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THE END OF AN ERA.
Farewell to the BMW M8 GTE and BMW M6 GT3.
The end of an era. Farewell to the BMW M8 GTE and BMW M6 GT3.
They are heroes. Cheering fans have marvelled at them all around the world. Now, having chalked up hundreds of thousands of kilometres on circuits around the globe, they are heading for the garage for the final time. They have already made sure of their place in the history books. Whether racing on the Nordschleife, or at Le Mans, Macau or Daytona, their historic victories and those moments that sent shivers down your spine have made their mark over the years at BMW M Motorsport. There were a host of unique memories and moments that motorsport fans will still remember decades from now. Looking back over an era, the era of the BMW M6 GT3 and the BMW M8 GTE
THE BMW M6 GT3 ERA IN PICTURES - PART 1.
A new chapter for BMW Motorsport.
2016 marks the start of a new chapter for BMW Motorsport. The BMW M6 GT3 succeeds the BMW Z4 GT3 as the new GT racing flagship. The heart of the BMW M6 GT3 is the familiar BMW M TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder petrol engine with a cubic capacity of 4.4 litres from the production model, modified for motor racing. The chassis is constructed at BMW Motorsport in Munich, while the aerodynamics are developed and optimised in BMW’s own wind tunnel.
Maiden victory for the BMW M6 GT3.
At the third race in the VLN Endurance Championship, the time has come; the BMW M6 GT3 is right on top for the first time, and at a location where it would later make history for BMW Motorsport, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Then BMW Motorsport Junior Jesse Krohn and his team-mates Jörg Müller and Marco Wittmann cross the finish line in the Eifel mountains in first place, while second and third positions also go to the BMW M6 GT3.
A race for the history books.
Following the previous year’s victory for its predecessor, the BMW Z4 GT3, the BMW M6 GT3 triumphs on its debut at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. After 531 laps, the #99 car of the ROWE Racing team crosses the finish line in first place with Maxime Martin, Philipp Eng and Alexander Sims at the wheel, marking the 23rd BMW triumph in the classic endurance race at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Just missing out on the 20th overall win.
A dramatic and rain-soaked finale, soaring summer temperatures and 205,000 thrilled spectators mean the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2017 lives up to the event’s reputation as one of the toughest and most spectacular GT races in the world. The BMW M6 GT3 was in the thick of the action. Alexander Sims, Markus Palttala, Nick Catsburg and Richard Westbrook finish second in the end, just missing out on overall victory in the ROWE Racing #98 BMW M6 GT3. BMW Motorsport fans will have to wait just a little longer to celebrate that longed-for 20th overall win.
A new chapter for BMW Motorsport.
Starting shot for the new generation.
Maiden victory for the BMW M6 GT3.
Baptism of fire in the ‘Green Hell’.
A race for the history books.
Just missing out on the 20th overall win.
A new chapter for BMW Motorsport.
2016 marks the start of a new chapter for BMW Motorsport. The BMW M6 GT3 succeeds the BMW Z4 GT3 as the new GT racing flagship. The heart of the BMW M6 GT3 is the familiar BMW M TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder petrol engine with a cubic capacity of 4.4 litres from the production model, modified for motor racing. The chassis is constructed at BMW Motorsport in Munich, while the aerodynamics are developed and optimised in BMW’s own wind tunnel.
Maiden victory for the BMW M6 GT3.
At the third race in the VLN Endurance Championship, the time has come; the BMW M6 GT3 is right on top for the first time, and at a location where it would later make history for BMW Motorsport, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Then BMW Motorsport Junior Jesse Krohn and his team-mates Jörg Müller and Marco Wittmann cross the finish line in the Eifel mountains in first place, while second and third positions also go to the BMW M6 GT3.
A race for the history books.
Following the previous year’s victory for its predecessor, the BMW Z4 GT3, the BMW M6 GT3 triumphs on its debut at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. After 531 laps, the #99 car of the ROWE Racing team crosses the finish line in first place with Maxime Martin, Philipp Eng and Alexander Sims at the wheel, marking the 23rd BMW triumph in the classic endurance race at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Just missing out on the 20th overall win.
