BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant

[Aiolos]

Would love to see one in action, but that's highly unlikely. Also, as a GT3 model, it's really really expensive. Probably a lot cheaper to just get ManHart or Dinan to do it for you. Still cool though Wish I had real pics...

BMW Z4 GT3 coming in 2010 with M3 powerplant

Source: Autoblog

BMW Motorsport has announced a lust-worthy addition to its growing line of customer racing offerings in the form of the BMW Z4 GT3.

Although BMW hasn't released pics yet, the factory-built Z4 will be powered by an uprated version of the M3's 4.0-liter V8 currently fitted to the race-ready M3 GT2. Controlled by a Type-408 ECU and Power400 control unit, the 4.0-liter V8 is good for a claimed 480 horsepower and sends its ample grunt through a standard six-speed sequential gearbox. Central-locking wheels, ABS and a host of other kit will allow the Z4 GT3 to campaign in a number of sanctioned events, including the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open, ADAC GT Masters and several 24-hour enduros.

Deliveries begin in the second quarter of 2010, with an estimated price of 298,000 euro, or over $425,000 on a straight exchange. Full details and ordering information available in the press release below the fold.

[Source: BMW Motorsport]

PRESS RELEASE

As part of its customer racing programme, BMW Motorsport is offering private teams another attractive car from 2010: the BMW Z4 GT3. This sports car is an impressive addition to the BMW product range and offers drivers and teams the opportunity to compete in international and national championships in accordance with GT3 regulations ? such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open and the ADAC GT Masters ? as well as in 24-hour endurance races.

The BMW Z4 GT3 is powered by a four-litre, eight-cylinder engine producing approximately 480 bhp. When it comes to electronics, the private teams can look forward to innovative BMW solutions, which have proven themselves in the BMW M3 GT2: the engine is controlled by the modern ECU 408, while the Power400 control unit is responsible for operating all actuators. The transmission takes place via a sequential, six-speed gearbox. The scope of delivery also includes rims with locking and safety clips, as well as racing ABS and optional air conditioning.

The BMW Z4 GT3 in its racing version is available from the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of 298,000 Euro (plus VAT). If interested, please send an email to Z4GT3@bmw-motorsport.com or send a fax to +49 89 382 208 55.

Note: Picture is of a BMW Z4 sDrive35is.

 

[MadCat360]

400 grand! That's an expensive GT3 car. 911 GT3 Cups are, what, 175?

 

[Mitlov]

It's a travesty that there's no Z4M with this engine available at a reasonable price. What has BMW come to when they offer an X5M but no Z4M (outside of the professional-racer circuit)?

 

[TBoneUs]

400 grand! That's an expensive GT3 car. 911 GT3 Cups are, what, 175?

Yep, but I saw a few guys in a race from Abu Daubi I got from RU who had built a few of these themselves (well payed someone at least) So apparently there is a market. For those people who feel like paying GT2 prices for racing in GT3 just so they dont have to drive a Porsche.

 

[Suedschleife]

400 grand! That's an expensive GT3 car. 911 GT3 Cups are, what, 175?

Funnily enough the "GT3 Cup" aren't build to GT3 regulations, the "GT3 CUP S" (250K ? +tax for the 2009 model) and starting 2010 the "GT3 R" (280K + tax) are. For completeness sake, the GT3 RSR (380K ? + tax for the 2009 model) is build to GT2 regulations..

 

[MadCat360]

Funnily enough the "GT3 Cup" aren't build to GT3 regulations, the "GT3 CUP S" (250K ? +tax for the 2009 model) and starting 2010 the "GT3 R" (280K + tax) are. For completeness sake, the GT3 RSR (380K ? + tax for the 2009 model) is build to GT2 regulations..

Ah, right, forgot about that.

 

[LeMans GTR]

It's a travesty that there's no Z4M with this engine available at a reasonable price. What has BMW come to when they offer an X5M but no Z4M (outside of the professional-racer circuit)?

Hah the said they weren't going to do something else last year and they ended up doing it. Bets are on a Z4M coming soon even if they won't admit it. face it BMW you can't resist....