BMW->ke178 has a storied history of taking the M3->ke2366 racing. For decades, the pumped up Bimmer has dominated race tracks in the hands of privateers and factory-backed guises. Of course, the race-prepped M3 has always been based on the Coupe and the M3 Coupe no longer exists. What is BMW to do? They turn their new M4->ke4183 into a race car, of course.

Meet the BMW M4 DTM.

Based on BMW’s new high-performance coupe, the M4 DTM will be the tool the Bavarian use to challenge for the world championship in the German Touring Car Championships. The new machine is powered by a high-revving V-8 that produces 480 horsepower. The actual engine is capable of producing much more power, but the DTM adds air-restrictor regulations to help keep the performance envelope of the cars close.

Like the previous M3 DTM, the new M4 is fitted with an extreme body kit with flared fenders and plenty of downforce. BMW had a great season when they returned to racing with the M3 two years ago. Now with that experience under their belt, the new car should be nearly unstoppable on the track.

Updated 03/14/2014: BMW revealed today four of its four eight design concepts prepared for the M4 DTM for the 2014 racing reason.

Updated 04/25/2014: BMW unveiled a new promo video for its new M4 DTM. Enjoy!

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 BMW M4 DTM.

2014 BMW M4 DTM

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 BMW M4 DTM
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 480
  • Torque: 368
  • Transmission: Sequential 6-speed sports
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The BMW M4 DTM is instantly recognizable when sitting next to its production-version base. They both share the same short overhangs, kidney grille, headlamps and rakish roof profile. While the two share quite the resemblance, you would never mistake one for the other.

The DTM car comes equipped with all the anger and fury of a full-prepped racer. The wheel track has been widened and the body features flares to match. The front end is dominated by a massive front splitter and intakes. The rear of the car is just as crazy looking with the rear diffuser and DTM specification wing. This is the most aggressive aero setup you will find this side of a Formula 1 car.

2014 BMW M4 DTM - Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,775 MM (187.99 inches)

Width

1,950 MM (76.77 inches)

Height

1,200 MM (47.24 inches)


Drivetrain

Powering the DTM car is BMW’s P66 engine. This 4.0-liter V-8 shares much of its architecture with the engine that debuted in the E90 BMW M3 in 2007. With the regulation air restrictors in place, the engine produces 480 horsepower. No torque ratings for the 2014 car have been released yet.

Shifting all that power to the rear wheels of the car is accomplished through a sequential six-speed transmission that is controlled via paddle-shifters. All together the BMW M4 DTM will hit 60 mph from a dead stop in around 3 seconds.

Engine

90° V8 aspirated engine, four valves per cylinder, 2 x 28.0 mm air restrictors (in accordance with regulations)

Capacity

4,000 ccm

Output

approx. 480 bhp (with air restrictors, in accordance with regulations)

Max. torque

approx. 500 Nm

Engine management system

Bosch MS 5.1 engine control unit, central display

Transmission

Sequential 6-speed sports gearbox, operated via pneumatic shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel; 4-plate ZF Sachs carbon-fibre clutch; adjustable multi-disc limited-slip differential


Conclusion

When BMW returned to DTM racing in 2012, the team immediately began to dominate the field. For a group with no current experience to have such a huge impact says a lot about BMW's impressive engineering team. Now with two years of current competition under their belt, the all-new M4 DTM looks to conquer the 2014 DTM season. Look for this new car when it hits the track in May for the first DTM race of the season.