It will be competing in the IMSA series next year.
BMW is the latest automaker to release images of the M Hybrid V8 prototype, which will be the Le Mans Daytona contender. To commemorate 50 years of M division, the electrified machine is dressed in an anniversary livery. It also doubles up as camouflage to hide the finer details. The exterior finish is not just about the appearance. It also includes blurry images from legendary race cars like the 1981 M1/C and 1976 3.0 CSL.
The race car’s stunning shape is not hidden by the disguise. It features sleek headlights with two tilted bars that look like the ones in the movie. Concept of i Vision Circular . The M Hybrid V8’s features are as diverse as any of the LMDh prototypes, from the large front splitter and clear fenders to its massive rear wing and diffuser. The M side mirrors are reinterpreted and the unique taillights feature a vintage Motorsport emblem.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 features a Dallarachassis. It also has a large kidney grille that we would love to see on a road car with the vertical configuration. The BMW M Hybrid V8’s racing debut will be next year at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. A decision on a 2024 Le Mans entry will be made in the foreseeable near future.
BMW does not talk about specs, but you can refer to the document on FIA’s website regarding LMDh regulations. The length of the race car must not exceed 5,100 mm (200.7 in), width must be 2,000 mm (78.7in) and height must be 1,060mm (41.7 in). The wheelbase will be 3,148mm (123.9in), but there will be an allowance of +/-5mm for setup adjustments. The prototype must not exceed 1,030 kilograms (2270 pounds) without fuel or a driver.
Williams Advanced Engineering, Bosch and Xtrac are the partners for this hybrid system. A complete set of brakes should not exceed EUR24,000, or approximately $26,000 at the current exchange rate. A second interesting fact to mention is that the minimum weight of the combustion engines, together with turbochargers, exhaust and turbochargers, must not exceed 180 kg (397 lbs).
All details can be found at FIA’s website, which is located at this link. BMW claims it will soon begin testing and is currently working on a Works Livery that “exemplifies hybrid electric-powered competition’s dynamism, excitement.”