BMW Unveils Mesmerizing M Hybrid V8 Art Car Just in Time for Le Mans
In a stunning prelude to one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world, BMW has unveiled the latest addition to its iconic Art Car collection. The new masterpiece, designed by New York-based Ethiopian American artist Julie Mehretu, was revealed at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. This marks the 20th unique art car created since the tradition began nearly half a century ago by Alexander Calder with his 1975 3.0 CSL.
The BMW M Hybrid V8, the canvas for this vibrant artwork, is poised to not only be a visual feast but also a high-performance beast on the race track. Mehretu's inspiration draws from legendary predecessors Frank Stella’s 1976 3.0 CSL and Jenny Holzer’s 1999 V12 LMR, both of which are also featured in the illustrious history of BMW Art Cars. Fans of automotive and art alike will get the chance to see these masterworks — including Calder’s original, Roy Lichtenstein’s 1977 320i Turbo, Andy Warhol’s 1979 M1, and Jeff Koons’ 2010 M3 GT2 — at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. It's no coincidence that all these Art Cars have graced the racing debut at Le Mans, making the tradition even richer.
A Symphony on Wheels
The M Hybrid V8 is set to take its place on the starting grid of the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe on June 15. This 640-horsepower powerhouse aims to replicate the glory of its predecessor, the V12 LMR, which clinched the 24 Hours of Le Mans title back in 1999. Behind the wheel, seasoned racers Sheldon van der Linde, Robin Frijns, and René Rast will push the car to its limits.
In creating this Art Car, Mehretu and her team faced unique challenges. Due to FIA regulations, the M Hybrid V8 could not be painted directly. Instead, it features a meticulously crafted wrap, designed using advanced 3D mapping technology to fit the car's aerodynamic contours flawlessly. The result is a “performative work of art,” an intricate blend of engineering precision and captivating creativity, brought to life with assistance from BMW's engineering and motorsport divisions.
A Vision Realized
Explaining her innovative design, Mehretu says, “The idea was to make a remix, a mash-up of the painting. I kept seeing that painting kind of dripping into the car. Even the kidneys of the car inhaled the painting.” The painting in question is “Everywhen,” which served as the inspiration for the car's unique visual identity. Mehretu’s blend of vivid colors and dynamic lines brings a new dimension to the M Hybrid V8, symbolizing the fusion of art and racing.
Julie Mehretu earned the honor of designing the latest BMW Art Car in 2018, following unanimous selection by a jury comprised of leading figures from the art world. This accolade places Mehretu in an elite group of artists who've had the opportunity to transform BMW's racing machines into rolling art. The M Hybrid V8 follows in the tread marks of John Baldessari’s striking M6 GTLM from 2016, continuing the tradition started by French racing driver and art enthusiast Hervé Poulain in the 1970s.
As BMW celebrates this intersection of engineering excellence and artistic expression, the M Hybrid V8 Art Car serves as a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to innovation and creativity. We look forward to seeing this marvel in motion at Le Mans, where art and racing history will once again converge.
Source: BMW