MARTYN BELL LAUNCHES NEW TOURING CAR AT GRIMSBY INSTITUTE
His new Schnitzer BMW E46 was launched at The Grimsby Institute - the car has had a complete rebuild since its appearance in the World Touring Car Series with Muller behind the wheel and has a new engine and suspension system.
The championship will be Martyn Bell’s first in Europe’s leading race series, but having already won 4 other championship’s expectations are running high, though Martyn readily admits that the opening round at Brands Hatch on April 9th is going to be very tough.
The Grimsby Institute, which is one of Martyn’s sponsor’s, was delighted to have the opportunity to host the launch event at its Grimsby campus. “Martyn is a fantastic driver and we are thrilled to be sponsoring him”, said Grimsby Institute principal and chief executive Daniel Khan. “We spoke to him following the launch of our Automotive Centre of Vocational Excellence, which Martyn opened for us, about the possibility of getting involved. To host the launch as well is a huge honour.”
The launch took place at The Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education, Nuns Corner, Grimsby on March 2nd 2006. Martyn and his team were at the event to demonstrate what the new car could do, much to the appreciation of the gathered crowd.
“The event has been fantastic”, said Martyn Bell. “We have a brilliant team for this season and a great bunch of sponsor’s who are really getting behind us. We’re very pleased with this launch event, there has been hundreds here and it’s a positive promotion for the area”.
With its new design, engine and suspension system the new Schnitzer BMW E46 is a formidable vehicle boasting impressive specifications.
BMW 320i - E46/4 BTCC 2006
Length: 4495 mmHeight: approx. 1800 mm Height: approx. 1415 mmWheelbase: 2742 mm Vehicle weight: 1155 kg (including driver)Tank capacity: 45 litres Chassis/body: unitary construction steel body with welded safety cell made of highly rigid precision steel tubing; front apron, flared wheel arches front and rear made of GFK; safety fuel tank below the boot made of CFK sandwich; pneumatic three-stamp rapid jack systemTransmission: single-disc sintered metal clutch; five-speed sequential transmission with straight interlinked wheel sets; rear axle differential with mechanical limited-slip differential; oil/water heat exchanger integrated into the cooler
Front axle: single-pivot strut suspension; four-position adjustable shock absorbers; tubular stabilizer barRear axle: central link-arm axle with double wishbone; four-position adjustable shock absorbersBrake system:
front axle:four-piston brake callipers made of aluminium;inner-vented grey cast-iron brake discs of 295 mm diameter
rear axle:two-piston brake callipers made of aluminium;inner-vented grey cast-iron brake discs of 280 mm diameter
Engine data BMW P52B20
Type: six-cylinder in-line Capacity: 1989.7 ccmStroke x bore: 80 x 66 mmCompression: 11 : 1Max. output: over 250 bhp at 8250 rpmMax. torque: approx. 220 Nm at approx. 6500 rpmMax. engine speed: 9000 rpm (as per regulations)Cylinder block: single-cylinder block construction made of aluminium with inserted grey cast-iron liners Pistons: forged skirt pistons Cylinder head: aluminium construction with parallel valve arrangement; four valves per cylinderValve drive: two overhead chain-driven camshafts; mechanical bucket tappets Intake system: single-throttle valve (diameter 64 mm, as per regulations); airbox made of GFK with load change-optimized air inlets Steering: rack and pinion steering with electric-hydraulic power assistanceWheels: aluminium rims, 9 x 17 inchesTyres: Michelin race tyres, 24/61-17 (front and