A dramatic and rain-soaked finale, soaring summer temperatures and 205,000 thrilled spectators mean the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2017 lives up to the event’s reputation as one of the toughest and most spectacular GT races in the world. The BMW M6 GT3 was in the thick of the action. Alexander Sims, Markus Palttala, Nick Catsburg and Richard Westbrook finish second in the end, just missing out on overall victory in the ROWE Racing #98 BMW M6 GT3. BMW Motorsport fans will have to wait just a little longer to celebrate that longed-for 20th overall win.
THE BMW M6 GT3 ERA IN PICTURES - PART 2.
An upgrade for the powerhouse.
A comprehensive upgrade comes for BMW M6 GT3 in time for the 2018 season. After some intensive development at BMW Motorsport, an Evo package becomes available for the GT3 car. It includes improvements to the suspension, powertrain, brakes and aerodynamics. The objective is improved driveability and an even more reliable car.
A work of art on four wheels.
Four BMW M6 GT3s race through the urban canyons of Macau to round off the GT season on the legendary Guia Circuit – all eyes are on one of those cars in particular, the 18th BMW Art Car, designed by Chinese multimedia artist Cao Fei. The artist thrills fans with a concept melding video art and augmented reality and the rolling work of art also delivers a convincing sporting performance. Augusto Farfus drives the BMW M6 GT3 to second place in the qualification race and claims fourth spot in the main race.
One-two result at the world’s toughest GT3 race.
Having claimed a debut win at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in 2016, the BMW M6 GT3 goes one better two years later when the Walkenhorst Motorsport and ROWE Racing teams chalk up a one-two result at the 70th edition of the classic race. Philipp Eng, Tom Blomqvist and Christian Krognes are on the top step of the podium.
Moments to send shivers down the spine in Macau.
Driving the BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M6 GT3, Augusto Farfus wins the qualifying race on Saturday and the main race on Sunday in the urban canyons of Macau, however another name dominates the headlines. After decades as BMW Team Schnitzer team principal, this is Charly Lamm's final appearance on the pit wall. A few weeks later, Lamm unexpectedly passes away after a brief but severe illness at just 63 years of age.
An upgrade for the powerhouse.
A work of art on four wheels.
Winning titles in the Far East.
One-two result at the world’s toughest GT3 race.
Moments to send shivers down the spine in Macau.
An upgrade for the powerhouse.
A comprehensive upgrade comes for BMW M6 GT3 in time for the 2018 season. After some intensive development at BMW Motorsport, an Evo package becomes available for the GT3 car. It includes improvements to the suspension, powertrain, brakes and aerodynamics. The objective is improved driveability and an even more reliable car.
A work of art on four wheels.
Four BMW M6 GT3s race through the urban canyons of Macau to round off the GT season on the legendary Guia Circuit – all eyes are on one of those cars in particular, the 18th BMW Art Car, designed by Chinese multimedia artist Cao Fei. The artist thrills fans with a concept melding video art and augmented reality and the rolling work of art also delivers a convincing sporting performance. Augusto Farfus drives the BMW M6 GT3 to second place in the qualification race and claims fourth spot in the main race.
One-two result at the world’s toughest GT3 race.
Having claimed a debut win at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in 2016, the BMW M6 GT3 goes one better two years later when the Walkenhorst Motorsport and ROWE Racing teams chalk up a one-two result at the 70th edition of the classic race. Philipp Eng, Tom Blomqvist and Christian Krognes are on the top step of the podium.
Moments to send shivers down the spine in Macau.
Driving the BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M6 GT3, Augusto Farfus wins the qualifying race on Saturday and the main race on Sunday in the urban canyons of Macau, however another name dominates the headlines. After decades as BMW Team Schnitzer team principal, this is Charly Lamm's final appearance on the pit wall. A few weeks later, Lamm unexpectedly passes away after a brief but severe illness at just 63 years of age.
THE BMW M6 GT3 ERA IN PICTURES - PART 3.
Historic success for BMW M6 GT3 in the Eifel mountains.
