BMW Z4 GT3 news - King of the wings - 2010

Nice racer, guys, but couldn't you make that rear wing a bit bigger?

This is the BMW Z4 GT3 racer, and we love it. Available now for well-heeled customers to purchase and race in the FIA GT3 championship and endurance events, it's powered by BMW's 4.0-litre V8 churning out a massive 480bhp.

That's 66bhp more than in the road-going M3 (the current Z4 road car isn't yet available with a V8), thanks to a bunch of upgrades including a new ECU and power control unit. No pansy double-clutch gearbox here, either - the Z4 GT3 gets a proper six-speed sequential ‘box feeding the rear wheels.

So it's a proper weapon. The only disappointment is that the Z4 GT3 is available with air conditioning. Aircon? In a race car? Pah. We scoff in the face of aircon.

Especially because it'll add a few grand more to the Z4 GT3's already weighty price tag. Customer cars start at around £270,000... but BMW is quick to point out that you do get locking wheel nuts included. A bargain, eh?

Will this be the most excellent race car on track in 2010? Discuss, please...