BMW M Hybrid V8 Upgrades for 2026 Season
BMW is set to unveil significant aerodynamic enhancements to its M Hybrid V8 Hypercars and GTPs, aiming to enhance competitiveness in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the 2026 season. Confirmations for entries of two cars in each series, managed by WRT, are expected imminently.
The "Joker" upgrade will feature a redefined front styling, including a smaller kidney grille and optimized airflow via an adjusted splitter. These changes will not only bolster the vehicle’s visual identity but also improve cooling efficiency and performance consistency across diverse track configurations.
A close collaboration between BMW M Motorsport and chassis partner Dallara informed these developments, with insights drawn from previous racing seasons to address identified weaknesses. The first public demonstration of the upgraded vehicle will occur post-FIA WEC’s “Lone Star Le Mans” at Circuit of the Americas, with its competitive debut targeted for the 24 Hours of Daytona in January 2026.
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, remarked, “These aerodynamic updates reflect the lessons learned from our race experiences. We are optimistic that this upgraded version will enhance our performance across all track types, bringing us closer to the front.”
As the preparation intensifies for the upcoming season, BMW is committed to ensuring peak readiness for Daytona.
