Even though GT3 regulations forbid any major further development, three of the eight manufacturers contesting the ADAC GT Masters took the opportunity to update their racing cars, as permitted once per vehicle within the three-year homologation period. BMW, Ferrari and Porsche are all aiming for improved drivability and reliability of their respective cars.

The BMW M6 GT3, which scored one race win in the 2017 campaign, has been modified in the areas of suspension, differential, braking system and aerodynamics. "Our engineers have optimised the BMW M6 GT3 in many areas and made sure that non-pro drivers in particular will be happier with their cars in the future," says BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. "In addition to performance and durability, the quality of drivability is the main thing people look for in a customer sports car."

The most noticeable changes to the Ferrari 488 GT3, which will be competing in the Super Sports Car League for the first time in 2018, are of an aerodynamic nature. For example, the front apron together with its spoilers has had a makeover, and the diffuser at the rear has been completely redesigned. As part of the same operation, the exhaust pipes of the V8 twin-turbo engine have been adapted and are now oval instead of round. The rear wing also receives a new Gurney flap.

At Porsche, the 911 GT3 R (two victories to its credit in the 2017 ADAC GT Masters) is getting an update. The parts package includes a new bonnet with modified exhaust air channelling to optimise thermal management and side flicks to enhance aerodynamic balance. "The modified aerodynamics will help us on circuits with fast corners such as Zandvoort and the Sachsenring," says Precote Herberth Motorsport driver Robert Renauer, who trialled the update in the 24 Hours of Daytona. "I think the car is definitely going to be better over the full course of the season as a result of these modifications."

By contrast, the Audi R8 LMS, the Corvette C7 GT3-R, the new Honda NSX GT3, the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 and the Mercedes-AMG GT3 go into the new season without any alterations to their 2018 spec.