BMW M8 GTEs Adjusted in Sebring Test BoP

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

BMW’s new M8 GTE has received power adjustments ahead of next week’s Sebring Test, in the latest round of Balance of Performance changes confirmed by IMSA.

The new-for-2018 car, which was the subject of a BoP debate at last month’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, has been given an increase in top-end turbo boost, while slightly reduced levels at selected lower-end RPM ranges.

The turbocharged V8 will have less power at the 2500, 3000 and 4000 RPM levels although will benefit from from increased output at 5000-7500 RPM.

It marks the first change since the German manufacturer’s critical comments at Daytona, when BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt claimed they were “not treated fairly” in the run-up to the car’s competition debut.

Marquardt backpedaled post-race, having stated they were now in “productive and open” talks with IMSA on the BoP process moving forward.

In addition to the power adjustments, the BMW, along with the Porsche 911 RSR has been given a two-liter fuel capacity increase, while the Daytona class-winning Ford GT loses two liters.

Other BoP changes include a 1.0 mm larger air restrictor for the GT Daytona class-winning Lamborghini Huracan GT3, putting it on the same-sized 39 mm x2 restrictor as the Audi R8 LMS, which features the same V10 powerplant.

The Mercedes-AMG GT3, meanwhile, has been given a 1mm air restrictor reduction but countered by a 5kg weight break.

Fuel capacity adjustments have been made to GTD across the board.

Aero Changes in Prototype

All four DPi cars have reverted to high-downforce specifications for Sebring, and the rest of the WeatherTech Championship season.

The Cadillac DPi-V.R, Mazda RT24-P, Nissan Onroak DPi and Acura ARX-05 are now all permitted to utilize front wicker options, along with adjustments in the maximum height and angle of wickers and rear wings.

The Gibson-powered LMP2 cars, meanwhile, remain as homologated by the FIA.

While no power or weight adjustments have been made to any of the Prototypes, the Acura DPi will have a three-liter fuel capacity reduction.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John