear
Length/width/height: 4,775 mm/1,950 mm/approx. 1,200 mm
Tank capacity: 120 liters
Engine: 90° V8 aspirated engine, four valves per cylinder, 2 x 28.0 mm air restrictors (in accordance with regulations)
Capacity: 4,000 ccm
Output: approx. 480 bhp (with air restrictors, in accordance with regulations)
Max. torque: approx. 500 Nm
Engine management system: Bosch MS 5.1 engine control unit, central display
Transmission: Sequential 6-speed sports gearbox, operated via pneumatic shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel; 4-plate ZF Sachs carbon-fiber clutch; adjustable multi-disc limited-slip differential
Front axle/rear axle: Double wishbone axle with pushrods and adjustable shock absorbers with six settings; H&R coil springs
Brakes: Hydraulic dual-circuit braking system; monoblock, light-alloy brake calipers; inner-ventilated brake discs at front and rear; brake-force distribution can be adjusted by driver; electromagnetic starting valve
Wheels: Forged aluminum rims; 18" x 12" front, 18" x 13" rear
Tires: Hankook; front: 300-680-18, rear: 320-710-18
