1986 BMW GTP

In 1986 BMW of North America entered the IMSA’s GTP category with this prototype. Based off a March chassis, BMW fitted a version of their 1983 Formula One engine that produced over 800 bhp from only 2-liters.

Due to the extreme turbocharging, the GTP was capable of more than 200 mph but never saw those speeds on the short IMSA tracks.

A two-car team was entered for the 1986 season that was solely sponsored by BMW M TEAM. The American duo of Davy Jones and John Andretti scored the cars only win at the Watkins Glen 500 Kilometres. The British team of John Watson and David Hobbs only ever got as high as 4th place.

In Detail

type	Racing Car
production	3
engine	M12/14 Inline-4
position	Mid, Longitudinal
aspiration	Turbocharged
valvetrain	DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
bore	89.2 mm / 3.5 in
stroke	80 mm / 3.1 in
power	596.6 kw / 800 bhp @ 9000 rpm
bhp/weight	881.06 bhp per tonne
body / frame	Aluminum Monocoque w/Cabron-Fiber Honeycomb Reinforcements, Steel Tube Sub Frames
driven wheels	RWD
wheel type	BBS Alloyt
front tires	Goodyear Eagle Radial
rear tires	Goodyear Eagle Radial
front brakes	Ventilated Discs
rear brakes	Ventilated Discs
steering	Rack & Pinion
f suspension	A-Arms
r suspension	Rocker-Arm w/Lower A-Arm
curb weight	908 kg / 2000 lbs
wheelbase	2667 mm / 105 in
length	4775 mm / 188 in
width	1994 mm / 78.5 in
height	1067 mm / 42 in
top speed	~321.80 kph / 200 mph