• 1 Series-based motor sport special joins 400hp Z4 M Coupé racing car on the starting grid

Eight years after BMW became the first manufacturer to win an international race with a diesel powered sports car, gentlemen racers can now purchase two specially prepared vehicles by BMW Motorsport – a 120d and a Z4 M Coupé.

Although diesel racing cars have recently become fashionable it was back in 1998 that a BMW 320d driven by Briton Steve Soper, among others, achieved a landmark victory in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. This is generally accepted as the first victory for a diesel car in a top line international event. Now customers wanting to emulate this success can buy a 120d car with a racing package.

Powered by a 1,995cc diesel engine, the BMW Motorsport-equipped 120d provides 245hp and 450Nm of torque from its modified engine. A lowered suspension with adjustable anti-roll bars and dampers features along with 332mm front disc brakes with six-piston callipers and 284mm rear disc brakes with four-piston callipers. Lightweight BBS alloy wheels, a full aero package including rear diffuser, and a stripped out weight-saving interior also serve to increase performance.

An indication of the potential of the new car was heralded when it won its class in the inaugural Dubai 24 Hours race in January – a test race for the new 120d model – and finished ninth overall.

The racing package for the BMW 120d is offered for 95,000 Euros plus tax in addition to the on-the-road price of the ‘standard’ car.

BMW Motorsport has also launched a racing package for the forthcoming Z4 M Coupé. With a highly-tuned version of the five-time International Engine of the Year category winning 3.2-litre powerplant, the racing Z4 M Coupé comes with 400hp and 400Nm of torque at the driver’s disposal. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and with drive being fed to the rear wheels, the Z4 M Coupé features suspension knowledge gained from the championship winning BMW M3 GTR car for optimum on-track agility. Six-piston brake callipers act on the front brake disc measuring 380mm in diameter, while four-piston callipers at the rear compress brake discs measuring 320mm in diameter to provide supreme stopping power. Changes to the engine management system, new carbon fibre engine air intakes, 120-litre fuel tank and extensive aerodynamic improvements are some of the other notable changes.

The BMW Motorsport package for the Z4 M Coupé is available for 250,000 Euros plus tax in addition to the list price of the car.