The new BMW M Hybrid V8 shown on the photos here is designed for participation in the LMDh category of the IMSA racing series and more. It is still cladded, but you can discern the individual design traits.
The main goal of the design team was to make the racecar instantly recognizable as a BMW M vehicle. According to Franciscus van Meel, the CEO of the sports division, the designers accomplished this goal. Everything from the telltale radiator grille to the Hoffmeister kink has been preserved.
The new livery references the many times BMW took part in North American racing events. It depicts such iconic cars of the past as the 1976 BMW 3.0 CSL, the 1978 BMW 320i Turbo and various prototypes from the GTE, GTLM and GTP series. It was designed to conceal the outlines, geometry and technology of the M Hybrid V8 as it enters testing on public circuits and is bound to get caught on camera from time to time.
Power for the racer comes from a turbocharged V8 and an electric motor whose parameters remain to be announced. The first start is set to take place at the 24 Hours of Daytona next January. Later on, the vehicle might debut in Europe as well, and even compete in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.