While having already completed an initial test at Monteblanco in Spain, the Z4 GTE will make it’s official on-track debut on Feb. 21 at Sebring International Raceway, as part of a two-day test which will also include a planned 12-hour simulation run for the new beast.

"I think it's fair to say that we look at this new car with a lot of optimism,” said BMW Team RLL team principal Bobby Rahal. “There's going to be ups and downs, there always is with a new car. Luckily it's based somewhat on the GT3 version, so it's not like a total unknown.

“But I also respect the competition we face in the GTE category of the ALMS. It's tough out there. We have to have our 'A' game every day. I can assure everyone that we're going to give this partnership 100 percent."

Added Marquardt: "It's always difficult to say in the first year where you stand. We'll obviously see in a few weeks at Sebring but I think looking at how the Z4 was in the GT3 category, I'm quite sure it will get close to that level quite soon in the GTE version of the car as well.

“We'll have to work with the ACO together, obviously. But I think together with Michelin, our tire partner, Bobby and his guys will be very quickly up to the performance level of the M3, and we'll see where it goes. This year will obviously be a development year but towards the end of the year we will be very close again."

John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at