BMW Motorsport has released more detailed information on the new Class 1 era DTM car that it will race in the 2019 season.
Per the new DTM regulations the 2019 M4 DTM is powered by a turbocharged two-liter four-cylinder engine that produces more power and better fuel consumption that the four-liter V8 used in the 2018 car. The exhaust system on the new car has a shorter exhaust pipe, with one outlet on the right side of the car; the previous generation car had dual exhausts, one on each side of the car.
DTM is introducing a push-to-pass system. The new car incorporates a button linked to a new fuel flow restrictor. Pressing the button enables a temporary injection of more fuel into the cylinders.
Aerodynamic changes to the car include a wider rear wing, a shorter front splitter, and a lower rear diffuser.
A new firewall in the interior directly behind the driver increases safety; with the incorporation of the firewall the interior rear-view mirror has been replaced by a rear-view camera and display.
The new car ways less than 1000 kg. The minimum weight of 981 kg without driver and fuel is 50 kg less than what was required in 2018. BMW says that “The combination of more engine power and less weight means the BMW M4 DTM has a significantly lower power to weight ratio of 1.6 kg/hp. This should ensure that the cars reach the 300 km/h mark on the fastest sections of track on the DTM calendar, such as the Parabolica at the Hockenheimring.”
The changes to the new car are displayed in the accompanying illustrations provided by BMW Motorsport.
BMW has also announced that 19-year-old South African driver Sheldon van der Linde will join its DTM driver roster in 2019, joining returning drivers Philipp Eng, Joel Eriksson, Timo Glock, Bruno Spengler, and Marco Wittmann. Van der Linde replaces Augusto Farfus, who will focus on GT racing for BMW in 2019. He will run with Eng and Eriksson at Team RBM; Spengler will move to Team RMG, where he will join Timo Glock and Marco Wittmann.
The 2019 DTM season opens at Hockenheim on May 3-5.—Brian Morgan
[Photos courtesy BMW AG.]