When BMW returned to the DTM series in 2012 with after a two-year hiatus, it wasted no time finding its way back to the podium. Fielding specially prepped DTM cars based loosely—the cars run a purpose-built chassis and series-spec V-8 engines—on its M3, BMW took home the manufacturer's championship in both 2012 and 2013. To give the fans—not to mention rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz—a sneak peek of what it will be packing when the 2014 season commences at Germany's Hockenheimring this May, BMW has released short video of its new M4 DTM car.
Flush with dramatic closeups, black and white historic shots, and the obligatory epiphany moment when the camouflage is pulled away and the M4's engine is fired, it's the gravitas of the soundtrack that really sells the bit. Sounding every bit like a Tangerine Dream/Wagner mashup composed to rally the Order of the Teutonic Knights before a crusade, it fits the video like a chain-mail codpiece.
BMW says development on the M4 DTM car began well before the start of the 2013 DTM season. By December of last year, the M3 chassis was serving as a a test bed for newly designed suspension bits, and the first models of the M4 DTM car assembled in January. Its inaugural track test was on February 11. Although all DTM cars run series-specific 4.0-liter V-8 engines and six-speed sequential gearboxes controlled pneumatically with wheel-mounted shift paddles, the teams are allowed to choose between 11 different final-drive ratios, permitting some flexibility in setting up he cars for an individual track. The spec-chassis is a carbon-fiber monocoque with integrated fuel tank and steel roll cage.
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Those here in the U.S. interested in checking out how the M4 DTM car performs will want to watch the series opener on May 4. You might have to do a little online snooping or up your cable package to do so, but we can say from firsthand experience that DTM is an entertaining brand of motorsport. Until then, check out the video:
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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