The evolved BMW M Hybrid V8 will make its official debut at the Daytona tests.

This weekend marks a turning point for BMW M Motorsport: Team WRT will make its debut in the GTP category of theIMSA with the evolved BMW M Hybrid V8, during pre-season testing at the Daytona circuit. For the occasion, the prototype sports a new design and, for the first time, its new headlights which combine cutting-edge technology and iconic styling.

For two days, six official BMW M drivers will take turns driving cars #24 and #25: Philipp Eng, Robin Frijns, Kevin MagnussenRené Rast, Dries Vanthoor and Marco Wittmann. The Belgian team, already experienced with the M Hybrid V8 in FIA WECwill be supported by BMW M Team RLL to facilitate adaptation to the North American championship.

The 2026 updates to the BMW M Hybrid V8 are both technical and aesthetic. The more compact grille and revised front splitter improve airflow and cooling, while the new headlights offer optimal visibility during nighttime racing. The yellow accents of the daytime running lights pay homage to the BMW M4 GT3 and M4 GT4 EVO, as well as current high-performance M models such as the M3, M4, and M5 CS. The grille also benefits from BMW Iconic Glow lighting for a spectacular nighttime effect.

« I am delighted to be able to present and test for the first time at Daytona, as part of the IMSA championship, the new version of our BMW M Hybrid V8said Andreas Roos, director of BMW M Motorsport. The new design and headlights are not only spectacular, but they are also aimed at optimizing performance. We will be working intensively on this during testing at Daytona, as well as in January during the Roar. The time we have before the 24 Hours of Daytona at the end of January will be used to best prepare the cars and the BMW M Team WRT for this first major event of the season. »

Five test sessions are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, allowing BMW M Team WRT to fine-tune its settings before tackling the IMSA season with the 24 Hours of Daytona (January 24-25).

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