2012 DTM champ Bruno Spengler is looking to get back to the top of the championship aboard the new BMW M4.
By: BMW
April 30, 2014
Changes are afoot for BMW Motorsport in the 2014 DTM season. Having claimed a total of 51 race wins over the course of eight seasons in the popular touring car series, the BMW M3 will be absent from the starting grid this time around. BMW had already won two titles with this model in 1987 and 1989, and the BMW M3 DTM added to the success story when the manufacturer returned to the DTM: Bruno Spengler won the Drivers' Championship in 2012, while the team and manufacturer titles also went to BMW, who successfully defended the title in the Manufacturers' Championship in 2013.
It is now the turn of the BMW M4 DTM to take the place of its iconic and successful predecessor. The development team in Munich began working hard on the 2014 car well before the BMW M3 bid farewell at the end of last season. The attention to detail of the engineers is obvious at first glance – from the elongated bonnet with its steeply sloping nose and the aerodynamically optimised wing mirrors to the BMW M4 characteristic roof indentation.
The eight new cars will be run by the four BMW teams RBM, Schnitzer, MTEK and RMG in 2014. When it comes to the drivers, BMW Motorsport is once again putting its faith in Augusto Farfus, Joey Hand, Bruno Spengler, Martin Tomczyk, Timo Glock and Marco Wittmann.
Two drivers are making their DTM debuts: Maxime Martin has been promoted from test and development driver to a regular seat. A new addition to the BMW Motorsport family is António Félix da Costa.
The season consists of ten races. The DTM will make six appearances in Germany – at the season-opener and finale in Hockenheim, in Oschersleben, at the Norisring, at the Nürburgring and at the Lausitzring. Four races will take place outside of Germany: in Budapest, Moscow, Spielberg and Guangzhou.
BMW TEAM SCHNITZER – NON-STOP WINNERS
In 2014, both former DTM champions in the BMW Motorsport fold are competing for BMW Team Schnitzer: Bruno Spengler and Martin Tomczyk. Together, the two drivers have over 220 races to their name, making them the most experienced driving duo in the DTM. The no-less experienced BMW Team Schnitzer ought to be the ideal outfit to get the very best out of the two ex-champions.
Team Principal Charly Lamm's outfit won the DTM title with Roberto Ravaglia at the wheel of the BMW M3 back in 1989. When the team returned to the DTM in 2012, Spengler sensationally won the Drivers' Championship at the first attempt. BMW Team Schnitzer also topped the team competition. Spengler ended last season in third place, with Schnitzer fourth in the Team Championship.
The crew from Freilassing also scooped the "Best Pit Stop Award" for the fastest tyre changes in the DTM field. In 2014, BMW Team Schnitzer has its sights set firmly on adding another chapter to its 50-year success story with BMW.
MILESTONES
1975 1st place Formula 2 European Championship
1983, 1986, 1988 1st place European Touring Car Championship
1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1995 1st place 24h race Spa-Francorchamps
1987 1st place World Touring Car Championship
1989, 1991, 2004, 2005, 2010 1st place 24h race Nürburgring
1989 1st place DTM
1993 1st place British Touring Car Championship
1994 1st place Asia-Pacific Championship
1st place Japanese Touring Car Championship
1st place ADAC Super-Tourenwagen-Cup
1998 1st place German Super Touring Car Championship
1999 1st place 24h race Le Mans
1st place 12h race Sebring
2001 1st place GT class American Le Mans Series
2002 2nd and 4th place FIA ETCC
2003 2nd and 5th place FIA ETCC
2004 2nd and 4th place FIA ETCC
2005 2nd and 5th place FIA WTCC
2006 2nd and 6th place FIA WTCC
2007 4th and 7th place FIA WTCC
2008 6th and 7th place FIA WTCC
2009 3rd and 6th place FIA WTCC
2011 2nd place 24h race Nürburgring
2012 1st and 9th place DTM drivers' competition
1st place DTM team competition
2013 3rd and 13th place DTM drivers' competition
4th place DTM team competition
1983, 1986, 1988 1st place European Touring Car Championship
1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1995 1st place 24h race Spa-Francorchamps
1987 1st place World Touring Car Championship
1989, 1991, 2004, 2005, 2010 1st place 24h race Nürburgring
1989 1st place DTM
1993 1st place British Touring Car Championship
1994 1st place Asia-Pacific Championship
1st place Japanese Touring Car Championship
1st place ADAC Super-Tourenwagen-Cup
1998 1st place German Super Touring Car Championship
1999 1st place 24h race Le Mans
1st place 12h race Sebring
2001 1st place GT class American Le Mans Series
2002 2nd and 4th place FIA ETCC
2003 2nd and 5th place FIA ETCC
2004 2nd and 4th place FIA ETCC
2005 2nd and 5th place FIA WTCC
2006 2nd and 6th place FIA WTCC
2007 4th and 7th place FIA WTCC
2008 6th and 7th place FIA WTCC
2009 3rd and 6th place FIA WTCC
2011 2nd place 24h race Nürburgring
2012 1st and 9th place DTM drivers' competition
1st place DTM team competition
2013 3rd and 13th place DTM drivers' competition
4th place DTM team competition
BRUNO SPENGLER – CAR NUMBER 9
Bruno Spengler is one of the most experienced and successful drivers in the DTM. The Canadian has been racing in this series since 2005 and enters his tenth DTM season in 2014. He has ended every year since 2006 in the top five of the Drivers' Championship – and is regularly in contention in the title race.
