The V8 BMW Hybrid M Prototype

Despite making great racing cars, BMW has not had podium success on the circuit since 2000. The last time the Bavarian automaker had a top-level sports car winning was at the 1999 24-hour Le Mans, but they’ve returned with a car that will lead the charge: the hybrid MV8 prototype, and it is one magnificent machine. The BMW hybrid M prototype will mark 50 years of the M division, and while this BMW prototype name may seem a bit unimaginative, it reflects the best the car company has to offer.

Thoroughly camouflaged on the test track, the exterior of the BMW hybrid M prototype is something of a mystery, but the shape is reflective of a La Mans Daytona racer. It’s clear there are a few flashbacks from the past like the 1981 M1/C, but even with the camouflage, it’s not hard to see a massive front splitter. See-through fenders are also clearly visible, as is a wide kidney grille. The headlights are reminiscent of the iVision circular concept, with two slanted bars. All in all, the hybrid prototype is a great-looking car that is sure to turn heads.

The BMW hybrid M prototype will be powered by a BMW V8 engine and paired with an established spec hybrid system. The car will meet the LMDh regulations, as well. All the other details about the specs are listed on the FIA’s website.

Even though the BMW V8 has been hyped to be a powerful race car, the company is hoping that the hybrid will spur more innovations in the battery. They believe any improvements in the hybrid and battery will also push its traditional luxury cars to reshape the future of EVs.

This beauty should hit the circuit next year at the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, and the company is working to decide whether it will enter this one in the 2024 Le Mans. Also participating with BMW with the maker of the hybrid M V8 are Bosch and Xtrac and William advanced Engineering. Either way, the M V8 will face stiff competition at IMSA events from other debuting prototypes like Cadillac, Porsche, and Acura as well as Lamborghini. But knowing BMW, it has always been a fierce competitor both on and off the track and it hates to lose.

The latest news from BMW is that it will soon initiate testing of the hybrid.