The BMW M Hybrid V8 has arrived in North America, where it will make its racing debut next January. On this occasion, the endurance car received its final race livery, complete with massive “M” logos and the three iconic colors commemorating the 50th anniversary of the company in 2022. BMW Motorsport GmbH was established on May 1, 1972. Throughout the year, M Sport and M road cars will feature an anniversary logo to commemorate M’s 50th anniversary.
The electrified endurance racer was unveiled last night at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. It wears one of the largest applications of the kidney grille we’ve ever seen, but it’s ultra-wide rather than the controversial tall grille of an M3 or M4. The massive “M” logo adorning the shark fin is a nice touch and you’ll also notice the “world’s most powerful letter” in a generously sized font at the front fascia.
BMW’s announcement about the drivers who will tame the M Hybrid V8 on the track coincides with the unveiling of the race car livery. The two hybrid machines will be driven by BMW M works drivers Connor De Phillippi, Philipp Eng, Augusto Farfus, and Nick Yelloly in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP class next year. In addition, IndyCar driver Colton Herta will participate in the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Not to be forgotten BMW M Motorsport announced at the end of July that the M Hybrid V8 will race in Europe beginning in 2024. The LMDh prototype will compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), which means we’ll see it at the legendary Le Mans on the Circuit de la Sarthe in France. The V12 LMR won there in 1999.
Meanwhile, the spiritual successor to the V12 LMR began testing in the United States earlier this week at Sebring. It will be on display at the Petit Le Mans next weekend.