On 27th September 2020, the BMW M6 GT3 makes history in the ‘Green Hell’. Fifty years after the first edition of the ‘Eifel Marathon’, the #99 ROWE Racing BMW M6 GT3 crosses the finish line to win the race and record the long-awaited 20th triumph in the world’s toughest endurance race for record winner BMW. Nick Catsburg, Alexander Sims and Nick Yelloly cross the finish line in first place, with Augusto Farfus, Jens Klingmann, Martin Tomczyk and Sheldon van der Linde finishing third in the #42 BMW M6 GT3 to join them on the podium.
One-two result in Indianapolis.
Just one week after triumphing in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, the next win is recorded at the 8 Hours of Indianapolis. At the second of four races in the Intercontinental GT Challenge season, Walkenhorst Motorsport celebrates a fabulous one-two result. Nick Catsburg triumphs in the #34 BMW M6 GT3 alongside Connor De Phillippi and Augusto Farfus. David Pittard, Martin Tomczyk and Nick Yelloly finish second in the team’s #35 car.
IGTC champion at Kyalami.
Victory and a title win at the season finale in the Intercontinental GT Challenge at Kyalami for the BMW M6 GT3. A dramatic finish to the Kyalami 9 Hour sees Sheldon van der Linde, Nick Catsburg and Augusto Farfus (BRA) emerge victorious in the #34 BMW M6 GT3 run by the Walkenhorst Motorsport team. Catsburg and Farfus, who had already triumphed at the 8 Hours of Indianapolis, also celebrate securing the drivers’ title in the IGTC.
A podium to bid farewell.
Having claimed victory one year previously, the BMW M6 GT3 reaches the podium once again in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2021. At the farewell appearance of the BMW M6 GT3 in the legendary endurance race in the Eifel region, Sheldon van der Linde, Martin Tomczyk, Marco Wittmann and Connor De Phillippi finish second in the #98 car. This marks the end of one era for BMW Motorsport as a new one begins. The same weekend sees the introduction of the successor, the BMW M4 GT3, in the Eifel mountains.
Triumph in China.
Historic success for BMW M6 GT3 in the Eifel mountains.
One-two result in Indianapolis.
IGTC champion at Kyalami.
A podium to bid farewell.
Historic success for BMW M6 GT3 in the Eifel mountains.
On 27th September 2020, the BMW M6 GT3 makes history in the ‘Green Hell’. Fifty years after the first edition of the ‘Eifel Marathon’, the #99 ROWE Racing BMW M6 GT3 crosses the finish line to win the race and record the long-awaited 20th triumph in the world’s toughest endurance race for record winner BMW. Nick Catsburg, Alexander Sims and Nick Yelloly cross the finish line in first place, with Augusto Farfus, Jens Klingmann, Martin Tomczyk and Sheldon van der Linde finishing third in the #42 BMW M6 GT3 to join them on the podium.
One-two result in Indianapolis.
Just one week after triumphing in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, the next win is recorded at the 8 Hours of Indianapolis. At the second of four races in the Intercontinental GT Challenge season, Walkenhorst Motorsport celebrates a fabulous one-two result. Nick Catsburg triumphs in the #34 BMW M6 GT3 alongside Connor De Phillippi and Augusto Farfus. David Pittard, Martin Tomczyk and Nick Yelloly finish second in the team’s #35 car.
IGTC champion at Kyalami.
Victory and a title win at the season finale in the Intercontinental GT Challenge at Kyalami for the BMW M6 GT3. A dramatic finish to the Kyalami 9 Hour sees Sheldon van der Linde, Nick Catsburg and Augusto Farfus (BRA) emerge victorious in the #34 BMW M6 GT3 run by the Walkenhorst Motorsport team. Catsburg and Farfus, who had already triumphed at the 8 Hours of Indianapolis, also celebrate securing the drivers’ title in the IGTC.
A podium to bid farewell.
Having claimed victory one year previously, the BMW M6 GT3 reaches the podium once again in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2021. At the farewell appearance of the BMW M6 GT3 in the legendary endurance race in the Eifel region, Sheldon van der Linde, Martin Tomczyk, Marco Wittmann and Connor De Phillippi finish second in the #98 car. This marks the end of one era for BMW Motorsport as a new one begins. The same weekend sees the introduction of the successor, the BMW M4 GT3, in the Eifel mountains.
