BMW is again on the large motorsport scene.
Last weekend’s 24 Hours of Daytona marked the tip of a 23-year absence from the premier sports activities automobile class. With the BMW M Hybrid V8, the Munich firm now desires to open a new chapter in its motorsport historical past.
“After 1999, returning to an absolute top-level motorsport prototype is a nice occasion,” added Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport. SPORTS1.
“At the identical time, the North American market is essential for us, particularly BMW M fashions have very excessive gross sales. That’s why it is thrilling for us to be on the highway within the US.” (NEWS: All present details about Formula 1)
Board member Oliver Zipse dampened excessive expectations forward of the traditional race at Temple of Tempo in Florida, but in addition raised them again: “We have been capable of get two race automobiles from the clean sheet to the observe. 18 months. It could be presumptuous to say that all the pieces went properly within the preparation. But we aren’t right here simply to be. In the long run, we wish to win championships and win with the automobile.” (DATA: Formula 1 group rating)
24 Hours of Daytona, however BMW has a lot extra deliberate
Daytona was just the start of a new period for BMW: the US IMSA Sports Car Championship is on the agenda for the yr. In 2024, the 24 Hours of Le Mans will probably be an entry into the World Sports Car Championship.
How does all of it work? This is attainable because of the brand new LMDh rules, based mostly on an LMP2 chassis and a hybrid drivetrain restricted to 680 horsepower. BMW, Porsche and Cadillac depend on V8 as the bottom engine, Acura put in V6. (SOURCE: Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship)
Surprise: immediately the engine monsters are again. BMW’s P66/3 options a four-liter displacement and two new flanged turbochargers. The V8 initially got here from a DTM automobile and exhibits: Reengineering in motorsport.
This is BMW’s technique
Instead of making new and costly engines with unique supplies, the main target is on robustness and energy, however above all total sustainability, given the fast improvement of CO2 impartial fuels.
The combustion engine is a cheaply developed 68 hp as customary Bosch engine. supplied with an electrical unit. (DATA: Formula 1 race calendar)
This mixture permits for a “long-term motorsport technique that runs parallel to on-road improvement,” emphasizes Roos.
Just one instance: the twin-turbo structure of the V8 is additionally used within the M8. “Here now we have the BMW XM (4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo hybrid, editor’s be aware) as a security automobile – additionally outfitted with a V8 hybrid. The closeness to serial manufacturing is very attention-grabbing.”
BMW has introduced the suspension of Formula 1 racing
At the identical time, this is unhealthy information for the top of motorsport.
“Formula 1 is not a difficulty for us in the mean time,” Ross stated of the highest flight. “It is necessary for us to fly parallel to the sequence. We’re right here right this moment with the V8 Hybrid at Daytona. This is a 1:1 match for our highway autos. The new hybrid will arrive solely in 2026 (As deliberate by Formula 1, Editor’s be aware)it is a few years too late for us.”
In addition, in accordance with the German: “Formula 1 is presently operating with a hybrid system that is not associated to sequence manufacturing. The LMDh is a excellent platform for us, because the XM is not the final BMW with such a powertrain. Then now we have to take a look at how electrification will proceed in motorsport. But it is clearly in opposition to Formula 1.”
A small dig within the course of Formula 1 is determined by the suitable sporting base of IMSA and WEC, aside from the technical and monetary facets. “The automobiles are all designed to very strict specs,” explains Roos. “Formula 1 could be glad if their area was seven-tenths of a second.”
BMW has discovered its new playground.