BMW’s Z4 GT3 race car remains as competitive as ever, having managed to win overall during this past weekend’s Spa 24 Hours and come second overall during May’s Nürburgring 24 Hours. However, it’s on its way out, set to be replaced next season by an all-new race car based on the M6 coupe. BMW first announced the M6 GT3 racer late last year, and now we have a close look at one of the prototypes.

Power comes from the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 fitted to the M6 road car and several other M-badged machines, with BMW confirming that the engine has only been slightly modified for its outings on the race track. The dry-sumped unit is paired with a six-speed sequential transmission mounted at the rear axle for better weight balance, and produces at least 500 horsepower along with “high” torque to help it exit corners quickly.

CHECK OUT: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Teased Again: Video

The aerodynamic body, which has been optimized in the wind tunnel, is made from composite materials to help get weight down—BMW expects the final car to tip the scales at less than 2,866 pounds. And compared to the Z4 GT3, the longer wheelbase of the M6 GT3 should ensure better handling. BMW says there have been improvements in reliability, efficiency and ease of maintenance, something crucial for endurance racing.

Safety remains paramount, however, and accordingly BMW has developed an FIA-approved safety cell in accordance with the very latest safety standards. The M6 GT3 also boasts numerous other features, the sole purpose of which is to protect the driver. These include the roof hatch specified in the regulations, through which the driver’s helmet can be removed if necessary, as well as the safety seat, which bolts firmly to the chassis.

“The BMW M6 coupe obviously provided us with a sensational base on which to develop the new car,” BMW Motorsport boss Jens Marquardt said in a statement. “That makes it twice as much fun for our engineers, working hand in hand with their colleagues at BMW M, to transform it into a car for the race track.”

_______________________________________

Follow Motor Authority on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.