50 years of BMW Turbo Power in motorsport: Roll-out of the BMW M4 DTM with two-litre turbo engine adds a new chapter and heralds a new era.

Dingolfing. Focus firmly on the 2019 DTM season: The BMW M4 DTM, modified to comply with Class 1 regulations and powered by the newly-developed BMW two-litre turbo engine, made its first appearance at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. With BMW works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN) at the wheel, the car completed its first kilometres with BMW Turbo Power.

The turbo engine is a key component of the new Class 1 regulations, which come into force in the 2019 DTM season. The previous V8 engines are being replaced by efficient and significantly more powerful four-cylinder turbo engines with two-litre capacity. All the modifications required to fit the new engine, in accordance with Class 1 regulations, have already been made on the BMW M4 DTM. These include alterations to the air inlets and outlets, as well as the intake and exhaust system. Further evolutionary phases, based on the new regulations, will be implemented before the new car is homologated. 

“BMW Turbo Power has enjoyed success in motor racing for almost 50 years. In the first year with a BMW turbo engine, back in 1969, Dieter Quester was immediately crowned European touring car champion with the BMW 2002 TI. In 1973, the BMW 2002 turbo became the first German production automobile to feature a turbocharger. We are now adding a new chapter to this story in the DTM,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Our first few kilometres of the Class 1 era went very positively. We are happy with all the functional tests. The new turbo sounds awesome. However, its most impressive attribute is its efficiency – despite being considerably more powerful than its predecessor.”

“After my first kilometres with the new DTM engine, I can hardly wait for next season,” said Spengler. “I can just imagine how much fun it will be to take to the track with so much BMW Turbo Power. You can feel the extra horsepower. We will put on even more of a show for the fans in 2019. The amount of time at full-throttle is reduced – but the top speed is higher than before. We will have to work even harder at the wheel.”

The first ITR test in preparation for the 2019 season is scheduled to take place from 11^th to 14^th November 2018 at Estoril (POR).