BMW has taken the covers off a revised version of its M Hybrid V8 for the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship seasons, featuring a revised front end with a smaller kidney grille.

A statement announced by the German manufacturer on Tuesday showed images of the updated machine during a test at Paul Ricard that took place last week.

The new version of the car, which debuted in 2023 in the WeatherTech Championship and last year in the WEC, is set to make its debut at next January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona. Its first public outing will be during the test at the Circuit of The Americas on Sept. 9–10, immediately after the Lone Star Le Mans round of the WEC.

According to BMW M, the updated kidney grille is smaller than the previous car and improves aerodynamics. BMW also added its iconic illuminated contour lighting, making the car unmistakable on track. Beyond its visual presence, these design revisions are intended to provide better airflow management, reduce drag, and ensure more stability at high speed. The package has been described as a step forward in creating a car that performs consistently across a variety of circuits, whether on tight and technical tracks or fast-flowing layouts.

“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 previous race outings,” said Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport.

Earlier in the year, the Bavarian marque had already used the first five allotted updates to upgrade the brakes of the Dallara-based prototype.

“We are confident that the changes will allow us to compete more consistently at the front on all types of tracks, taking another step toward the top,” Roos added.

However, BMW did not confirm whether it had taken one of the limited number of EVO Joker upgrades allowed for manufacturers competing in Hypercar in the WEC or GTP in IMSA with aero changes. With competition intensifying among manufacturers, every detail in performance and design could play a decisive role in the battle at the front of the grid.

Photos by BMW M Motorsport