BMW completes its first track tests with the M4 Turbo

The famous Class 1, which will be at the heart of the series DTM and Super GT from 2019, will offer as a major change for the German series, the transition from naturally aspirated V8 engine blocks to 4-liter turbocharged 2,0-cylinders. After a first test run carried out a few days ago, BMW Motorsport, as well as Audi Sport, took to the track more officially at the start of the week at Estoril in Portugal.

In the Munich clan, Bruno Spengler and Marco Wittmann, two former champions, were at the wheel of the M4 Turbo during the three days of running. “I have been driving V8-powered DTM cars for 14 years and this was my first time driving on track with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, emphasizes Spengler. This is totally new to me and it's so much fun. The car looks great and I'm looking forward to the next tests. »

For his part, Marco Wittmann highlights one of the essential parameters for the spectators, as well as the differences with the old generation of DTM cars. “You can really feel the performance and torque of the new engine and the changed aerodynamics also mean the car handles differently.

I'm extremely positive after this initial test and I think the fans have reason to be excited. From the outside, you can clearly tell that the cars are much faster than last year. This will definitely bring more for the show.

And I can reassure fans: the sound remains just as good. Personally, I prefer it to the previous engines. It looks a little different, but it's not quiet or bad. »

BMW will return to the track with its M4 DTM Turbo on December 10 and 11 in Jerez, Spain. Remember that Audi and BMW will remain involved in the series this year after the withdrawal of Mercedes, R-Motorsport, operating under the name Aston Martin, being expected to join the two German brands in 2019.