The BMW M Hybrid V8 made its racing debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona over the weekend, marking its first official endurance test.
A pair of prototypes competed in the race. The #24 car was driven by Philipp Eng, Augusto Farfus, Marco Wittmann and Colton Herta and finished the race in sixth place. The car came close to securing a podium position before issues with the hybrid system triggered a brake problem in the final quarter of the race. Meanwhile, the #25 car spent roughly 2.5 hours being repaired due to a hybrid powertrain failure and ultimately finished ninth in the GTP category.
“The race weekend at Daytona was unbelievably intense for everyone involved,” BMW M chief executive Franciscus van Meel said. “My congratulations and thanks are due to all team members at BMW M Motorsport and the BMW M Team RLL for their tireless work and the impressive motivation that they display in the challenging project. Unfortunately, the team struggled with some issues during the race, which can happen with a new car like this. However, crossing the finish line with both BMW M Hybrid V8s is a crucial first step on the way to what will hopefully be a successful future.”
Read: The BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh Race Car Kind Of Pulls Off The Big Grille
The BMW M Hybrid V8 won’t just compete in the North America IMSA WeatherTech SportsChampionship but next year, will also enter the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.
The LMDh prototype hypercar is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing 631 hp and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. The car also uses a hybrid drive system with an electric motor, an inverter, and a high-voltage battery.
BMW’s entry into next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans’ flagship prototype class will mark the first time it has done so since 1999 when it claimed victory with the V12 LMR.
