BMW Motorsport developing M6 GT3 racecar, will be available to order in 2015

By Andrew Hard Published October 7, 2014

BMW’s Z4 GT3 racecar has been competing in its namesake class since 2010, and it’s garnered victories and podium positions in everything from the FIA GT3 European Championship to the Dubai 24 Hour endurance event and the 2011 Autobacs Super GT Series.

As we round the corner to the 2016 season, though, BMW is looking to step it up.

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The German automaker released two teaser sketches of its M6 GT3 racecar this week, and to nobody’s surprise, it looks like an absolute beast.

BMW M6 GT3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

“There are few things more exciting than the development of a completely new car like the BMW M6 GT3,” said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director. “This car’s properties make it predestined to succeed the BMW Z4 GT3.”

Given its impressive starting point, the M6 Coupe, the M6 GT3 looks to have all the tools to do just that.

Related: How do you make a BMW better? On the B6, Alpina’s answer was ‘more of everything’

It’s 4.4-liter, S63 twin-turbo V8 sends an impressive 560 horsepower to the rear wheels, which is good for a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. For GT3 duty, the four-door coupe’s engine will be massaged for more power, and the dual-clutch transmission will likely be dumped for a race-bred sequential unit.

The M6 will need to go on a serious diet, as the coupe weighs 4,244 pounds from the factory. Its roof is made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic off the production line, but most of the body panels will be swapped, and creature comforts like the Bang & Olufsen sound system, night vision, and head-up display will have to go.

For reference, the Z4 GT3 was lightened by around 600 lbs for its assignment to motorsport.

“One thing is certain from the first design sketches,” said Marquardt, “this car is going to have the wow factor.”

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

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You Asked: State of smartphone design, Slate Truck breakdown, and soundbars under $600

You Asked

On today’s You Asked: What's to come with the new Slate Truck and its potential availability? Is it worth the hype? Why does it feel like smartphone design and innovation has stalled recently? And why do directors think that ultra wide 21:9 is a good ratio for movies?
Slate Truck breakdown with John McCann
Some of you have been in touch to ask about the availability of the new Slate Truck. I'll go through the preorder process in a moment, but first, let's get everyone up to speed on this newly unveiled EV. What is it? What makes it stand out? And why is it generating so much buzz?
This is being touted as a sub-$20,000 electric truck after government incentives, and you’ll be able to customize it to your heart’s content. It stands out not so much for what it offers, but for what it doesn’t offer as standard. There’s just one trim and one paint color. No touchscreen, no stereo, no Bluetooth, no electric windows.

So, what do you get? There are two seats. There's a five-meter bed, good for payloads up to 1,400 pounds. There's AC, steel wheels, and hand-cranked windows, plus all the standard driver safety assists you’d expect from a modern vehicle. There’s a rear-mounted electric motor, a roomy frunk, and a battery rated for about 150 miles, according to Slate.
That isn’t great in the world of EV range, but a larger battery will be available to push that figure up to a more reasonable 240 miles. That bigger battery is just one of over 100 add-ons Slate is making available. These will be offered not just at the point of purchase but also at any time during your ownership, allowing you to swap and upgrade as your needs evolve.
Want to add a splash of color? Check out the vast range of vinyl wraps you can apply and remove from the truck at will. There’s also an SUV upgrade kit that converts your two-seater truck into a five-seater car. Inside, infotainment is strictly “bring your own device.” There’s no touchscreen, no built-in CarPlay, not even a stereo. Instead, you get a universal phone mount and a few USB ports. You can also add holders for a tablet if you want a bigger display, and a Bluetooth speaker if you want to listen to music while out for a drive.

Cars

ID. Buzz recall appears to have made automotive history

The VW ID.Buzz electric van.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recalled almost 5,700 ID. Buzz electric vans because the VW-made vehicle has too much space in the back.

OK, let us explain. The U.S. regulator has found that the third-row bench seat of the ID. Buzz is ostensibly designed for two people and therefore has two seat belts built in. But it’s wide enough for three, and as a result, the NHTSA wants the German auto giant to make some changes so that it fully complies with the required safety standards.

Cars

My next car must have this Carplay and Android Auto feature, here’s why

Google Maps in full screen on the driver's second display on the Chevy Equinox 2025

I’ve been driving a Chevrolet Equinox 2025 SUV rental car for the past week, and it’s reminded me exactly what my next car needs. It runs Android Automotive, which I’ve already decided is a requirement in my next car, but the more convenient feature is arguably how Chevrolet has approached its CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

CarPlay and Android Auto offer immense benefits and virtually no pitfalls to drivers. They’re designed to bring your phone and its apps into your car, and make it easier to access up-to-date maps and traffic data without relying on often-archaic solutions implemented by your carmaker.