Spengler's biggest success to date came in 2012, his very first year as a BMW works driver, when he was crowned DTM champion. In 2013 he was once again in contention to regain the title, but the luck did not go his way in a number of critical race situations. After ten races, he ended the season third in the Drivers' Championship.
On the race track it's Spengler's driving skills that impress – away from the cockpit it's his sense of humour and charm. The BMW Team Schnitzer driver spends a lot of time on the golf course in his spare time and boasts an impressive handicap of just 4.7.
THREE QUESTIONS FOR ... BRUNO SPENGLERBruno, you are starting your tenth DTM season in 2014. What is the secret of your success?
BRUNO SPENGLER: "I am simply never satisfied with what I have achieved, and always want more. That is my motivation and what drives me on. Regardless of whether I have had a good season or a bad one, I am always able to draw a line under it and concentrate on the next year. I always want as much success as possible. That is no secret."
How do you like the new BMW Bank M4 DTM?
SPENGLER: "The first time I ever laid eyes on the car was a very special moment. I just find the aerodynamics and the whole look of the BMW Bank M4 DTM absolutely captivating. Maybe that is why I was so excited before my first outing in it. I felt strangely nervous on the first few laps."
SPENGLER: "The first time I ever laid eyes on the car was a very special moment. I just find the aerodynamics and the whole look of the BMW Bank M4 DTM absolutely captivating. Maybe that is why I was so excited before my first outing in it. I felt strangely nervous on the first few laps."
Could you ever have foreseen, a few years ago, that you would be driving in the same team as Martin Tomczyk?
SPENGLER: "Martin and I were rivals for a long time, and went head to head for the title. Then we both switched to BMW in 2012 and raced for the same manufacturer. Now we race together for BMW Team Schnitzer. I rate Martin very highly and we have always got on well. Tomczyk, Spengler, Schnitzer – that is a very interesting and promising combination."
SPENGLER: "Martin and I were rivals for a long time, and went head to head for the title. Then we both switched to BMW in 2012 and raced for the same manufacturer. Now we race together for BMW Team Schnitzer. I rate Martin very highly and we have always got on well. Tomczyk, Spengler, Schnitzer – that is a very interesting and promising combination."
THE NEW CHALLENGER – BMW M4 DTM
First the BMW 635 CSi, then the BMW M3: no matter which model the BMW teams have turned to over the 30-year history of the DTM, they have won races and claimed titles. Now there is a new challenger on the grid – the BMW M4 DTM. We are presenting the for the 2014 season.
DEVELOPMENT
BMW Motorsport engineers started to look ahead to 2014 and began working on the development of the new BMW M4 DTM well before the start of the 2013 DTM season. The first model made its first appearance in the wind tunnel at the BMW Group's Aero Lab on 22nd April – 13 days before the opening race of the 2013 season in Hockenheim. In the summer of 2013, while continuing with aerodynamic testing, the experts in Munich turned their attention to designing new suspension parts. The new components made their first on-track outing in December 2013 – but still within the BMW M3 DTM at that point.
The final parts for the chassis of the BMW M4 DTM were in production by the turn of the year, allowing the BMW teams to assemble the first models of the new car in January and February. Three hundred days after the first test in the wind tunnel, the BMW M4 DTM took to the track for its track debut in Monteblanco on 11th February 2014.
BMW Motorsport engineers started to look ahead to 2014 and began working on the development of the new BMW M4 DTM well before the start of the 2013 DTM season. The first model made its first appearance in the wind tunnel at the BMW Group's Aero Lab on 22nd April – 13 days before the opening race of the 2013 season in Hockenheim. In the summer of 2013, while continuing with aerodynamic testing, the experts in Munich turned their attention to designing new suspension parts. The new components made their first on-track outing in December 2013 – but still within the BMW M3 DTM at that point.
