- The first 6th generation BMW 3 Series race car in the world.
- Completely locally built.
- Aiming to compete locally and internationally.
- Extensive use of BMW M Performance Parts.
Midrand – BMW South Africa, in conjunction with ADF Motorsport, has unveiled a brand-new BMW 335i sedan racing car, which will compete in the local production car championship in 2012. The car, which is the first 6th generation BMW 3 Series racing car in the world, will compete for the first time at the Wesbank Super Series race meeting at Killarney in Cape Town on 31 March 2012.
The race car is based on the platform of the new BMW 3 Series sedan and was completely built locally by ADF Motorsport, which manages Team Afrox, and will be driven by Anthony Taylor – the 2010 national production car champion – and Etienne van der Linde. Taylor and van der Linde also aim to race the car internationally at the 2012 Nurburgring 24-hour race later this year.
Donovan van Heerden, Team Principal of Team Afrox, says it took the team just over six weeks to build the race car at a cost of R2-million (including labour). “It has always been important to us to work together with our partners on a long-term basis and to celebrate success on the race track. The partnership with BMW South Africa is a perfect example of this. From the Bridgestone Production Car title in 2010 right through to the numerous wins in the 2011 championship, we have achieved many successes together. Our aim is to continue this success with the new BMW 335i race car.”
Weighing just over 1 360 kg, the race car uses the new optimised six-in-line engine unit fitted in the BMW 335i which features the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine internals remain stock-standard whilst the engine management system, the exhaust and turbocharger have been modified for racing purposes. As per the local race regulations, the vehicle is required to run lower boost (maximum 0.7 bar) and a 40mm restrictor on the turbo inlet.
However, even in its restricted form, the race car produces more than 300kW of power and 600Nm of torque.
In addition, the race car will make significant use of BMW’s recently launched BMW M Performance parts range in order to showcase exactly what customisation options are available to customers.
“The partnership with ADF Motorsport represents a big step for BMW South Africa in showcasing various BMW M Performance parts available for customers to fit in their cars without compromising on their warranty, especially those who appreciate performance parts in their vehicles and are eager to have these parts fitted in the new BMW 3 Series. We are excited to partner again with Team Afrox and anticipate a successful season together,” says Rod Baxter, general manager of Aftersales supply chain at BMW South Africa.
“In addition, we installed a MoTeC engine control unit featuring the new M1 system which makes this car the first in the world to run direct injection on a production based race car. We have also fitted a GPS data logging process system, which draws data from the engine management system to warn the driver of any electronic faults during racing,” says van Heerden.
The car also features 370mm M-performance front disk brakes, 18 inch BBS wheels and a roaring Akrapovic exhaust system.
