BMW has finally lifted the veils of its M6 GT3, which will begin racing with private teams from the 2016 season in championships and race events around the world as part of the BMW Sports Trophy.

The car will replace the Z4 GT3 which has been racing since 2010, with BMW saying the M6 GT3 benefits from lessons learned during that time. The new GT3 racer is said to feature many improvements, particularly in the areas of drivability and economy.

The car uses a series-produced engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which develops higher output (up to 585PS depending on which class it’s racing in) and an increase in torque. Furthermore, thanks to its centrally-positioned driver’s seat and long wheelbase, the BMW M6 GT3 promises to offer “a driving feeling unparalleled on the racing scene.”

Tipping the scales at less than 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs), the M6 GT3 features a transaxle drive concept, sequential six-speed racing gearbox and body aerodynamics optimized in the BMW wind tunnel.

Thanks to its longer wheelbase, the new GT3 racer promises to deliver significantly improved handling characteristics compared with the BMW Z4 GT3.

The BMW M6 GT3 has undergone an extensive test program on a variety of circuits during 2015, allowing BMW works drivers carry out important work on the baseline set-up of the new GT and endurance racing challenger. The new BMW customer racing car is now undergoing a final round of fine-tuning prior to its race debut in the coming year.

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