Alexander Sims spent last weekend helping the Ecurie Ecosse BMW Z4 GT3 finish second in class at the 24 Hours of Spa. We were lucky enough to join him onboard during the race for a one question interview.
We asked: “So Alexander, what’s it like to fly through Eau Rouge in a world class GT3 racecar?” Watch the video after the break for his reply.
[Source: GridStars | Thanks to Aaron for the tip]
Official looking pics of the BMW Z4 GT3 emerged earlier this month, but until now no details had been released from BMW’s PR spin doctors. However, at the time those first pics appeared it turns out BMW was delivering the Z4 GT3 to customers.
There seems to have been method to BMW’s PR approach, maybe. Now, with customer experience to report on, BMW Motorsport boss Mario Theissen can say stuff like, “The feedback on the BMW Z4 GT3 is extremely positive.” Not real convincing is it. But there’s no reason it shouldn’t be, the Z4 GT3 looks like a right little monster.
As expected the Z4 GT3 car is powered by a 4.0 litre V8 sourced from the M3 GT2. It’s good for more than 480bhp. Other technologies and developments from the Gt2 have been adapted, as well. Things like engine management, ABS, traction control and the sequential shift transmission have all benefitted from previous race experience.
The use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic for the majority of body panels has helped keep weight down to 1200kg. For those not so quick with their sums, that gives the Z4 GT3 a power to weight ratio of around 400hp per ton. That should do.
You can have your very own Z4 GT3 for just €300K (AU$445K). Well, go on then, don’tlet me stop you.
Expect to see the latest BMW purpose-built racer in the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters and the International GT Open. Longer one-off 24 hour races such as Nürburgring, Spa and Dubai are also likely to feature the Z4 GT3. Until you see images and action from these events you might have to make do with the images available after the jump.
UPDATE: A brief video of the Z4 GT3 in action at the Nürburgring is available at AUSringers.
UPDATE 25 April: Pics from the Z4 GT3 in practice and racing in the VLN series have been added below.