BMW has announced that their 20th art car will be a BMW M Hybrid V8 race car, which will compete in the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. The artist chosen for this project is Julie Mehretu, who will have complete creative freedom to design the art car. The announcement was made at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, where a preview of the project was displayed.
Julie Mehretu was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1970, but has been based in New York City since 1999. She is known for her abstract paintings and drawings that explore themes of migration, social history, and globalism. BMW’s decision to select an artist with such a unique artistic perspective reflects the automaker’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices through their art cars.
The tradition of BMW art cars dates back to 1975 when French racing driver Hervé Poulain and BMW Motorsport boss Jochen Neerpasch commissioned artist Alexander Calder to paint the livery for a 3.0 CSL that Poulain was set to drive in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Since then, BMW has continued to commission famous artists to create art cars, including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons. The art car collection has become a symbol of the intersection between art and automotive design.
The decision to race the M Hybrid V8 art car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is significant, as it marks BMW’s return to the French endurance race. The last time BMW competed in the top prototype class at Le Mans was in 1999, when the V12 LMR secured their first and only overall victory. The M Hybrid V8 was built to meet the LMDh regulations of the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, but it also qualifies to race in the WEC Hypercar class.
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The BMW M Hybrid V8 art car showcases the brand’s commitment to hybrid technology and sustainable racing. The car is equipped with a powerful V8 engine combined with hybrid technology, allowing it to deliver impressive performance while also being more environmentally friendly. BMW’s entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship with this car demonstrates their dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and innovation.
While BMW has not confirmed whether the art car will make an appearance in the United States, the automaker is already running two cars in the IMSA series with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. The art car’s participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans will undoubtedly generate excitement among race fans and art enthusiasts alike.
Julie Mehretu’s involvement in this project adds a unique dimension to the art car tradition. Her abstract style and exploration of complex themes will surely make the finished design a captivating sight for spectators. Her selection as the artist for the 20th BMW art car demonstrates the brand’s commitment to supporting and promoting contemporary artists.
In conclusion, the BMW M Hybrid V8 art car is a testament to the intersection of art, technology, and racing. BMW’s rich history of commissioning art cars continues with Julie Mehretu as the chosen artist for this milestone project. The car’s participation in the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans will mark BMW’s return to the prestigious endurance race, further solidifying their status as pioneers in automotive innovation.
