BMW M Team WRT is making its IMSA debut with the BMW M Hybrid V8 during the sanctioned test at Daytona. The updated hypercar showcases a new headlight design, bringing both technological advancements and a fresh visual identity to BMW M Motorsport’s endurance contender.
First IMSA Outing for BMW M Team WRT
The test at Daytona International Speedway marks the first official IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship appearance for BMW M Team WRT. Over two days, six BMW M works drivers will share the wheel of two BMW M Hybrid V8s, collecting data and refining performance under race-like conditions.
Updated Aerodynamics and Design
The 2026 BMW M Hybrid V8 benefits from aerodynamic updates, including a smaller kidney grille and revised front splitter for improved airflow and cooling. These refinements aim to enhance stability, efficiency, and handling during high-speed endurance runs.
Debut of the New Headlights
The standout feature of the Daytona test is the debut of the new headlights. Designed to optimize nighttime visibility, the advanced units deliver stronger illumination for long-distance endurance races such as Daytona, Le Mans, and Sebring. The lights enhance clarity in low-visibility zones, giving drivers improved control and confidence.
Iconic Yellow Light Tradition
BMW’s choice of yellow accents pays homage to its motorsport heritage. The new track lights echo the distinctive look of BMW M’s GT3 and GT4 EVO models and mirror the road-going CS versions of the BMW M3, M4, and M5. This continuity ties the hypercar’s racing DNA to BMW M’s high-performance lineage.
Illuminated Details and Modern Flair
Beyond the headlights, the BMW M Hybrid V8 features contour lighting around its kidney grille, known as BMW Iconic Glow, further enhancing its nighttime presence. The design blends tradition with modern flair, emphasizing BMW’s signature aesthetic even under the lights of endurance racing.
Drivers and Team Collaboration
Behind the wheel, Philipp Eng, Robin Frijns, Kevin Magnussen, René Rast, Dries Vanthoor, and Marco Wittmann will alternate across five test sessions. The collaboration between BMW M Team WRT and BMW M Team RLL aims to accelerate the learning curve for the Belgian outfit’s IMSA entry.
Performance and Testing Goals
While the Daytona test focuses on setup and reliability, it also provides an opportunity to evaluate the car’s updated aerodynamic and lighting systems under real race conditions. The objective is to fine-tune both mechanical balance and driver familiarity before the 24 Hours of Daytona in January.
Power and Engineering Focus
The BMW M Hybrid V8 continues to draw power from its twin-turbo V8 hybrid system, delivering over 640 hp. This combination of electric efficiency and combustion power defines BMW’s endurance philosophy: speed, reliability, and technological precision working in harmony for peak performance.
Summary
With its updated design and striking new headlights, the BMW M Hybrid V8 is ready to take on a new chapter in IMSA competition. The Daytona test not only previews its 2026 evolution but also symbolizes BMW M’s ongoing pursuit of performance excellence, innovation, and endurance heritage.
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Source: BMW
