This is the first prototype-class racer that has been developed by BMW Motorsports in 25 years. The presentation is dedicated to the 50th birthday of the BMW M Division.
With a length of 5100 mm and a wheelbase of 3,150 mm, the BMW M Hybrid V8 has a weight of 1,030 kg. The prototype is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 640 hp and 650 Nm of torque.
The new graphic scheme uses the traditional BMW M colors of red, light blue and dark blue over white in a pattern the company calls "fractal blocks." "These elements have been deconstructed to form what at first might appear to be an abstract triangular pattern across the BMW M Hybrid V8," said Michael Scully, global director of Automotive and Advanced Design. "But when viewed from the side, the M logo clicks right into place."
In addition, BMW says, the blue and purple colors are there to emphasize the electrified nature of the car's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The addition of an asymmetrical matte black section in front of the driver has been seen on other recent BMW race cars, but is now a lot more pronounced. It likely also doubles as a glare-reduction bonus. Other sections that look black are actually exposed carbon fiber.
Up front, the nose is dominated by a pair of trademark kidney grilles. These are illuminated, but not by a traditional LED. Instead, they're lit by a Swiss company's non-active optical fiber technology that's activated by a laser.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 began its extensive testing schedule in the U.S.A. earlier this week with a test at Sebring International Raceway (USA). The test car will also be on display at the upcoming Petit Le Mans weekend and will make its racing debut in the GTP class of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 28.
Source: BMW