First IMSA test for the updated BMW M Hybrid V8: New headlights make their debut at Daytona.

This coming weekend, BMW M Team WRT will make its debut with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA series) during the official sanctioned test at Daytona (USA). The hypercar from BMW M Motorsport will hit the track at the International Speedway sporting its new design and, for the first time, its new headlights. The track lights combine cutting-edge lighting technology with iconic design. Over the two test days, six BMW M works drivers will take the wheel of the two BMW M Hybrid V8s.

The aerodynamic updates to the BMW M Hybrid V8 for the 2026 season were already showcased during previous test drives, including the smaller kidney grille and the modified front splitter designed to optimise airflow and cooling. Now, Daytona will see the addition of another significant update: the new headlights. The advanced technology of the track lights ensures improved visibility for drivers during the numerous night races in the IMSA series and the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). These include the 24-hour highlights at Daytona and Le Mans (FRA), as well as the 12 Hours of Sebring (USA), Petit Le Mans in North America, and the FIA WEC events in Qatar and Bahrain. The track lights illuminate the car's surroundings even more brightly, helping drivers better assess race situations, especially in poorly lit sections of the track.

In addition to technological advancements, the new headlights also offer an iconic design element. The yellow accents of the yellow lights pay homage to the current generation of BMW M Motorsport race cars, as the EVO models of the BMW M4 GT3 and BMW M4 GT4 share the same design features. Furthermore, they are a nod to the high-performance vehicles of BMW M GmbH. For example, the current CS models of the BMW M3, BMW M4, and BMW M5 feature yellow headlights, as do BMW M models from previous generations. Alongside the headlights, the kidney grille of the BMW M Hybrid V8 will also stand out at night thanks to its unique contour lighting, BMW Iconic Glow.

On Friday and Saturday, BMW M Team WRT will have five test sessions to gain initial experience with the hypercar on the Daytona International Speedway and familiarise themselves with the procedures of the IMSA series. The Belgian team, which already knows the car well from two seasons in the FIA WEC, will be supported at Daytona by BMW M Team RLL. This collaboration aims to ease and accelerate BMW M Team WRT's adaptation to the IMSA series. Behind the wheel of cars number 24 and 25, BMW M works drivers Philipp Eng (AUT), Robin Frijns (NED), Kevin Magnussen (DEN), René Rast (GER), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) will alternate during the two test days.

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “I am very excited that we can present and test the update of our BMW M Hybrid V8 at Daytona for the first time in the IMSA environment. The new design and headlights not only look spectacular but are also intended to further optimise performance. We will work hard on this during the test at Daytona, as well as in January during the Roar. The time we have before the 24-hour race at the end of January will be used as effectively as possible to prepare both the cars with their updates and BMW M Team WRT for the first season highlight.”