MUNICH, Germany — BMW Motorsport will offer private teams a new race-ready model for 2010: the BMW Z4 GT3, so called because it's been engineered to comply with European GT3 regulations.
Slated to begin reaching customers in the second quarter of 2010, the Z4 GT3 will be eligible to participate in the FIA GT3 European Championship, the International GT Open and the ADAC GT Masters, as well as such 24-hour endurance races as Le Mans and Spa.
The big news is the addition of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, adapted from the M3 and reworked to deliver 480 horsepower through a sequential six-speed gearbox.
BMW Motorsport said it can deliver the car with racing rims with locking and safety clips, racing ABS and air-conditioning.
The estimated factory price is $425,000, plus local taxes.
Inside Line says: A worthy companion to the twin-turbo BMW Z4 sDrive35is that will be shown next month in Detroit. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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charlesb says:
10:42 AM, 12/27/2009
All that and a folding hardtop too. Wow!
levi757 says:
10:17 PM, 12/23/2009
Can anybody confirm if this is actually using a turbocharged version of the 4.0L M3 V8 or is it a naturally aspired version akin to the M3 GT2 which is 4.4L and making 450hp? Its been reported on different sites both ways as to what engine it is actually using. It has no relevance at $425,000 but it does give insight as to what the next M3 will possibly liken.
kevinlch says:
01:59 PM, 12/23/2009
425k, they're out of their mind
gmhl10 says:
11:28 AM, 12/23/2009
Jeez, for $425K, wouldn't it be better to look at cheaper but just as good options like a Porsche GT2 or a Ferrari F430 Challenge or the like?