BMW has confirmed that the M6 GT3 will replace the BMW Z4 GT3 beginning in 2016.

The German manufacturer confirmed development of the new V8-powered car, which will feature a 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine.

Testing will begin in the first quarter of next year, with customers able to purchase the car beginning at the end of 2015.

“For me, as BMW Motorsport Director, there are few things more exciting than the development of a completely new car like the BMW M6 GT3,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “This car’s properties make it predestined to succeed the BMW Z4 GT3.

“The BMW Z4 GT3 has enjoyed success around the world in recent years, and is very popular among our customers. We obviously want to follow on from this success with the BMW M6 GT3. After all, the target we have set ourselves is to provide our customers with the best possible material.

“We also want to demonstrate the high product substance of BMW M cars in motorsport with the BMW M6 GT3. We are all very excited to see it in action at the initial tests. One thing is certain from the first design sketches: this car is going to have the wow factor.

“It goes without saying that we will continue to offer BMW Z4 GT3 customers our full support, just as they have come to expect from us.”

Marquardt told Sportscar365 last weekend that the successor to the Z4 GTE, currently competing in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, would also share the same platform as its new GT3 model.

It points towards there being a M6 GTE for 2016 as well, although not yet announced.

No timeline has been set for the GT3 car’s race debut, although it would likely come some time next year prior to customers taking delivery.