BMW 320 TC

History

The BMW 320 TC is the further development of the BMW 320si WTCC, with which Andy Priaulx won the World Touring Car Championship for BMW in 2006 and 2007. Well over 60 models have been delivered to date by BMW Motorsport Distribution.

The new BMW 320 TC, which from 2011 can be used in series in accordance with the new Super 2000 regulations, is driven by a 1.6 litre, DI-turbo, four-cylinder engine called P13, because it was based on N13B16. The six-speed, sequential gearbox, which can be used to configure the circuit-specific transmission ratio, is also a new feature.

2011 WTCC regulation changes

In 2011 the FIA introduced the Super 2000 Kit Variant package, which allowed teams and manufacturers to change the engines of Super 2000 racing cars with 1600 ccm turbocharged engines. BMW Motorsport manufactured their own version of the new engine which was available for purchase to customer racing teams from 2011.

The car won five races in the WTCC. Its first victory was achieved by Franz Engstler in Race 2 of 2011 FIA WTCC Race of Germany. The second victory came at 2011 FIA WTCC Race of Japan by Tom Coronel. Norbert Michelisz took the third win in front of his home crowd at the 2012 FIA WTCC Race of Hungary. The fourth and fifth victories came in 2012 FIA WTCC Race of Austria and in 2012 FIA WTCC Race of Japan, both when Stefano D'Aste took the checkered flag in Race 2.

Chassis

The self-supporting BMW 320 TC body is manufactured in BMW Plant Regensburg alongside the production body shells for the BMW 1 and 3 Series.

Compared to the production BMW E90 model, the axles and the suspension geometry has been changed significantly. The new axles design include a camber setting that could be adjusted independently of any other settings parameters, such as roll center and track. This would make the axles easier for semi-professional teams to set up. The track width and camber were increased, while the wheel carrier and bearing were carried over from the production model.

Information

Teams and drivers

Current teams and drivers

The following teams and drivers entered the BMW 320 TC for the 2013 World Touring Car Championship season:

References

References

1. "Official website of the BMW 320 TC".
2. "From M121 to P48: An overview of the evolution of BMW Turbo engines in motor racing.".
3. (2012-03-04). "WTCC Entry list 2012". WTCC Hírblog.