BMW M Hybrid V8 Racer And M4 GT3 Evo Enjoy High-Speed Testing At Spa
Motorsport
Sep 2023
BMW spent time at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium this past week to test two of its most intense M products, the M Hybrid V8 racer and M4 GT3 Evo. The M Hybrid V8 was revealed almost precisely a year ago as BMW's entrant for the FIA World Endurance Championship, while the M4 GT3 Evo is the successor of the existing M4 GT3, a race car that arrived in 2021 with a $530,000 price tag.
This round of tests for the M Hybrid V8 formed part of the car's preparation program for the FIA WEC next year. Eight total BMW M works drivers were responsible for testing the two cars, with the M Hybrid V8 seeing here having a menacing carbon-black finish. Previously, BMW M said that nine-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi would also be testing the M Hybrid V8.
"Our testing work with the BMW M Hybrid V8 for the WEC entry continues to make very good progress," said Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport. "We are right on schedule. It's clear that having the vehicle in both race action in the IMSA series and testing here in Europe is a benefit. The dual pool of experiences benefits all sides, BMW M Team WRT as well as BMW M Team RLL and our BMW M Motorsport engineers."
The 4.0-liter engine in the M Hybrid V8 develops 640 horsepower and around 479 lb-ft of torque - and all of that in a body with a minimum weight of 2,271 pounds. Its combustion engine is based on the same DTM unit found in the M4 DTM from 2017-2018.
"As I have only recently become a part of this fantastic project, I am still in the process of comprehending the BMW M Hybrid V8 in all its complexity," said Robin Frijns, BMW M works driver. "I am learning with each lap." This kind of naivete can be good, as a fresh perspective can often uncover fundamental flaws.
As for the M4 GT3 Evo, it will take over from the M4 GT3 and will compete from the 2025 season. BMW says that the team will be "expanding the vehicle functionalities," including improving the reliability of components. Better handling and drivability are other goals for this car.
"I am thrilled to be involved in the development of the BMW M4 GT3 Evo right from the beginning," said Bruno Spengler, BMW M works driver. "The Evo represents progress in many areas compared to the current BMW M4 GT3. Drivability is a crucial factor, as well as tire durability over longer distances. We definitely see improvements in this regard."
The M4 GT3 is already a monster with its 590-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and Xtrac six-speed gearbox. In pictures shared by BMW on a wet track, parts of the body are still concealed, but we can see what looks like reprofiled side mirrors. The massive grille and wing are impossible to hide, though. We expect a full reveal of the M4 GT3 Evo imminently.
