BMW M unveiled its sports prototype for the new LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) category of racing vehicle, which will be eligible for the top classes of both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA SportsCar Championship beginning in 2023.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 boasts a typically BMW appearance, with a kidney grille and Hofmeister kink (in this case only a graphic). The automobile also features "50 Jahre BMW M" inscriptions to commemorate BMW M's 50th anniversary this year. Jahre is a German term that means "years."
BMW M has only committed to the SportsCar Championship in the series' premier GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) class so far, but hasn't ruled out entering the World Endurance Championship's Hypercar class expressly for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the series' major event. It implies that BMW M might compete at the highest level at Le Mans for the first time since 1999, when its V12 LMR sports prototype won the automaker's first and only overall triumph in the French classic.
Balance of Performance techniques will be employed to provide a fair playing field in the GTP and Hypercar classes, which will be accessible to both LMDh racing cars and those constructed to Le Mans Hypercar standards.
In accordance with LMDh regulations, BMW M employs a chassis supplied by Italy's Dallara, one of four businesses producing chassis for the category. The car must weigh at least 1,030 kilograms (2,270 pounds), and its powerplant, an unnamed V-8 hybrid arrangement, can provide a maximum output of roughly 670 horsepower at any moment.
Under the name of BMW Team RLL, BMW M will conduct its LMDh campaign alongside America's Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. The current aim is for two of the vehicles to compete in the 2023 SportsCar Championship. RLL Racing co-owner Bobby Rahal will serve as team principal. He will collaborate closely with Maurizio Leschiutta, BMW M's project head for the LMDh program.
The first race for LMDh will be the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona next January. The race is the opening round of the 2023 SportsCar Championship.