The final parts for the chassis of the BMW M4 DTM were in production by the turn of the year, allowing the BMW teams to assemble the first models of the new car in January and February. Three hundred days after the first test in the wind tunnel, the BMW M4 DTM took to the track for its track debut in Monteblanco on 11th February 2014.
The production version of the BMW M4 Coupe provided BMW Motorsport with a perfect basis for developing the DTM racing car. Hardly surprising, given the fact that the primary goal of the BMW M GmbH engineers working on the BMW M4 Coupe was to create a robust car suitable for use on the racetrack. Among those to make valuable contributions towards achieving this goal were DTM drivers Bruno Spengler and Timo Glock, who took part in tuning tests at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. "I am proud to have played my part in the fine-tuning," said Spengler. "The chassis of the BMW M4 Coupe is very sporty. The feedback from the front axle is extremely direct, and the grip on the rear axle is phenomenal. This car is the ideal basis for our car in the DTM."
PRODUCTION
The last BMW M car to roll off the assembly line at the main BMW Plant in Munich did so back in 1991. After that, production shifted to BMW Plant Regensburg. Almost 23 years later, the assembly process returned to the main factory – and just a few metres away BMW Motorsport engineers were hard at work tinkering with the racing version of the new car. However, the BMW Plants in Regensburg and Dingolfing were also involved in the development of the BMW M4 DTM. Among other things, the kilometre-long test tracks at the modern production facilities were used for aerodynamic tests. Throughout the development phase, the 2014 DTM car was to be seen at what is otherwise the venue for the exhaustive quality control checks performed on all BMW M cars.
The last BMW M car to roll off the assembly line at the main BMW Plant in Munich did so back in 1991. After that, production shifted to BMW Plant Regensburg. Almost 23 years later, the assembly process returned to the main factory – and just a few metres away BMW Motorsport engineers were hard at work tinkering with the racing version of the new car. However, the BMW Plants in Regensburg and Dingolfing were also involved in the development of the BMW M4 DTM. Among other things, the kilometre-long test tracks at the modern production facilities were used for aerodynamic tests. Throughout the development phase, the 2014 DTM car was to be seen at what is otherwise the venue for the exhaustive quality control checks performed on all BMW M cars.
DESIGN
The BMW M4 Coupe and the BMW M4 DTM lie low and flat on the tarmac. Even when stationary, the design's powerful contours underline the performance of the two brothers. Characteristic design elements, such as the modern take on the twin headlight arrangement and distinctive twin-bar kidney grille, ensure that the car clearly stands out as a BMW M vehicle. The power dome on the bonnet is equally striking. The side of the car extends the dynamic impression created by the front end. The proportions typical of the BMW M4 Coupe, such as the long bonnet, long wheel base, set-back greenhouse and
a short front overhang, formed the basis for the low and aerodynamic silhouette of the BMW M4 DTM.
The BMW M4 Coupe and the BMW M4 DTM lie low and flat on the tarmac. Even when stationary, the design's powerful contours underline the performance of the two brothers. Characteristic design elements, such as the modern take on the twin headlight arrangement and distinctive twin-bar kidney grille, ensure that the car clearly stands out as a BMW M vehicle. The power dome on the bonnet is equally striking. The side of the car extends the dynamic impression created by the front end. The proportions typical of the BMW M4 Coupe, such as the long bonnet, long wheel base, set-back greenhouse and
a short front overhang, formed the basis for the low and aerodynamic silhouette of the BMW M4 DTM.
AERODYNAMICS
Aerodynamics plays a vital role in the DTM. For this reason, the BMW Motorsport engineers devoted a lot of time to issues such as aerodynamic drag and air flow. As on the production model, the air curtains at the front of the BMW M4 DTM are designed to reduce air drag. Narrowing air ducts accelerate the airstream flowing through the front skirt, guide it systematically past the wheels, and reduce turbulence around the wheel arches. Another new feature on the BMW M4 DTM is a plate along the side channel, which lends the racing car an even more striking outline. The eye-catching contoured roofline decreases the front surface area of the BMW M4 DTM and further reduces aerodynamic drag. The flatter rear window optimises the way the airflow approaches the rear wing. The striking wing mirrors, with their twin-stalk mounts, are already a striking feature of the production model, and the mirrors on the BMW M4 DTM have also been aerodynamically optimised for the racetrack to ensure they aid efficient airflow towards the rear of the car.
