When BMW introduced its M Hybrid V8 Le Mans prototype in 2022, the brand surprised the world with a nose design dominated by two massive kidney grilles. That car raced with the unique design for three years, but the bold design only has a small handful of races left to run. Starting in 2026, an updated version of the Dallara-based BMW LMDh racer will run with a significantly smaller grille design.
While the new nose shape may be very different, BMW's front end design still seems to allow a significant amount of air underneath the nose. That air, which now seems to be channeled around the outside of the grille-like openings in addition to through them, runs through aerodynamic elements hidden by the car's bodywork to create downforce levels on par with all other LMDh racers.
The more conventional shape helps the BMW look a bit more like two other Dallara-based LMDh cars, the Cadillac V-Series.R racing since 2023 and an upcoming McLaren racer revealed as a concept in June. All three remain distinct, but the BMW's simplified nose stands out less from its peers than the first draft of the car.
BMW's M Hybrid V8 has seen moderate success in two and a half years of racing, but the biggest honors in sports car racing have eluded the program. With just three IMSA wins and zero WEC wins over three combined full seasons and two partially-complete 2025 programs, the latest update could help the brand get back on par with category leaders Porsche, Ferrari, Toyota, and Cadillac. In addition to the new look for the car, BMW is shaking up the program by dropping long-time IMSA partner Rahal Letterman Lanigan. Current WEC partner WRT is expected to pick up those U.S. racing responsibilities next season.
You Might Also Like
Comments