BMW readies their M4 DTM for the 2014 touring car season

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Like its road-going equivalent, BMW’s newest two-door racer changes its name from M3 to M4. Slightly longer than last year’s M3, the tightly controlled requirements of the DTM series mean that on paper, the car is very similar to the old one: a 480-hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8, a curb weight of just 2425 lbs, a carbon-fiber monocoque, and a six-speed sequential gearbox.

However, much work has been done to refine the aerodynamics of the race car, making sure airflow is directed to maximize downforce as needed. Obviously the DTM car is much lighter than the road-going M4 coupe, but the latter benefits from a few BMW aerodynamic tweaks and is 175 lbs lighter than the old M3.

2012 saw BMW on the championship podium after two decades away from the DTM series, and last year’s season had its successes, as well. With the 10-race series kicking off on May 2, BMW takes on the Audi RS5 DTM and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM in a three-way battle for Teutonic supremacy. Judging from the video, the Bavarians are more than ready for the fight.