Aerodynamics plays a vital role in the DTM. For this reason, the BMW Motorsport engineers devoted a lot of time to issues such as aerodynamic drag and air flow. As on the production model, the air curtains at the front of the BMW M4 DTM are designed to reduce air drag. Narrowing air ducts accelerate the airstream flowing through the front skirt, guide it systematically past the wheels, and reduce turbulence around the wheel arches. Another new feature on the BMW M4 DTM is a plate along the side channel, which lends the racing car an even more striking outline. The eye-catching contoured roofline decreases the front surface area of the BMW M4 DTM and further reduces aerodynamic drag. The flatter rear window optimises the way the airflow approaches the rear wing. The striking wing mirrors, with their twin-stalk mounts, are already a striking feature of the production model, and the mirrors on the BMW M4 DTM have also been aerodynamically optimised for the racetrack to ensure they aid efficient airflow towards the rear of the car.LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
The BMW M4 Coupe itself is a prime example of intelligent, lightweight construction. The high-performance sports car weighs just 1,497 kilograms when empty – that is a whole 80 kilograms less than its predecessor. This reduction of weight has a positive effect on the driving dynamics and consumption. This has been made possible by the extensive use of lightweight materials, such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic and aluminium. The use of carbon is also widespread in motor racing. Virtually the entire body of the BMW M4 DTM is made of this ultra-light material. The weight reduction and consequent lowering of the centre of gravity are key to the car's performance on the racetrack.
The BMW M4 Coupe itself is a prime example of intelligent, lightweight construction. The high-performance sports car weighs just 1,497 kilograms when empty – that is a whole 80 kilograms less than its predecessor. This reduction of weight has a positive effect on the driving dynamics and consumption. This has been made possible by the extensive use of lightweight materials, such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic and aluminium. The use of carbon is also widespread in motor racing. Virtually the entire body of the BMW M4 DTM is made of this ultra-light material. The weight reduction and consequent lowering of the centre of gravity are key to the car's performance on the racetrack.
SAFETY
Like the BMW M4 Coupe, the racing version also meets the highest safety standards. Over 50 of the 5,000 plus parts that make up the BMW M4 DTM are standard components, which are used in all DTM cars. One of these is the carbon fibre monocoque, which sets the benchmark in terms of safety in motorsport. With an integrated tank, steel roll cage and additional crash elements, it offers the driver effective protection in case of a crash. Parts like the gearbox, clutch, dampers and rear wing are identical in all DTM cars. This also keeps a lid on development costs.
Like the BMW M4 Coupe, the racing version also meets the highest safety standards. Over 50 of the 5,000 plus parts that make up the BMW M4 DTM are standard components, which are used in all DTM cars. One of these is the carbon fibre monocoque, which sets the benchmark in terms of safety in motorsport. With an integrated tank, steel roll cage and additional crash elements, it offers the driver effective protection in case of a crash. Parts like the gearbox, clutch, dampers and rear wing are identical in all DTM cars. This also keeps a lid on development costs.
ENGINE
The BMW P66 engine in the BMW M4 DTM generates approx. 480 bhp with the air restrictor specified in the technical regulations. It is made up of 800
different BMW M4 components, consisting of 3,900 individual parts. When designing the DTM drivetrain, BMW Motorsport took full advantage of the technological know-how within the BMW Group. The high-tech foundry connected to BMW Plant Landshut accounts for the large cast parts, such as the cylinder head and crankcase – just as it does in the production of the six-cylinder in-line engine for the BMW M4 Coupe. The cast parts are coated and given the necessary heat treatment within the appropriate departments in Munich. The BMW V8 for the DTM is both a sprinter and a marathon runner. It allows the BMW M4 DTM to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/ in about three seconds. Only ten engines are permitted for all eight BMWs over the course of the entire season. Therefore, reliability is a prerequisite to success.The engine's power is transferred via a sequential six-speed sport gearbox, which is operated pneumatically using shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The gearbox is one of the standard components, which are used by all the DTM manufacturers. It has 11 final drive ratios, which allow the engineers and drivers to react to the respective circuit and engine characteristics when setting the car up.
