Dingolfing. Focus firmly on the 2019 DTM season: The BMW M4
DTM, modified to comply with Class 1 regulations and powered by the
newly-developed BMW two-litre turbo engine, made its first
appearance at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. With BMW works driver
Bruno Spengler (CAN) at the wheel, the car completed its first
kilometres with BMW Turbo Power.
The turbo engine is a key component of the new Class
1 regulations, which come into force in the 2019 DTM season. The
previous V8 engines are being replaced by efficient and significantly
more powerful four-cylinder turbo engines with two-litre capacity. All
the modifications required to fit the new engine, in accordance with
Class 1 regulations, have already been made on the BMW M4 DTM. These
include alterations to the air inlets and outlets, as well as the
intake and exhaust system. Further evolutionary phases, based on the
new regulations, will be implemented before the new car is homologated.
“BMW Turbo Power has enjoyed success in motor racing for almost
50 years. In the first year with a BMW turbo engine, back in 1969,
Dieter Quester was immediately crowned European touring car champion
with the BMW 2002 TI. In 1973, the BMW 2002 turbo became the first
German production automobile to feature a turbocharger. We are now
adding a new chapter to this story in the DTM,” said BMW Motorsport
Director Jens Marquardt. “Our first few kilometres of the Class 1 era
went very positively. We are happy with all the functional tests. The
new turbo sounds awesome. However, its most impressive attribute is
its efficiency – despite being considerably more powerful than its predecessor.”
“After my first kilometres with the new DTM engine, I can hardly
wait for next season,” said Spengler. “I can just imagine how much fun
it will be to take to the track with so much BMW Turbo Power. You can
feel the extra horsepower. We will put on even more of a show for the
fans in 2019. The amount of time at full-throttle is reduced – but the
top speed is higher than before. We will have to work even harder at
the wheel.”
The first ITR test in preparation for the 2019 season is
scheduled to take place from 11th to
14th November 2018 at Estoril (POR).