BMW Z4 (E89) - BMW Z4 GTE

BMW Z4 GTE

In late 2012, BMW Motorsport set out to replace the successful M3 GT/GT2, a car which brought BMW two team and manufacturers' championships (2010 & 2011), one drivers championship (2011), as well as back to back Sebring 12 Hour GT class wins in 2011 and 2012 in the American Le Mans Series; as well as numerous victories in the then Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, now the World Endurance Championship in Europe. BMW turned to the successful Z4 GT3 platform to develop a GT/GTE specification race car for the ALMS, and any GTE class series. The Z4 GTE uses the Z4 body, and same 4.4 litre V8 engine as the GT3 car. The drivetrain and gearbox are much the same in the two different types of Z4. The engine in the GT3 version produces around 500 horsepower, likewise in the GTE version, but the RPM limits are 9000, and 7500, respectively. Most of the differences between the two automobiles are in aerodynamics. The GT3 car has much more sophisticated aero, with a set of winglets on the front fenders to provide additional downforce. Both cars share a front splitter, while the GTE has slight modifications on the side edges to condition the airflow around the front wheels. The GT3 version also has a double deck rear wing, with the GTE car having a single deck wing. The rear diffuser is also less aggressive in the GTE version; it also has much wider bodywork in the rear of the car, with heavily modified aero around the wheel arches, front, and specifically rear, compared to the GT3. The car was debuted at the 2013 12 Hours of Sebring, running competitively despite being a new car. Leading the GTE class at times, both Z4 GTE's encountered suspension problems with three hours to go, and went 3-5 laps down from the class leaders. The cars also showed exceptional handling, but a slight lack in straight line speed, which is expected to be addressed with ongoing aerodynamic development from BMW Motorsport through the ALMS season.