BMW GTP
Specification
Race Category: IMSA GTP sports prototype
Livery:
Year: 1986
Designer: Gordon Coppuck (March Engineering)
Chassis Number:
Chassis Construction: Aluminium monocoque reinforced with carbon-fibre honeycomb and steel rear subframe
Weight:
Aerodynamics:
Body Style: Closed-cockpit IMSA GTP prototype
Steering Position:
Suspension: Double wishbone suspension with pushrod-operated dampers
Brakes: Ventilated racing disc brakes
Engine Details: BMW M12/13 turbocharged inline-four DOHC 16-valve
Engine Layout: Mid-mounted longitudinal
Engine Size: 2.0-litre
Engine Power: 850–900 bhp
Fuel Type: Petrol
Drive Configuration: RWD
Transmission: 5-speed manual racing gearbox
Detailed Overview
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Description
The BMW GTP, based on the March 86G chassis, was one of the most extreme and technically fascinating prototypes of the IMSA GTP era. Created for BMW North America’s assault on the 1986 IMSA Camel GTP Championship, the car combined a lightweight March-designed chassis with a highly modified version of BMW’s legendary Formula One turbo engine. The result was a prototype capable of producing staggering power figures that remain impressive even by modern standards.
Designed by Gordon Coppuck, the March 86G featured a narrow aluminium monocoque reinforced with carbon-fibre honeycomb structures, making it both lighter and stiffer than previous March GTP designs. The chassis was among the first race cars developed extensively using CAD technology, representing a significant step forward in race car engineering.
Its most remarkable feature was the BMW M12/14 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Derived directly from the Formula One powerplant that powered Nelson Piquet to the 1983 World Championship, the endurance version produced around 800 horsepower in race trim. In qualifying specification, output was reputed to exceed 1,400 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful racing engines ever used in circuit competition.
Despite its breathtaking performance, the BMW GTP struggled with reliability throughout its short career. Engine failures, gearbox problems, and recurring fires limited results, although the car demonstrated flashes of genuine brilliance, most notably with its victory at Watkins Glen. After a single season, BMW ended the programme, leaving the BMW GTP as one of endurance racing’s great “what if” stories.
Today, the BMW GTP is remembered as a spectacularly powerful IMSA prototype that showcased the extraordinary potential of BMW’s turbocharged engineering during the golden age of sports car racing.
Race History
- Developed For: BMW North America’s return to top-level prototype racing in IMSA GTP competition.
- Chassis: Four March 86G chassis were converted into BMW GTPs for the 1986 season.
- Factory Team: BMW North America.
- Notable Drivers: John Andretti, Davy Jones, David Hobbs, John Watson.
- Competition Debut: Grand Prix of Miami, 1986.
- Primary Rivals: Porsche 962, Jaguar GTP entries, Nissan GTP prototypes, and Chevrolet-powered IMSA contenders.
- Major Challenge: Persistent reliability and fire-related issues prevented the car from achieving its full potential. The phrase “BMW bonfire” became associated with the programme due to several fire incidents.
- Race Victory: Won the 1986 Watkins Glen 500 with John Andretti and Davy Jones, securing the only victory for the BMW GTP programme.
- Best Characteristics: Exceptional straight-line speed and immense engine power when reliability allowed.
- Programme End: BMW withdrew from IMSA GTP at the end of the 1986 season.
- Legacy: One of the most powerful IMSA prototypes ever built and one of BMW’s most ambitious endurance racing projects.
Features
- Notable Traits: Formula One-derived turbo engine, extreme power output, first CAD-designed March prototype chassis
