Munich. New front, smaller kidney grille, improved
aerodynamics: starting with the 2026 season, the BMW M Hybrid V8
will feature an updated exterior design and technical optimisations
as it competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and
the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA series). BMW M
Motorsport is implementing aerodynamic updates – subject to their
final homologation – based on insights gained by engineers during
previous race outings.
The most striking change to the BMW M Hybrid V8 will be its front
end. An adjusted splitter optimises airflow, while the BMW kidney
grille will be slightly smaller but will retain its unique BMW Iconic
Glow contour lighting, making the car an unmistakable highlight in the
dark. Additionally, the BMW M Hybrid V8 will receive new headlights.
The aerodynamic updates offer two key advantages. Firstly, they
ensure that the BMW M Hybrid V8 performs more consistently across all
track layouts. Analysis of past seasons in the FIA WEC and IMSA series
revealed strengths and weaknesses, and the updates aim to eliminate
those weaknesses. Secondly, the revised airflow around the car
improves cooling efficiency.
The development of the aerodynamics, from CFD calculations to the
manufacturing of parts, was carried out in close collaboration between
BMW M Motorsport engineers and chassis partner Dallara. Following
private test sessions in recent weeks, the BMW M Hybrid V8 will make
its first public appearance immediately after the FIA WEC “Lone
Star Le Mans” race in Austin (USA) during a joint test at the
Circuit of the Americas. Subject to final homologation, its first race
will be the 24 Hours of Daytona (USA) at the end of January 2026.
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Since
we began racing in the IMSA series in 2023 and the FIA WEC in 2024, we
have learned a great deal about our BMW M Hybrid V8. After optimising
the brakes for the current season, it is now time for an
aerodynamically improved version of the car. With these updates, we
are responding to the insights gained from our previous race outings.
Following the tests we’ve already conducted, we are confident that the
changes to the BMW M Hybrid V8 will allow us to compete more
consistently at the front on all types of tracks, taking another step
toward the top. A big thank you to everyone involved for their hard
work. In the coming months, we will continue to work intensively to
ensure we are optimally prepared for the start of the 2026 season at
Daytona in January.”