BMW started to work on the new M4 GT3 pretty much in the same time with the new generation M4. But the race car went to its own process of development and testing. It all started back in 2019 with CFD computer simulations and continued in July, 2020 with the first real testing at BMW's plant in Dingolfing. From there, lots of testing was made on race tracks around the world. After each testing the car was further optimized to make it ready for its racing career.

Finally, on June 26th, 2021 the M4 GT3 made its first race debut at season’s Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) and from there will be heading to BMW M Motorsport teams for the 2022 racing season.

The M4 GT3 is priced at $530,000. An additional Competition Package adds another $55,000. The car can be raced in the GT Daytona and GT Daytona Pro classes of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Design

The M4 GT3 comes to replace the M6 GT3. In comparison, it is more dynamic, lighter, and more powerful.

It measures 5,020 mm (197.6378) in length and 2,040 mm (80.31 inches) in width. By comparison, the M6 GT3 measured 4,975 mm (195.86 inches) in length and 2,046 mm (80.55 inches) in height. Also, the wheelbase has been increased on the M4 GT3: 2,917 mm (114.84 inches) compared to 2,901 mm (114.21 inches). The only dimensions that remained unchanged was the height: 1,308 mm (51.49 inches).

While designing the M4 GT3, BMW M tried to retain the essence of the M4 Competition as much as possible. So, if you remove the racing decals, looking from pretty much every angle you will think you are looking at a standard M4 Competition.

The M4 GT3 retains the huge kidney grille, the roof with its two longitudinal fins, and even the heavily raked rear window. You will actually have to move to the rear of the M4 GT3 to notice some differences.

The steering wheel

The interior was of course heavily modified to meet FIA's latest safety regulations, but the coolest feature is the all-new steering wheel. It actually had its own launch event back in December 2020 during the BMW SIM Live Event. It was developed in cooperation with FANATEC, and it is so special because it is the first steering wheel of its kind that works in both a real car and a simulator.

When asked about the new steering wheel, BMW works driver Philipp Eng said: "Compared to the steering wheel in the BMW M6 GT3, for example, the new wheel has extremely good ergonomics. It is very comfortable to hold. You can tell that real professionals have been at work in every area."

In fact, sim racers around the world can order it starting the second quarter of 2021.

Engine

Under the hood it keeps the same 3.0-liter inline-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology from the M4 Competition. But in the race version, the engine received a few changes, including the installation of an angle, dry sump, engine-mounted oil tank with integrated oil/water exchanger, intake system with charge cycle split, and two throttle valves. There is also a new exhaust system with charge cycle split, engine mount, and attachment adapted to GT3, plus rear torsional vibration dampers.

When compared to the engine found in the M6 GT3, the one from the M4 GT3 is about 40 kg lighter - which of course translates into better weight distribution.

The standard transmission has also been replaced with a sequential, straight-toothed 6-speed gearbox - something similar to what you can find in the M8 GTE. It will improve runtime, cost efficiency, and performance.

Racing Debut

The new BMW M4 GT3 will make its North American competition debut at the 2022 Rolex 24 At Daytona.