Monster Z4 racer gets 'Batmobile' livery

BMW has some rather jaw-slackening heritage, and it's not afraid to use it. This much we already know. But a reminder is always welcome, especially when it comes in the shape of the 2015 Z4 GTLM racer.

To do battle in the 12 hours of Sebring on March 21, BMW has decked out the Z4 GTLM in a livery steeped in history - specifically, the livery from the classic 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile'.

Revealed at the start of the Amelia Island Concours, the new Z4 racer showcased its dandy new outfit alongside the 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile' itself; a move which marks 40 years since that demonically winged great uncle won the Florida-based endurance race. While BMW no longer competes in the race's top class, it will be hoping for GTLM-class success next weekend.

And it's not just the white, red and blue daubing that is carried over: just look at how well the Z4-on-protein-shakes echoes its ancestor in the monster wheel arch department.

If you're unfamiliar with the GTLM, it's the raciest version of the Z4 sports car available. And it's unlike any Z4 you'll find rolling out of BMW's factory with a V5 and number plates. Driving its rear wheels is a 4.4-litre V8 engine, producing around 490bhp and 355lb ft.

That's with some regulation-enforced air restriction, too. And if you've ever heard the GTLM - or its GT3 sibling - in action, you'll know that thunderous V8 sounds anything but restricted, out-racketing even 911s, R8s and other racers developed from more exotic base cars.

But as much as we enjoy these things going wheel to wheel on the race track, surely the M Division bosses could spare a few build slots for some road going specials? The Porsche Cayman GT4 is desperately short of a serious rival, after all...