BMW's Battle of the Legends: V12 LMR and M Hybrid V8 Unite at Le Mans
It has been a quarter of a century since BMW's legendary V12 LMR roared across the finish line first at the grueling Le Mans. Now, just ahead of this year's race, BMW M Motorsport sent shockwaves through the automotive world by bringing this iconic beauty back to the Circuit de la Sarthe. The V12 LMR might not be racing this time, but its soul lives on in its razor-sharp successor, the M Hybrid V8.
The duo recently shared the track in a nostalgic photoshoot, generating waves of excitement among motorsport fans. The historic #15 V12 LMR, driven to victory in 1999 by the formidable trio of Joachim Winkelhock, Pierluigi Martini, and Yannick Dalmas, now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the M Hybrid V8. This new beast, also donning the #15, is set to be piloted by the talented team of Raffaele Marciello, Dries Vanthoor, and Marco Wittmann. Not to be outshone, the #20 M Hybrid V8 Art Car, a marvel of design by Julie Mehretu, adds another layer of artistic flair to this mechanical masterpiece. Behind the wheel, drivers Robin Frijns, René Rast, and Sheldon van der Linde are pumped and ready to leave their mark.
A Nostalgic Photo Session
As they posed together on the Le Mans track, these two vehicles embodied BMW's unparalleled legacy in endurance racing. The visual dance between them, captured in a series of stunning photographs, was a testament to BMW's engineering prowess across generations. For lovers of motorsport history, the images offer more than just a glimpse into the past—they are a bridge between two eras of racing excellence.
BMW M Hybrid V8">Scorching the track alongside the M Hybrid V8s are BMW’s M4 GT3s, brought to you by Team WRT. The #31 car, driven by Augusto Farfus, Sean Gelael, and Darren Leung, as well as the #46 helmed by Maxime Martin, Valentino Rossi, and Ahmad Al Harthy, are ready to storm the LMGT3 class. These power-packed machines promise to provide edge-of-the-seat thrills as they jostle for supremacy.
A Weekend to Remember
During the Le Mans weekend on June 15-16, BMW plans to showcase its storied racing heritage. Attendees will be treated to an exhibition of the V12 LMR and the 1975 3.0 CSL Art Car, which was brought to life by the visionary artist Alexander Calder. This unique display offers fans an unparalleled opportunity to witness both the first and the latest official BMW Art Cars up close, celebrating the intersection of art and engineering brilliance.
BMW’s legacy at Le Mans stretches back to 1939, a history rich with triumph and innovation. That year, the automaker's 328 Touring won its class and secured an impressive fifth place overall. Fast forward to 1995, and BMW power once again reigned supreme when the McLaren F1 GTR, outfitted with the BMW S70/2 engine, clinched overall victory. These historic moments underscore the enduring spirit of BMW's pursuit of automotive excellence.