BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh challenger revealed

BMW has finally taken the covers off its Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) racer, revealing the BMW M Hybrid V8 overnight.

Featuring arguably the least imaginitive name possible – though at least you know what you're getting – the BMW M Hybrid V8 will compete under LMDh regulations in next year's IMSA GTP Championship in North America, making its debut at the 2024 Daytona 24 Hour event in January.

Shown off in a camouflage livery, which mixes BMW M's iconic blues, red and white, the second-most obvious indication that this is a BMW is the car's wide front nostrils, carrying over from the kidney design – which has been a mainstay on the marque's cars since its inception.

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BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said the car had to have a distinct design to make it stand out – something which the Hybrid V8 has achieved.

“The most critical task and the greatest challenge for the design team in the LMDh programme design team was that the prototype must be clearly recognisable as a BMW M Motorsport car," said van Meel.

"And I can say this to all the fans, 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."

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While the BMW M Hybrid V8's main target will be success in the North American championship, the LMDh regs also allow it to compete in World Endurance Championship (WEC) events, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Although a debut at Le Mans hasn't yet been locked in and is rumoured to happen in 2024, BMW has history at the race – having won the endurance classic outright in 1999 with the V12 LMR as well as being an engine supplier to the winning McLaren F1 GTR in 1995.

Despite using a spec hybrid power unit, lessons learned on the race track will influence future BMW hybrid and electric models, with van Meel telling MOTOR earlier this month BMW M develops cars "on the track to give you a little bit more M in your series production car.”