Back in the top class and back on the big stage, BMW M Motorsport is returning to international prototype racing with the BMW M Hybrid V8. As of the 2023 season, the new car will be battling it out for overall victory in the new GTP class of the IMSA series, at such prestigious classics as the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the iconic Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
The last big victory for a BMW prototype came back in 1999, when the BMW V12 LMR won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That car had also triumphed in the 12 Hours of Sebring in the same season. Regulations specify that LMDh race cars have a combustion engine and an electric motor. While each manufacturer can use their own combustion engine, the electric motor, battery and transmission are standard parts. The chassis is also built by an external partner. For the BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Motorsport is working closely with the legendary Italian race car specialist Dallara.
“Just one look is enough to confirm that the BMW M Hybrid V8 is a BMW. It clearly carries the genes of BMW M. I also love the camouflage livery with its references to the great history of the brand in North America.”
Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH
A Clear Statement
The BMW M Hybrid V8 will sport a look designed by BMW Group Designworks, and celebrates the history of BMW M Motorsport in North America while defining a dynamic hybrid electric future. Key information for fans: the prototype is clearly recognizable as a BMW M car.
The BMW M Team RLL
BMW M Team RLL, with whom BMW M Motorsport has enjoyed success in North America since 2009, will run the two LMDh prototypes from 2023. The team can call on decades of experience in motorsport. Behind Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing are Bobby Rahal, IndyCar driver, comedian David Letterman, himself a longstanding Indy fan and businessman Mike Lanigan. As the years progressed, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing expanded its involvement in motorsport and moved into the sports car category. As well as intensive testing with the BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team RLL also starts in the new GTD-PRO class with the BMW M4 GT3.
THE BMW M TEAM RLL.
Pure motorsport tradition in North America.
BMW M Team RLL, with whom BMW M Motorsport has enjoyed success in North America since 2009, will run the two LMDh prototypes from 2023. The team can call on decades of experience in motorsport. Behind Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing are Bobby Rahal, IndyCar driver, comedian David Letterman, himself a longstanding Indy fan and businessman Mike Lanigan. As the years progressed, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing expanded its involvement in motorsport and moved into the sports car category. As well as intensive testing with the BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team RLL also starts in the new GTD-PRO class with the BMW M4 GT3.
“To go racing with the brand-new BMW M4 GT3 and then to take the next step and challenge for overall victories with BMW M Team RLL in the GTP class is precisely the direction we wanted to take. I am so happy, proud and grateful that we are able to do this with BMW M Motorsport.”
Bobby Rahal, team principal BMW M Team RLL
BMW M Motorsport and Dallara
The chassis for the two prototype cars is being built in collaboration with world-renowned and successful manufacturer Dallara. The Italian designers are among the most successful manufacturers of race cars in the world. The contract with Dallara was signed in September 2021, just months after BMW M Motorsport announced that it would be entering the class. The first test car is being built in Italy with close working between BMW M Motorsport engineers and a team of Dallara engineers assembled exclusively for the BMW M LMDh project.
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