BMWs M4 DTM Gets our Vote!

With four titles in three years, the BMW M4 DTM is synonymous with great success in the most competitive touring car series in the world. Marco Wittmann won the Drivers’ title with this car in both 2014 and 2016. BMW Team RMG also picked up the Teams’ title in 2014, while BMW won the Manufacturers’ Championship in 2015. In 2017, the new BMW M4 DTM is set to make its debut. The car has been given a complete workover and undergone significant development in accordance with DTM regulations.

IN FOCUS.

The BMW M4 DTM in detail.

Many areas of the second generation of BMW M4 DTM have been developed compared to its predecessor. These include the aerodynamics, rear wing, transmission and chassis. Here’s an overview.

Aerodynamics.

The flow topology around the car has been completely revised. The front bumper now has a completely new shape and forms the starting point for increased air flow around the car. The wing mirrors return to a more conventional design in 2017. Among the many clearly visible modifications are the more prominent contouring of the side channel, the vent ducts on the rear wheel arches, which are being used for the first time, and the incredibly detailed design of the rear of the car.

Rear wing.

The Drag Reduction System (DRS) has been modified, in order to make overtaking easier. Until now, the rear wing consisted of just one profile and was lowered as one part when DRS was triggered. The rear wing of the new BMW M4 DTM is made up of two profiles, with the just the top profile tilting downwards when DRS is activated. The end plates no longer move with the wing. The range of adjustment for the system is up to 40 degrees for 2017, making it more efficient than last year.

Engine.

When it comes to the engine, the DTM regulations for the 2017 season allow a larger diameter for the air restrictors, through which the engine draws in its combustion air. Having enlarged the air restrictors from 2 x 28 millimetres to 2 x 29 millimetres, the charge cycle was adapted accordingly. This increased the engine performance by about 25 hp to over 500 hp. Because the engine, now known as the P66/1, takes more cooling due to the increased performance, the cooling air intakes towards the front of the car have also been modified.

Gearbox.

BMW Power continues to be transferred to the track via a six-speed, sequential racing transmission, which is operated pneumatically via shift paddles on the steering wheel. It has eleven transmission ratios, which allow the engineers and drivers to react to the circuit and engine characteristics when setting-up the car.

Chassis.

The chassis consists of many standard parts: shock absorbers, anti-roll bar, wishbone, wheel mounts, wheel hubs and wheel nuts are now prescribed as standard. However, the BMW Motorsport engineers had free rein when it came to the side springs and the third element of the front axle, as well as the configuration and layout of the standard parts.