ATS, the Formula 1 team created by Hans Gunther Schmidt in 1977, obtained the supply of BMW turbo engines for the 1983 season. The new car, the D6, was designed by Gustav Brunner, with the most modern features for F.1 of the time: carbon bodywork, pullrod suspension, large spoiler and wide side pods to fit radiators and turbo accessories. Unfortunately the season was compromised by the many internal problems within the team and the lack of reliability of the car. Manfred Winkelhock finished only four of the fifteen scheduled GPs.