The collaboration between BMW and world-renowned artists for its Art Car project has become legendary, resulting in stunning and unforgettable creations. Over the years, esteemed artists such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and John Baldessari have lent their talents to the project, transforming iconic BMW models like the M1, Z1, and M6 GTLM into rolling works of art.
Now, as BMW prepares for its return to the Le Mans race, anticipation is high as the brand reveals its latest masterpiece: the M Hybrid V8. This marks BMW’s first official entry into the race since its V12 LMR claimed victory in 1999. Set to compete in the Hypercars category, the M Hybrid V8 boasts a formidable powertrain, combining a 4.0-liter V8 engine with an electric motor to produce a staggering 640 horsepower and reach a top speed of 214 mph (345 kph).
Marking the 49th anniversary of the first Art Car’s debut at Le Mans, BMW has revealed its 20th Art Car, featuring the M Hybrid V8. Ethiopian American artist Julie Mehretu, known for her large-scale abstract paintings, was chosen for this project. She transformed her bi-dimensional artwork, Everywhen, into a three-dimensional wrap for the race car.
The car, showcasing this special wrap, made its first public appearance on May 21 at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Before the Le Mans race on June 15, it will be displayed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.
The M Hybrid V8 will be driven at Le Mans by Sheldon van der Linde (South Africa), Robin Frijns (The Netherlands), and René Rast (Germany). The car will bear number 20, reflecting its place in the Art Cars lineup, and will compete against the likes of the Lamborghini SC63, Porsche 963, and Ferrari 499P. Another M Hybrid V8, number 15, will be driven by Dries Vanthoor (Belgium), Raffaele Marchielo (Switzerland), and Marco Wittmann (Germany).
The future of this special Art Car after the race is uncertain, but like other Art Cars, it may become a display piece in the BMW Museum in Munich and be on tour to allow more people to appreciate it.
