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Le Mans / ALMS
ALMS: BMW Z4 GTE Confirmed For 2013
BMW to build GTE-homolgated Z4 for 2013 American Le Mans Series season...
The BMW Z4 GT3, pictured, will be the basis for BMW's new GTE model that will compete in the American Le Mans Series next year. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)
While there had been uncertainty over its future involvement, BMW has confirmed that it will return to the American Le Mans Series next year with a new GT-class contender.
The Bavarian manufacturer revealed that it will shift its focus to a GTE-spec BMW Z4 in 2013. Based off the successful GT3 contender, the car will debut in the 61st annual Twelve Hours of Sebring in March.
First revealed in a SPEED.com exclusive in July, the long-awaited official announcement came during BMW's annual end-of-season awards banquet Saturday evening in Munich.
“This change in model shows that we are focusing fully on the BMW Z4 as an all-encompassing GT car,” said BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt. “The BMW Z4 GT3 has been very successful on the GT3 scene in recent years, and has proven its ability to win races. I am confident this car will also play a major role as a GTE car in the ALMS.”
The Z4 GTE replaces the venerable M3 GT, which has been in the ALMS since 2009. Over the course of four seasons, it collected back-to-back GT championships, including the driver, team and manufacturer titles in 2011, along with seven class victories, all in the hands of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (BMW Team RLL).
Details of the Z4 are unclear at this moment but it's believed the car is nearing the completion of its initial homologation and will begin on-track testing early next year.
Full details on BMW's 2013 ALMS program are expected to be announced next month.
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
The Bavarian manufacturer revealed that it will shift its focus to a GTE-spec BMW Z4 in 2013. Based off the successful GT3 contender, the car will debut in the 61st annual Twelve Hours of Sebring in March.
First revealed in a SPEED.com exclusive in July, the long-awaited official announcement came during BMW's annual end-of-season awards banquet Saturday evening in Munich.
“This change in model shows that we are focusing fully on the BMW Z4 as an all-encompassing GT car,” said BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt. “The BMW Z4 GT3 has been very successful on the GT3 scene in recent years, and has proven its ability to win races. I am confident this car will also play a major role as a GTE car in the ALMS.”
The Z4 GTE replaces the venerable M3 GT, which has been in the ALMS since 2009. Over the course of four seasons, it collected back-to-back GT championships, including the driver, team and manufacturer titles in 2011, along with seven class victories, all in the hands of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (BMW Team RLL).
Details of the Z4 are unclear at this moment but it's believed the car is nearing the completion of its initial homologation and will begin on-track testing early next year.
Full details on BMW's 2013 ALMS program are expected to be announced next month.
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
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