The BMW P66 engine in the BMW M4 DTM generates approx. 480 bhp with the air restrictor specified in the technical regulations. It is made up of 800
different BMW M4 components, consisting of 3,900 individual parts. When designing the DTM drivetrain, BMW Motorsport took full advantage of the technological know-how within the BMW Group. The high-tech foundry connected to BMW Plant Landshut accounts for the large cast parts, such as the cylinder head and crankcase – just as it does in the production of the six-cylinder in-line engine for the BMW M4 Coupe. The cast parts are coated and given the necessary heat treatment within the appropriate departments in Munich. The BMW V8 for the DTM is both a sprinter and a marathon runner. It allows the BMW M4 DTM to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/ in about three seconds. Only ten engines are permitted for all eight BMWs over the course of the entire season. Therefore, reliability is a prerequisite to success.The engine's power is transferred via a sequential six-speed sport gearbox, which is operated pneumatically using shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The gearbox is one of the standard components, which are used by all the DTM manufacturers. It has 11 final drive ratios, which allow the engineers and drivers to react to the respective circuit and engine characteristics when setting the car up.STEERING WHEEL
Additional status displays and a customised layout of the controls make the steering wheel in the new BMW M4 DTM even more comfortable for the drivers to use. The individual buttons can be allocated as the driver desires. As with the racing car, the gears on the BMW M4 Coupe can also be changed using shift paddles on the steering wheel, depending upon the configuration.
Additional status displays and a customised layout of the controls make the steering wheel in the new BMW M4 DTM even more comfortable for the drivers to use. The individual buttons can be allocated as the driver desires. As with the racing car, the gears on the BMW M4 Coupe can also be changed using shift paddles on the steering wheel, depending upon the configuration.
LIGHTS
Drivers of both the BMW M4 DTM and the BMW M4 Coupe can rely on the performance of modern LED headlamps. Light emitting diodes do more than simply save energy. Thanks to the significantly shorter reaction time compared to conventional filament lamps, the driver behind is given more notice when a driver in front of him is braking. And every fraction of a second counts on the racetrack. The light generated by LEDs is also very similar to sunlight, making it particularly easy on the eye.
Drivers of both the BMW M4 DTM and the BMW M4 Coupe can rely on the performance of modern LED headlamps. Light emitting diodes do more than simply save energy. Thanks to the significantly shorter reaction time compared to conventional filament lamps, the driver behind is given more notice when a driver in front of him is braking. And every fraction of a second counts on the racetrack. The light generated by LEDs is also very similar to sunlight, making it particularly easy on the eye.
TECHNICAL DATA
Length mm 4,775
Width mm 1,950
Height mm approx. 1,200
Tank Capacity litres 120
Weight - (incl. driver) kg 1,120 (+/-10)
Chassis - carbon-fibre monocoque with integrated tank and steel roll cage; carbon-fibre crash elements on sides; carbon fibre crash elements on front and rear
Engine - 90° V8 aspirated engine, four valves per cylinder, 2 x 28.0 mm air restrictors (in accordance with regulations)
Capacity ccm 4,000
Output bhp approx. 480 (with air restrictors, in accordance with regulations)
Max. Torque Nm approx. 500
Engine Management System - Bosch MS 5.1 engine control unit, central display
Transmission - Sequential 6-speed sports gearbox, operated via pneumatic shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel; 4-plate ZF Sachs carbon-fibre clutch; adjustable multi-disc limited-slip differential
Front Axle/Rear Axle - Double wishbone axle with pushrods and adjustable shock absorbers with six settings; H&R coil springs
Brakes - Hydraulic dual-circuit braking system; monoblock, light-alloy brake calipers; inner-ventilated brake discs at front and rear; brake-force distribution can be adjusted by driver; electromagnetic starting valve
Wheels Forged aluminium rims; 18" x 12" front, 18" x 13" rear
Tyres Hankook; front: 300-680-18, rear: 320-710-18
Length mm 4,775
Width mm 1,950
Height mm approx. 1,200
Tank Capacity litres 120
Weight - (incl. driver) kg 1,120 (+/-10)
Chassis - carbon-fibre monocoque with integrated tank and steel roll cage; carbon-fibre crash elements on sides; carbon fibre crash elements on front and rear
Engine - 90° V8 aspirated engine, four valves per cylinder, 2 x 28.0 mm air restrictors (in accordance with regulations)
Capacity ccm 4,000
Output bhp approx. 480 (with air restrictors, in accordance with regulations)
Max. Torque Nm approx. 500
Engine Management System - Bosch MS 5.1 engine control unit, central display
Transmission - Sequential 6-speed sports gearbox, operated via pneumatic shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel; 4-plate ZF Sachs carbon-fibre clutch; adjustable multi-disc limited-slip differential
Front Axle/Rear Axle - Double wishbone axle with pushrods and adjustable shock absorbers with six settings; H&R coil springs
Brakes - Hydraulic dual-circuit braking system; monoblock, light-alloy brake calipers; inner-ventilated brake discs at front and rear; brake-force distribution can be adjusted by driver; electromagnetic starting valve
Wheels Forged aluminium rims; 18" x 12" front, 18" x 13" rear
Tyres Hankook; front: 300-680-18, rear: 320-710-18
