BMW reveals 2026 M Hybrid V8
BMW has unveiled an upgraded M Hybrid V8 that will receive a "Joker" upgrade for 2026 that includes a restyled front grille and improved aerodynamics.
Confirmation is expected soon that BMW will continue to run full-season programs in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with BMW M Team WRT running two cars in each series.
The most visible and apparent change is the smaller kidney grilles at the front, which will retain the BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.
The changes are not just for aesthetic purposes. BMW M Motorsport is updating the M Hybrid V8’s aerodynamics based on the insights gathered by engineers across previous WEC and IMSA races, which revealed strengths and weaknesses of the current package. An adjusted splitter will optimize airflow to ensure that the car performs more consistently across a variety of circuit types, and to improve cooling efficiency.
The changes are not just for aesthetic purposes. BMW M Motorsport is updating the M Hybrid V8’s aerodynamics based on the insights gathered by engineers across previous WEC and IMSA races, which revealed strengths and weaknesses of the current package. An adjusted splitter will optimize airflow to ensure that the car performs more consistently across a variety of circuit types, and to improve cooling efficiency.
The developments were carried out in collaboration between the engineers of BMW M Motorsport and chassis partner Dallara.
“Since we began racing in the IMSA series in 2023 and the FIA WEC in 2024, we have learned a great deal about our BMW M Hybrid V8," said Andreas Roos, head of BMW M Motorsport. "After optimizing the brakes for the current season, it is now time for an aerodynamically improved version of the car.
"With these updates, we are responding to the insights gained from our previous race outings. Following the tests we’ve already conducted, we are confident that the changes to the BMW M Hybrid V8 will allow us to compete more consistently at the front on all types of tracks, taking another step toward the top. A big thank you to everyone involved for their hard work. In the coming months, we will continue to work intensively to ensure we are optimally prepared for the start of the 2026 season at Daytona in January.”
The new car will make its first public appearance during a joint test at Circuit of The Americas, immediately after the WEC Lone Star Le Mans on Sunday, Sept. 7. Subject to final homologation, the updated M Hybrid V8 will make its race debut at the 2026 Rolex 24 At Daytona.
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