BMW Reveals Aero Update for M Hybrid V8

BMW has taken the covers off a revised version of its M Hybrid V8 for the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship seasons, featuring a revised front end with a smaller kidney grille.

A statement issued by the German manufacturer on Tuesday shows images of the updated machine during a test at Paul Ricard that took place last week.

Apart from the immediately noticeable reduction in size of BMW’s signature kidney grille, it revealed that the M Hybrid V8 will also be equipped with a fresh front splitter to optimize air flow and new headlights, subject to homologation.

The new version of the car, which debuted in 2023 in the WeatherTech Championship and last year in the WEC, is set for its debut in next January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Its first public outing however will come in a joint test at the Circuit of The Americas on Sept. 9-10, immediately after the Lone Star Le Mans round of the WEC.

BMW M Motorsport boss Andreas Roos said: “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 optimizing 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.”

BMW’s statement did not clarify whether the use of an Evo joker was invoked for the latest update to the M Hybrid V8.

Earlier in the year, the Bavarian marque divulged it had used the first of its five allotted updates to upgrade the brakes of the Dallara-based prototype.

The reveal of the 2026-spec M Hybrid V8 follows BMW reaffirming its commitment to both WeatherTech Championship and WEC competition last month following its split with IMSA service provider Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.