BMW Motorsport switch to the Z4 GT3 in ALMS - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

MrClean335i · 08-01-2012, 10:36 AM

Speed reports BMW is in talks to race a Z4 GT2 based on the Z4 GT3. BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt stated the M3 is pretty much maxed as it is:

Quote:

Jens Marquardt

This year it has been very much down to the team and the drivers extracting 100 percent, and sometimes [more than] 100 percent, out of what was there, Whatever resources we'd put into the M3, there is not that much left in that car. I think this is really what we have to be honest with ourselves about. Looking at the potential the Z4 has, I think it's a logical evolution that could be the solution for us. We just have to make it work.

JustMpwrd · 08-01-2012, 10:56 AM

I'd love for that to happen. I'd read some news reports saying BMW might pull out of ALMS after this year if the Z4 wasn't allowed. That Z4 GT3 just looks amazing IMO.

bimmerjph · 08-03-2012, 02:23 PM

This will be interesting. I am pretty sure BMW would have to make a Z4M with the V8 for it to be legal. Otherwise it will be like the M3GTR all over again.

MrClean335i · 08-03-2012, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

This will be interesting. I am pretty sure BMW would have to make a Z4M with the V8 for it to be legal. Otherwise it will be like the M3GTR all over again.

Viper got to run their V10 so they might make an exemption for the Z4 as well.

bimmerjph · 08-03-2012, 06:42 PM

The street Viper is a V10.

MrClean335i · 08-03-2012, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

The street Viper is a V10.

but its 8.8 liters and the class max is 5.5 liters

bimmerjph · 08-03-2012, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrClean335i

but its 8.8 liters and the class max is 5.5 liters

And they let them use the 8.8L V10? Thats stupid.

Anyway I just hope BMW doesn't leave ALMS as I think it is a better representation of their road cars than DTM is.

MrClean335i · 08-03-2012, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

And they let them use the 8.8L V10? Thats stupid.

yes they did but its restricted to 8.0L and 500HP

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

Anyway I just hope BMW doesn't leave ALMS as I think it is a better representation of their road cars than DTM is.

I agree.

josepilove · 08-12-2012, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

Anyway I just hope BMW doesn't leave ALMS as I think it is a better representation of their road cars than DTM is.

Drives me nuts how all of those cars use the same chassis. Why can't it be like the golden years?

NutsaboutM3 · 08-28-2012, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

Anyway I just hope BMW doesn't leave ALMS as I think it is a better representation of their road cars than DTM is.

Sadly that BMW is withdrawing the M3 from the GT race gradually. The only left is DTM – while this make the car looks cool, I found that the race itself is boring. The cars have too little differences besides the appearance. After the qualifying in each race, there are little rooms to improve the final race result at all.

On the other hand, I wish that BMW will go back to WTCC with their official team using the new 3 series. I personally would like to see more 3 saloons and Coupes (M3) on the race track.

JC919 · 08-28-2012, 06:01 AM

I love the look of the Z4 GT3 and would love to see it in ALMS competition. Would be really nice to see an M derived roadgoing version.

BrokenVert · 08-28-2012, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josepilove

Drives me nuts how all of those cars use the same chassis. Why can't it be like the golden years?

Anybody have that video from the late 80s? Love that one

bimmerjph · 08-28-2012, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josepilove

Drives me nuts how all of those cars use the same chassis. Why can't it be like the golden years?

I know. Its almost like German NASCAR now.

bimmerjph · 08-28-2012, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NutsaboutM3

Sadly that BMW is withdrawing the M3 from the GT race gradually. The only left is DTM – while this make the car looks cool, I found that the race itself is boring. The cars have too little differences besides the appearance. After the qualifying in each race, there are little rooms to improve the final race result at all.

On the other hand, I wish that BMW will go back to WTCC with their official team using the new 3 series. I personally would like to see more 3 saloons and Coupes (M3) on the race track.

I tried watching a little of the Nurburgring race. I had to turn it off after about 2 minutes, it was terrible. Meanwhile I watched all 24 hours of the 24 Hours of Lemans without getting too bored.

mdosu · 08-28-2012, 10:13 PM

What does this mean for RLL? They're switching M3s or this will be a new team?

mdosu · 08-28-2012, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrClean335i

but its 8.8 liters and the class max is 5.5 liters

maybe for SRT team, they don't race for points. it's just marketing? so I'm confused, are they restricted to 8L or 5.5L?

BrokenVert · 08-28-2012, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

maybe for SRT team, they don't race for points. it's just marketing? so I'm confused, are they restricted to 8L or 5.5L?

Restricted to 8. The ACO made an exception for Dodge (SRT) to run with the 5.5L class so long as they put a huge air restricter on the car.

I personally think they did it for sponsorship dollars/attendance boost. Dodge was huge at Le Mans back in the late 90s. It will be really fun to see if they can rekindle the former glory.

mdosu · 08-29-2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Restricted to 8. The ACO made an exception for Dodge (SRT) to run with the 5.5L class so long as they put a huge air restricter on the car.

I personally think they did it for sponsorship dollars/attendance boost. Dodge was huge at Le Mans back in the late 90s. It will be really fun to see if they can rekindle the former glory.

agreed, the more variety the better.

I'm going to the Balitmore race this weekend. Can't wait to snap up photos of SRT team.

NutsaboutM3 · 08-29-2012, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

I know. Its almost like German NASCAR now.

More than agree!

08-28-2012, 06:01 AM	#11
JC919 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 08 e92 M3 6MT Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houston & Lake Travis, TX Posts: 1,755 iTrader: (0)	I love the look of the Z4 GT3 and would love to see it in ALMS competition. Would be really nice to see an M derived roadgoing version. __________________ 2008 AW/Blk 6MT, Akrapovic Evolution, Evosport Pulley, ESS Tune, Dinan Camber Plates, H&R Springs, Braille LWB, Other Track Goodies, TRMotorsport MT1 18s w/Michelin PSS and Hoosier R6

08-28-2012, 10:13 PM	#15
mdosu Help! Can't decide btw MW & AW, 1st world problems Drives: 2008.99989 SSII E90 "Civic" Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 5,952 iTrader: (4)	What does this mean for RLL? They're switching M3s or this will be a new team? __________________ Yes, that's a xmas tree in my trunk

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08-01-2012, 10:56 AM	#2
JustMpwrd Private Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Playa del Rey, California Posts: 89 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW E92 M3 [0.00]	I'd love for that to happen. I'd read some news reports saying BMW might pull out of ALMS after this year if the Z4 wasn't allowed. That Z4 GT3 just looks amazing IMO.

08-03-2012, 02:23 PM	#3
bimmerjph Major Drives: 2002 BMW 325i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,333 iTrader: (0)	This will be interesting. I am pretty sure BMW would have to make a Z4M with the V8 for it to be legal. Otherwise it will be like the M3GTR all over again.

08-03-2012, 06:42 PM	#5
bimmerjph Major Drives: 2002 BMW 325i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,333 iTrader: (0)	The street Viper is a V10.