Aerodynamic changes to the BMW M4 DTM promise even more excitement for the 2018 season.

Munich.
At BMW Motorsport in Munich (GER) preparations for the 2018
DTM season, which gets underway at Hockenheim (GER) on
5th May, are in full swing. The BMW engineers spent the
winter break reworking the BMW M4 DTM in line with the
specifications for the new technical regulations. The changes could
be headlined as “less is more”: downforce has been reduced by one
third. As a result, there is now even more focus on the drivers

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Some of the modifications are immediately obvious. The side channel
of the BMW M4 DTM has been simplified and the side plate below the
doors has been removed. In future only one “aero flick” will be used
on each side at the front of the car – and that is smaller than its
equivalents from last season. The engineers have adjusted the front
skirt to suit. The basic geometry of the rear has been retained, but
some detail simplifications were made in terms of aerodynamics. The
overall result: much less downforce and reduced drag which, depending
on the track, will lead to higher top speeds.

 

Under the bonnet of the BMW M4 DTM the third element of the front
axle has been dropped for 2018 meaning that there are only four
conventional side springs, one per wheel. As a result, the BMW M4 DTM
will move more under braking in 2018. In combination with the aero
adjustments, this means that there will now be much more focus on the
drivers’ vehicle control.

 

Due to the reduced downforce the drivers will have to brake earlier
and accelerate later, on exiting the turn so they will have to “work”
on the steering wheel for longer in the turns before they can put
their foot down again.

 

While no modifications were allowed to be made to the V8 engine
itself, the BMW Motorsport engineers were able to make improvements in
the area of drive. In collaboration with Premium Technology Partner
Shell, further optimisations were made to oil use.

 

“I’m excited to take to the track in the 2018 version of the BMW M4
DTM,” said BMW DTM driver Bruno Spengler. “The less downforce a racing
car has, the more challenging it is to drive it at the limit. It will
be exciting for the engineers to find the perfect set-up. The
mechanical grip of the car will be more important than ever.”