We were surprised late last week to see the first images of the new flagship BMW Motorsport race car, the BMW M6 GT3! Even though the car was sporting a concept-car swirl livery, you can still tell that this car looks very aggressive.
The M6 GT3 got its first shakedown last Saturday at BMW's test track next to the Dingolfing factory with Jörg Müller behind the wheel. Here is what Jörg had to say about the roll-out:
“This is a big moment for everyone who has worked so intensely and passionately on the development of the BMW M6 GT3 in recent months,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “This car incorporates all the experience we have gained in recent years on the endurance and GT racing circuits. We are well on schedule with the development, and are confident we will be able to take to the track in 2016 with a package that is competitive from the outset. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved with this fantastic project.”
“It is a fantastic moment when you walk into the garage and see this stunningly beautiful car. I am very proud to have taken it out for its first few kilometres. A roll-out is obviously just an initial performance test but, on the whole, everything was very good and we had no problems. The engine really impressed me. It is powerful and has good torque, which is important for a car like this. I am confident that BMW Motorsport will provide its customers with a fantastic racing car, in the BMW M6 GT3.”
According to BMW Motorsport, the M6 GT3 development is progessing just as planned. The new car will be powered by a 4.4-litre V8 M TwinPower Turbo production engine, which has been the subject of modifications for its use on the racetrack. It has dry sump lubrication and generates over 500 hp, with a total car weight of less than 2,866 pounds.
Even though the M6 is already a wide car, the M6 GT3 looks to have some very wide fenders to stuff meaty Michelin slicks underneath. There is also lots of air scoops in the bodywork and an enormous wing, all of which has been tested in the BMW wind tunnel.
Anyone interested in purchasing a BMW M6 GT3 can send an E-mail to M6GT3NA@bmw-motorsport.com. They will then be registered and be the first to hear any new information about the car.—Nate Risch
[Pictures courtesy of BMW Motorsport]