THE BMW M8 GTE ERA IN PICTURES - PART 1.
Raising the curtain on the new top model in international GT racing.
At the 2017 Internationale Automobil Ausstellung in Frankfurt am Main, BMW Motorsport introduces its new top model for international GT racing, the BMW M8 GTE. The race car will compete from 2018 in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA series, before its production counterpart, the BMW 8 Series Coupé, hits the market. The new GT flagship appears for BMW Team RLL in the IMSA series and races for BMW Team MTEK in the FIA WEC.
WEC opener at Spa-Francorchamps.
Raising the curtain on the new top model in international GT racing.
Racing at the ‘Roar before the 24’.
BMW M8 GTE completes racing debut at Daytona.
First podium at Sebring.
The WEC dress rehearsal.
WEC opener at Spa-Francorchamps.
Raising the curtain on the new top model in international GT racing.
At the 2017 Internationale Automobil Ausstellung in Frankfurt am Main, BMW Motorsport introduces its new top model for international GT racing, the BMW M8 GTE. The race car will compete from 2018 in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA series, before its production counterpart, the BMW 8 Series Coupé, hits the market. The new GT flagship appears for BMW Team RLL in the IMSA series and races for BMW Team MTEK in the FIA WEC.
WEC opener at Spa-Francorchamps.
THE BMW M8 GTE ERA IN PICTURES - PART 2.
From the racetrack to the streets.
Although the 24 Hours of Le Mans only starts on Saturday, the world’s most important endurance race has already begun for BMW on Friday evening. The new BMW 8 Series Coupé (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 10.0-9.9 (NEDC) / 10.8-10.7 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 230-228 (NEDC) / 247-244 (WLTP)) celebrates its global debut. The luxury sports car is the production counterpart to the BMW M8 GTE and benefits from the knowledge gained by the BMW M Motorsport engineers from those first appearances in endurance racing.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Although the two BMW M8 GTEs are able to keep pace with the leading group and spend time battling for a podium finish, feelings are mixed after the race. While the #82 car – with drivers Augusto Farfus, Alexander Sims and António Félix da Costa – retires from ninth place after an accident early on Sunday morning, the #81 BMW M8 GTE crosses the line in twelfth position after 332 laps.
First win in Virginia.
Second place at Fuji, third position at Road Atlanta.
The BMW M8 GTE competes on two continents simultaneously – with success. While António Félix da Costa and Tom Blomqvist reach the podium for the first time with the BMW M8 GTE at Fuji, John Edwards, Jesse Krohn and Chaz Mostert also grab a spot on the rostrum by finishing third at Petit Le Mans to round off the IMSA series.
Pure emotions at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
One year after its racing debut, the BMW M8 GTE returns to Daytona - and wins. Connor De Phillippi, Augusto Farfus, Philipp Eng and Colton Herta triumph in the #25 BMW M8 GTE after a dramatic race however no-one is really in the mood to celebrate. The race weekend is overshadowed by news of the sudden death of long-serving Schnitzer team principal Charly Lamm. BMW dedicates the win to him.
From the racetrack to the streets.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans.
First win in Virginia.
Victory at Laguna Seca.
Second place at Fuji, third position at Road Atlanta.
Pure emotions at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
From the racetrack to the streets.
Although the 24 Hours of Le Mans only starts on Saturday, the world’s most important endurance race has already begun for BMW on Friday evening. The new BMW 8 Series Coupé (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 10.0-9.9 (NEDC) / 10.8-10.7 (WLTP); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 230-228 (NEDC) / 247-244 (WLTP)) celebrates its global debut. The luxury sports car is the production counterpart to the BMW M8 GTE and benefits from the knowledge gained by the BMW M Motorsport engineers from those first appearances in endurance racing.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Although the two BMW M8 GTEs are able to keep pace with the leading group and spend time battling for a podium finish, feelings are mixed after the race. While the #82 car – with drivers Augusto Farfus, Alexander Sims and António Félix da Costa – retires from ninth place after an accident early on Sunday morning, the #81 BMW M8 GTE crosses the line in twelfth position after 332 laps.
First win in Virginia.
