German manufacturers show their new GT3 machines

This year is meaning that most of the brands with existing GT3 programs are replacing their current models for new ones, and the German main manufacturers, Audi, BMW and Porsche, are no exception in the game, as their new machines are already known from the public, and all of them were present at the Nürburgring during the ADAC 24 Rennen weekend.

The new BMW M6 GT3 was already known of the public thanks to testing shots, but its official presentation was made last Friday (16), still in camo painting.

The main changes comparing to the Z4 GT3 are in the new twin turbo V8 engine that replaces the naturally aspirated one, which may overcome the power issues of the previous model, still delivering 500 hp of Bavarian power. The mains point in the M6 GT3 was to make a car more suited to customer teams than the Z4 GT3, and according to Jens Marquardt, it seems like they achieved that goal.

Further tests are still expected to analyze the durability of the car, so there are no plans for a debut race in 2015, but if everything goes on schedule, in the end of the year there’s a possibility to see the car competing. The confirmed plans are for 2016, as early in the year the first customer cars are expected to be delivered.

From the Porsche front, the new 911 GT3 R was officially presented in the same day of the BMW M6, after a couple of tests being made.

Based in the 991-spec 911 GT3 RS production car, the new 911 GT3R will rely on the production-based flat-six engine to keep the costs down, and will feature new suspension and brake system, all with the goal to improve the customer experience. Even different tire brands were or will be used on tests, to avoid that the car would perform bad on a determined tire than others.

The new 911 GT3 R will make its debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona next year, in the first race of the full spec GT3 cars in the GTD category of the United Sportscar Chmapionship. The price tag in 429.000 Euros, with 20 to 30 cars expected to be built.

PHOTOS: BMW Motorsport, Porsche