Second place at Fuji, third position at Road Atlanta.
The BMW M8 GTE competes on two continents simultaneously – with success. While António Félix da Costa and Tom Blomqvist reach the podium for the first time with the BMW M8 GTE at Fuji, John Edwards, Jesse Krohn and Chaz Mostert also grab a spot on the rostrum by finishing third at Petit Le Mans to round off the IMSA series.
Pure emotions at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
One year after its racing debut, the BMW M8 GTE returns to Daytona - and wins. Connor De Phillippi, Augusto Farfus, Philipp Eng and Colton Herta triumph in the #25 BMW M8 GTE after a dramatic race however no-one is really in the mood to celebrate. The race weekend is overshadowed by news of the sudden death of long-serving Schnitzer team principal Charly Lamm. BMW dedicates the win to him.
THE BMW M8 GTE ERA IN PICTURES - PART 3.
Four BMW M8 GTEs competing at the ‘Super Sebring’ weekend.
One weekend sees two BMW M8 GTEs competing in an endurance race in the IMSA series and another two in the WEC – with success. At the 1000 Miles of Sebring, BMW Team MTEK chalks up another podium finish. Martin Tomczyk, Nick Catsburg and Alexander Sims claim second place in the #81 BMW M8 GTE. One day later, BMW Team RLL just misses out on the podium at the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Successful title defence at Daytona.
The leads changes hands more than 40 times, with tension right to the finish and boundless celebrations. For the second year running, a BMW M8 GTE tops the standings at the legendary 24 Hours of Daytona. John Edwards, Jesse Krohn, Augusto Farfus and Chaz Mostert reprise BMW’s win from the previous year.
Title win for BMW M8 GTE.
Successful conclusion to the 2020 season when after twelve dramatic hours of racing at Sebring, the BMW M8 GTE reaches the podium for the tenth time in 2020. John Edwards and Jesse Krohn claim third place to secure the GTLM drivers’ title in the Michelin Endurance Cup. The titles in the team and manufacturers’ championships also go to BMW Team RLL and BMW.
The 2021 farewell tour.
Even before the 2021 IMSA season begins, it has been confirmed that this will be the final year for the BMW M8 GTE in the American endurance series. The farewell tour for the BMW M8 GTE, which is only competing in four selected endurance races in this season, begins with a third place at Daytona. This is followed by more podium finishes after the two second places at Sebring and Watkins Glen.
Four BMW M8 GTEs competing at the ‘Super Sebring’ weekend.
Farewell to the WEC.
Successful title defence at Daytona.
Victory at Road Atlanta.
Title win for BMW M8 GTE.
The 2021 farewell tour.
Four BMW M8 GTEs competing at the ‘Super Sebring’ weekend.
One weekend sees two BMW M8 GTEs competing in an endurance race in the IMSA series and another two in the WEC – with success. At the 1000 Miles of Sebring, BMW Team MTEK chalks up another podium finish. Martin Tomczyk, Nick Catsburg and Alexander Sims claim second place in the #81 BMW M8 GTE. One day later, BMW Team RLL just misses out on the podium at the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Successful title defence at Daytona.
The leads changes hands more than 40 times, with tension right to the finish and boundless celebrations. For the second year running, a BMW M8 GTE tops the standings at the legendary 24 Hours of Daytona. John Edwards, Jesse Krohn, Augusto Farfus and Chaz Mostert reprise BMW’s win from the previous year.
Title win for BMW M8 GTE.
Successful conclusion to the 2020 season when after twelve dramatic hours of racing at Sebring, the BMW M8 GTE reaches the podium for the tenth time in 2020. John Edwards and Jesse Krohn claim third place to secure the GTLM drivers’ title in the Michelin Endurance Cup. The titles in the team and manufacturers’ championships also go to BMW Team RLL and BMW.
The 2021 farewell tour.
Even before the 2021 IMSA season begins, it has been confirmed that this will be the final year for the BMW M8 GTE in the American endurance series. The farewell tour for the BMW M8 GTE, which is only competing in four selected endurance races in this season, begins with a third place at Daytona. This is followed by more podium finishes after the two second places at Sebring and Watkins Glen.